Sources: Cincinnati Reds Are Ready to "Buy, Buy, Buy"!; Players to Target

Despite the excruciatingly slow start of ace Luis Castillo, and a bullpen that has been a disaster area all season, the Cincinnati Reds still find themselves on the periphery of the playoff picture. Sources say they are ready to make a splash at the trade deadline to give them the boost they need.

It'll be a big three weeks in the NL Central before the trade deadline. A look at how things shape up for the #Reds and their divisional opponents, and takeaways from the sweep vs. Cubs. https://t.co/AB0x3ac5t8
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) July 5, 2021

MLB insider Jim Bowden says his Reds sources tell him the team's intention at the deadline is to "BUY, BUY, BUY!"

General Manager Nick Krall says, "we’re going to have to be aggressive and figure out how to help this team.”

According to Bowden, "figuring out how" shouldn't be too difficult: Shortstop and the bullpen are the two weaknesses that have been holding them back. He sees Trevor Story as a prime target to fill the Reds' shortstop shortcomings.

The bullpen, of course, is another area that needs an overhaul, as the Reds have the 2nd worst bullpen ERA in the majors. If they're able to swing the Story trade, having the Rockies throw in their closer, Daniel Bard, could help.

They will be getting Lucas Sims and Tejay Antone back from the injured list sometime after the All-Star Break, but they'll need to trade for more upgrades to plug all the holes in that leaky 'pen.

The Reds have just begun a crucial 7-game stretch against the Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, and are currently in 2nd place, 7 games back of the Brew Crew, but only 5.5 games back in the Wild Card chase. It's still doable for the Reds, IF they can fill those glaring needs.