Cincinnati Reds Should CONSIDER Trading FOUR Players This Off-Season | Chatterbox: MLB Rumors, News скачать в хорошем качестве

Cincinnati Reds Should CONSIDER Trading FOUR Players This Off-Season | Chatterbox: MLB Rumors, News

Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin dive deep into the Cincinnati Reds’ offseason trade possibilities, breaking down the top four players the team should consider moving to reshape the roster for the future. They take a detailed look at each player’s current contract status, market value, and potential trade return, analyzing how each deal could impact both the short- and long-term direction of the franchise. The guys also discuss the Reds’ overall roster-building strategy, debating whether the front office should prioritize pitching depth, veteran leadership, or high-upside prospects in return. With 2026 shaping up as a realistic window for contention, Nick and Craig lay out what the Reds need to do this winter to take the next big step toward becoming a legitimate playoff contender. The Cincinnati Reds' 2025 season ended with a bittersweet Wild Card sweep at the hands of the Dodgers, capping an 83-81 campaign that marked their first full-season postseason berth since 2013. Under new manager Terry Francona, hired in October 2024 on a three-year deal with a 2028 club option, the Reds showed flashes of brilliance but exposed familiar flaws: middling offense (14th in MLB with 4.42 runs per game) and defensive lapses that undermined a strong pitching staff. As the 2025-26 offseason unfolds, president of baseball operations Nick Krall faces pressure to elevate this young core into NL Central contenders. With roughly $115 million committed to the 2026 payroll—up from $100 million in 2025—and a focus on bolstering the lineup, Cincinnati's winter could define Francona's tenure. The 2025 season was a step forward from 2024's 77-85 disappointment, fueled by Francona's steady hand. The rotation, anchored by Hunter Greene (2.75 ERA, 3.8 WAR despite groin issues limiting him to 19 starts), Nick Lodolo (3.93 ERA), and Andrew Abbott (3.72 ERA), delivered 11.2 WAR collectively, ranking 17th league-wide. Additions from the prior offseason paid dividends: Brady Singer, acquired in a November 2024 trade sending Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer to Kansas City, posted steady mid-rotation numbers (projected 2.2 WAR for 2026 per ZiPS). Nick Martinez, who opted out of his multiyear deal but accepted a $21.05 million qualifying offer, transitioned seamlessly from starter to high-leverage reliever, earning "Swiss Army knife" praise. Free-agent signee Austin Hays rebounded from a down 2024, providing right-field stability and All-Star-caliber production (hitting cleanup behind TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Elly De La Cruz).Yet, the lineup's .245/.315/.391 slash line screamed for power. No Red hit more than 22 homers, and Great American Ball Park's hitter-friendly confines masked deeper issues. Defensively, the team ranked near the bottom in outs above average (OAA) and defensive runs saved (DRS), with Noelvi Marte (-8 DRS at third) and Candelario (-6 DRS) among the league's worst. The December 2024 trade for Gold Glove catcher Jose Trevino from the Yankees—swapping reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson—addressed backstop woes, upgrading framing and leadership over Luke Maile. But outfield and infield holes persist, especially with Spencer Steer facing uncertain playing time. Key decisions loom. Emilio Pagán, who notched 32 saves as closer, hits free agency after opting out. Relievers Buck Farmer and Justin Wilson depart too, forcing bullpen overhauls. Options on Scott Barlow ($1 million buyout) and Brent Suter will likely be declined; Barlow's struggles make retention unwise. Arbitration-eligible talents like McLain (projected $3.5 million after a healthy return from 2024 shoulder surgery) and Steer ($3.6 million) could push payroll higher, but trades might trim costs. Rumors swirl around shopping Greene, the 26-year-old All-Star under control through 2028 ($6.5 million salary next year). Speculation from beat writer Mark Sheldon suggests packaging him for offensive firepower, perhaps a bat like Cody Bellinger (opting out of his Yankees deal) or Kyle Schwarber, whose lefty power fits GABP perfectly. Such a move could net immediate help without gutting prospects like Rhett Lowder or Chase Burns, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick debuting soon. Prospect depth offers flexibility. Lowder, sidelined by a 2025 forearm strain, impressed with a 1.17 ERA in limited 2024 starts and eyes a 2026 rotation spot. Julian Aguiar and Andrew Williamson, recovering from lost seasons, add insurance. The farm's strength allows Krall to dangle mid-tier arms for bats, targeting right field (where Will Benson's boom-or-bust profile falters) or a setup man to pair with Alexis Díaz. Financially, the Reds' new broadcast deal with Main Street Sports (post-Bally woes) stabilizes revenue, potentially freeing $10-15 million for splashes. Unlike 2024's $108 million free-agent spree (Martinez, Pagán, Candelario), expect targeted trades over big spending—Krall's philosophy emphasizes defense and health.