Reds’ Brady Singer delivers consistency as trade deadline looms

Brady Singer allowed three hits over 6 2/3 innings Wednesday against Seattle, striking out six in a performance that underscores why the Cincinnati Reds acquired him in the first place.

The Reds beat the Mariners 5-3, with rookie Sal Stewart hitting a three-run home run in the seventh to support Singer's outing. It marked Singer's third consecutive quality start, his best streak since September 2025.

Since June 1, Singer has made nine starts with a 2.94 ERA, posting 52 strikeouts against 16 walks over 52 1/3 innings. Reds manager Terry Francona credits Singer's predictability. "What we love that he does is he posts every five days, and when he's going, you look up in the sixth or seventh, and you generally have a chance to win," Francona said. "He's not going to wow you with throwing it 100 mph, but he takes a lot of pride in taking the ball."

The Reds signed Singer to stabilize a young rotation after the 2024 season. He has made at least 24 starts in each of his five previous MLB seasons and logged more than 150 innings in the last four. His durability has proven especially valuable this year, as he pitched through a spring training blister and multiple injuries from batted balls.

Singer's performance gains relevance as the trade deadline approaches on August 4—two days after his 30th birthday. At 47-54, Cincinnati is among the sellers, and Singer's expiring contract makes him a potential trade piece. Several other Reds players on expiring deals—including catcher Tyler Stephenson, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, and reliever Brock Burke—could also be moved.

For contending teams, Singer offers postseason experience from his time with Kansas City's bullpen in 2024. While he may not anchor a playoff rotation, his consistency could help teams reach October.

Stewart, the Reds' young starter, underscored Singer's value beyond statistics. When Stewart struggled to operate the hotel room blinds during the team's Seattle stay, he called Singer, who answered and provided guidance. "I could text him at any point of the day, and he answers," Stewart said after Wednesday's win.