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Zack Littell (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
With the Reds seeing a very high price for relief pitching, the team instead added a starter, acquiring veteran Zack Littell from the Rays.
With Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns in the rotation, and Hunter Greene close to a return, the addition of Littell could allow the Reds to slide Nick Martinez back to the bullpen where he’s been quite effective in the past.
The deal proved to be a complicated one, as the Dodgers got involved, receiving a pair of promising arms (the Reds’ Adam Serwinowski and the Rays’ Paul Gervase) and a backup catcher (Ben Rortvedt). The Rays received Hunter Feduccia, who may become one of the team’s likely catcher options for 2026 and beyond, as well as swingman Brian Van Belle.
Reds Receive:
Zack Littell, RHP
Age: 29
Littell was a prospect traded at the trade deadline way back in 2017 when he was sent from the Yankees to the Twins for Jaime Garcia. He’s been well-traveled since then, but since the Rays claimed Littell off waivers in 2023, they have helped him emerge as a reliable starting pitcher. He’s 19-24, 3.73 with a 4.27 FIP in 371.2 innings with the Rays.
Littell doesn’t throw hard (91-92 mph), but he gets plenty of chases with his split and slider, and he has plus-plus control.
Rays Receive:
Hunter Feduccia, C
Age: 28
The Dodgers took Feduccia in the 12th round of the 2018 draft out of LSU. He’s wound his way slowly through Los Angeles’ system and has spent parts of the last four seasons at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He made his big league debut in 2024 and has gotten into a pair of games with the Dodgers this season.
Feduccia is blocked by both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing in Los Angeles, so the move to Tampa Bay—which also acquired Nick Fortes this week—gives him a better chance at playing time. He’s shown the ability to hit for both average and power in the minor leagues, but he’s caught just 9% of attempted basestealers this season with Oklahoma City.
Brian Van Belle, RHP
Age: 28
Van Belle was one of many non-drafted free agents in 2020 because of the shortened five-round draft. The Miami product reached Triple-A in 2023, and he’s spent the last three years in the International League. The Red Sox added him the 40-man roster in June, but just two days later, they designated him for assignment and the Reds claimed him, acquiring him…