Brady Singer Starts for Reds vs. Phillies, Trade Value on the Line
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Brady Singer is set to take the mound Thursday night in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, facing lefty Jesus Luzardo in a matchup that carries significant implications for both teams. The game, scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park, comes one day after the Reds exploded for five home runs—including four in a single inning—in an 11-5 victory over the Phillies on Wednesday.
Singer, who is eligible for free agency this winter, has been working to improve his stock after a slow start to the 2026 season. Over his last six starts, he has posted a 3.16 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 14 walks, though the Reds have only managed a 1-5 record in those outings. For a pitcher who could be a prime trade chip as the July 31 deadline approaches, every start matters.
How Wednesday's Win Shaped the Series
Wednesday’s offensive outburst gave Cincinnati a much-needed boost. The Reds, who had lost seven of their last 10 entering the game, trailed 2-1 before Sal Stewart tied it with a two-run homer in the third inning. Then came the fourth: Noelvi Marte led off with a solo shot, Elly De La Cruz followed with a two-run blast, and Stewart and JJ Bleday went back-to-back-to-back with solo homers. It marked the first time this season any MLB team had hit four homers in a single inning.
Chase Burns improved to 11-1 on the year, earning his 10th straight win. Kyle Schwarber hit his major league-leading 32nd home run for Philadelphia, passing Mike Schmidt’s franchise record for most homers before the All-Star break.
Why This Start Could Boost Singer’s Trade Value
Singer’s 2026 season has been a tale of two halves. After a prolonged slump to open the year, he has steadied himself over the past month. His recent 3.16 ERA over six starts suggests he is finding his form, but the Reds’ losing record in those games underscores the team’s broader struggles. Cincinnati sits below .500 and is increasingly seen as a seller ahead of the trade deadline.
General manager Nick Krall has signaled that the team is open to offers on veteran players, and Singer—a rental with only a few months of control remaining—is among the most logical candidates to move. A strong outing against a potent Phillies lineup could increase his appeal to contenders seeking rotation depth.
Luzardo: From Rough Start to Dominance
Luzardo, who signed a five-year, $135 million extension with the Phillies over the winter, is a contrasting story. He began the season with a 7.94 ERA through his first four starts, but underlying metrics—a 2.85 FIP and a 30-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio—suggested he was pitching better than the ERA indicated. Over his last 14 starts, he has backed that up with a 2.57 ERA and 2.99 FIP, striking out 95 batters in 80.2 innings.
Thursday’s matchup is a showcase of two pitchers at different career crossroads: Luzardo, who has already secured his long-term future, and Singer, who is pitching to earn his first major payday.
Trading a Rental: The Stakes for Cincinnati’s Future
The Reds’ decision on Singer will ripple beyond this season. If they trade him, they would likely target young, controllable talent to complement a core that includes Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and rookie starter Chase Burns. If they hold him and fail to make the playoffs, they risk losing him for only a compensatory draft pick.
General managers across the league are watching Singer’s outings closely. His fastball has ticked up in velocity this month, and his slider has generated a higher whiff rate since he adjusted his release point in early June. Scouts believe Singer profiles as a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm—valuable for a playoff contender seeking stability.
A Broader Trend: Rentals and Rebuilds
Singer is far from the only pending free agent on the trade block this July. With the Palworld 1.0 Release Time: When You Can Start Playing the Full Launch grabbing headlines in gaming, and SpaceX Stock Hits All-Time Low, Dips Below IPO Price Amid Market Jitters dominating financial news, the sports world is also focused on deadline deals. The Reds have been sellers at recent deadlines, and industry insiders expect that trend to continue unless the team goes on an unexpected hot streak before July 31.
For now, all eyes are on Singer’s command and composure Thursday night. A repeat of his recent form could help the Reds extract maximum value—or, if the offense keeps rolling, keep them in the Wild Card conversation a little longer.
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