Published April 25, 2025 at 7:16 PM EDT
As injuries begin to test the depth of their starting rotation, the Cincinnati Reds may be on the verge of swinging a pivotal deal that could reshape their 2025 campaign. According to internal discussions and sources close to the organization, Reds General Manager Nick Krall is reportedly preparing for a potential emergency trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers to acquire starting pitcher Dustin May—a move he believes may be necessary to stabilize the club’s pitching staff.
The Reds, entering a crucial stretch of the season with high expectations, have faced multiple setbacks in their rotation. Early-season injuries to Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene, coupled with inconsistent outings from depth starters, have forced Cincinnati to explore outside options to maintain their footing in the NL Central race.
In a recent interview with local media, Krall didn’t mince words:
“We’re actively evaluating every path to help our rotation right now,” he said. “We’ve had some tough breaks, but this team has shown fight. If the right opportunity presents itself, including a high-impact arm like May, we’ll be ready.”
Dustin May, a 27-year-old right-hander for the Dodgers, is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing names on the trade block. Despite a red-hot start to the season, where he’s posted a 0.82 ERA across two starts, May finds himself in a crowded rotation with the impending returns of Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin. With May set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Dodgers could see value in moving him sooner rather than later.
League insiders suggest May could be had for a reasonable package due to his injury history and expiring contract. That makes him a prime candidate for a team like Cincinnati, which is looking for immediate support without mortgaging its long-term future.
“Dustin May is a power arm with frontline stuff,” one scout told Newsweek. “The Reds need someone who can step in now and give them six strong innings every fifth day. May fits that profile perfectly.”
Krall’s proactive stance signals that the Reds won’t be idle while the season hangs in the balance. A trade for May would mark a bold yet measured move—bringing playoff-caliber experience to a young team hoping to take the next step.
With whispers growing around league circles, it’s clear the Reds are laying the groundwork for what could become one of the first big trades of the season. If Krall follows through on his vision, expect Dustin May to be wearing red before long—and Cincinnati to make a serious statement in the National League.
