Hit with a rash of recent injuries to the lineup, it makes sense that the Reds would be interested in bolstering their bats.
General manager Walt Jocketty said he would "like to add a bat" but the Reds haven't found anything that "attracts" them yet, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.
A few names have circulated surrounding the Reds. One is Tampa Bay's versatile Ben Zobrist.
So far in 2014, Zobrist is hitting .264 with seven home runs, 27 RBI and 45 runs scored. His wins after replacement number (WaR) has been positive for the last seven seasons, peaking at an 8.7 in 2007 and coming in at 2.4 this season.
The 33-year-old has played the majority of his games at second base but has also gotten time at shortstop, as well as in left and right field. Zobrist also played 14 games at first base in 2010, which could be of value to a Reds team without a true first baseman since Joey Votto went on the DL.
Jocketty emphasized the value of acquiring a versatile player in a trade, saying he doesn't want to be limited when Votto and Brandon Phillips return from injury.
Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd is also a name that has been linked to the Reds. The 36-year-old has 19 home runs and 55 RBI on the campaign. He's been in right field in all 95 games he's played for Philadelphia this season.
Byrd's wins after replacement statistic is similar to Zobrist's at 2.2.
