Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Reds should make

By Parker Hurley

May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Jun 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Zack Cozart Marlins

If the Marlins are going to go for the playoffs this year, they need to add to their core. They currently have Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, but Cozart is an upgrade at shortstop in all facets.

Cozart is a bit of a better defender, but this year is hitting .267 with a .798 OPS. In comparison, Hechavarria is hitting .238 with a .609 OPS. Cozart has a WAR of 2.4 to Hechavarria with a WAR of 0.3. It would be a huge upgrade in a race where every game will matter.

They also have a problem at second base until Dee Gordon returns later this season from his suspension. Hechavarria is a plus defender, and putting him next to Cozart while they wait for Gordon is one of the best defensive middles in the MLB. Hechavarria has played third base in his career and can be moved into a bench utility role when Gordon returns.

For the Reds, they have to try to sell on Cozart while he is hot. His 14 home runs this season are only one away from his career high in 2012. He is a career .248 hitter and is at age 30. The fact that he is having a nice season is great, but is doing nothing on the Reds. He is only under team control through 2017, so it he may not even be worth that much.

Still, he is going to be easier to move than Votto and Phillips and it would make sense that the Marlins are a team that calls.

Next: 2. Dan Straily to Rangers

Home/Cincinnati Reds