The Reds are open dealing closer Aroldis Chapman and third baseman Todd Frazier.
The Cincinnati Reds finally appear ready to do what they should have done a while ago: undergo a complete rebuild. Reports suggest that Cincinnati is willing to move any player on its roster. That would include closer Aroldis Chapman and star third baseman Todd Frazier. When asked if the team would be more willing to trade players after dealing Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake at the trade deadline last season, president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty had this to say.
"“I would say probably,” Jocketty said. “We still wanted to be somewhat protective of our club last year. We had certain guys we just didn’t want to move. We started at the deadline knowing that we would gear up — ’16 would be a transition year and in ’17 and ’18, we think we could be stronger and more competitive.”"
The Reds will most likely explore moving outfielder Jay Bruce as well. Various teams showed interested in trading for the slugger at the deadline, but Cincinnati wasn’t willing to deal him at that time.
Second baseman Brandon Phillips could also be a candidate, but he has 10 years of service time and five with his current team so he can veto any trade. Two players who most likely won’t be traded are first baseman Joey Votto (full no-trade clause) and starting pitcher Homer Bailey.
It seems like Jocketty would want pieces that could contribute immediately because it appears he favors a quick rebuild. Cincinnati finished in last place in the NL Central with a 64-98 record last season. The Reds should have started this rebuild when they fired Dusty Baker back in 2013, but as the old saying goes: better late than never.