The dust is settling from the most interesting 48 hours in this Cincinnati Reds season. With trades and and a bench clearing brawl being the main events in that period.

Going into Tuesday morning, it was uncertain whether the Reds would make any deadline deals. That uncertainty faded by the time the sun rose on Wednesday. With the Reds making one of the biggest deadline deals this year. Through trading outfielder Yasiel Puig for stud pitcher Trevor Bauer from the Cleveland Indians. Puig was acquired by the Reds in the offseason in a blockbuster trade. He was traded in a three-team deal involving Cleveland and the San Diego Padres. The Padres received Reds prospect Taylor Trammell in this deal.

Overall, this stands out as one of the Reds best trades in recent years. Perhaps the best since the Edwin Encarnacion-Scott Rolen trade in 2010. Through Trevor Bauer, the Reds are getting a dependable pitcher. Adding him to a rotation that features Luis Castillo; currently one of the best pitchers in the majors. Without getting a stud pitcher or outfielder in return; trading Puig would not be worth it.

Both Bauer and Puig are leaving their respective former teams with a bang. Bauer’s final appearance with Cleveland on Sunday featured a showcase in frustration. As he was being taken out of the game, Bauer threw the ball over the center field wall. Puig’s final game in a Reds uniform featured a bench clearing brawl. Both standing out as the most unique exits for any major league player in recent memory.

Puig wound up being involved in the two biggest stories emerging from Tuesday night. His trade was one, the brawl between the Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates was the other. The brawl unfolded in the top of the ninth inning of what was ultimately a blowout loss for the Reds. There were several chippy moments that happened throughout the game. This also wasn’t the first time this season that a melee broke out between both teams.

This is the latest chapter in a simmering feud between the Reds and Pirates. Two teams battling to avoid being in last place in the tight National League Central. Multiple players are facing suspensions as a consequence of this brawl. Major League Baseball is suspending eight individuals from both teams, according to Yahoo Sports. Among them, Puig, Reds pitchers Amir Garrett and Jared Hughes, plus opposing managers Clint Hurdle and David Bell.

After a busy Tuesday, the Reds made two more trades on Wednesday. Trading pitcher Tanner Roark to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for prospect Jameson Hannah. Then trading second baseman Scooter Gennett to the San Fransisco Giants. Similar to Puig, Roark arrived in Cincinnati in the last offseason. While being a good pitcher, he stood out as the most expendable starting pitcher trade-wise.

Gennett was the only Reds player dealt that was on the team on Opening Day in 2018. He left a good impression with Reds fans during his time in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati native arrived in 2017 from the Milwaukee Brewers. Gennett’s highlights with the Reds included hitting four home runs in one game in 2017. Plus, being selected for his first All-Star Game appearance in 2018.

In hindsight, it’s unsurprising that the Reds traded Puig, Roark and Gennett. Trading Puig at the deadline always seemed likely; he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the Reds front office was likely cautious about the idea of signing Gennett to a long-term deal. Similiar to the kind of deal given to Joey Votto.

The post-deadline Reds emerge as a somewhat compelling team going into August. The last time the Reds were compelling going into August was in 2013. When the Reds last advanced to the MLB Postseason. This week showcased what baseball can be in the best of times. Something akin to a binge-worthy drama that keeps audiences interested.

Despite still being under .500, the Reds are still leaving fans interested in their future possibilities. Leaving fans with a sense that the Reds are emerging from their previous doldrums.