Fansided

Five MLB teams that need to get aggressive

By Nathaniel Reeves

Oct 2, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo watches during baseball workouts at Nationals Park. The Nationals will play the San Francisco Giants Friday in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo watches during baseball workouts at Nationals Park. The Nationals will play the San Francisco Giants Friday in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Mandatory Credit: H.Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches in the ninth inning to pick up a save against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. The Reds beat the Brewers 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches in the ninth inning to pick up a save against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. The Reds beat the Brewers 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Cincinnati Reds 

The Reds are in desperate need of a complete rebuild, and seemed to acknowledge that by dealing Cueto for a solid package of prospects at last year’s  trade deadline. However, they have not followed that up this offseason despite having an opportunity to do so.

Of course, the allegations against Chapman put a halt to Cincinnati’s offseason plans. A Chapman trade could still happen this offseason, but he’s a toxic asset for now and a potential suspension is going to scare teams away for at least the next few weeks.

However, the Reds have more pieces to trade, and need to aggressively start making some deals before it’s too late. Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and especially Todd Frazier are all assets who could bring back some young talent in return. Trading away Joey Votto would also be a good move for the club, but it’s unlikely any team will be willing to take his contract this offseason.

Starting the 2016 season with all three of those players on the team would be a mistake. The Reds need to start aggressive pursuing deals before teams find other alternatives, and shouldn’t count on a Chapman deal as their only move this offseason.

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