The Dodger deal was all about Bailey’s contract. That commitment including buyout was something like $28 million. Reds needed to get production from that large part of their payroll.
This wasn’t a typical situation or trade. Reds’ backs were against the wall if they wanted to avoid another 90 loss season. They had to reallocate that very substantial sum.
Despite the loss of prospects, I don’t hold it against Reds. Mostly it’s a cautionary tale about huge long term contracts by small markets.