Cincinnati Reds rumors: Looking to trade for bat
By Bryan Rose
The Cincinnati Reds have had strong pitching for the last few years, especially in their starting rotation. But thanks to their launching pad of a ballpark they’ve become known more for their offensive capabilities than their solid pitching and defense.
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Despite that, there has been a bit of an offensive drop-off for the Reds this season and they’re said to be looking to add a bat before the upcoming trade deadline, this according to Jayson Stark of ESPN. In fact, they may have their eyes set on Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay Rays, assuming he’s made available.
"With every loss and every zero on the scoreboard on the break, the Reds get more motivated to add a bat — preferably a right-handed bat. Dollars are an issue, as always. But if the Rays sell, pay attention. Zobrist would be an ideal fit, as a guy who could plug second base while Brandon Phillips is out and then shift to the outfield or even shortstop once Phillips returns."
Ben Zobrist isn’t exactly expensive though he’s not cheap either. In addition to the money he’ll cost, the Cincinnati Reds would also need to part with an above-average prospect at minimum and that might be a price deemed too costly.
However, Zobrist does bring with him an ability to play multiple infield or outfield positions and that flexibility would be a welcome addition, especially given his knack for clutch hits on the offensive side.
It’s unlikely that Ben Zobrist is the only Cincinnati Reds target, but as of now no other names have been linked to the Reds.