MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Reds should make

ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 21: Zack Cozart #2 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds after scoring in the top of the top pf the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 21, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – JULY 03: Scooter Gennett #4 of the Cincinnati Reds stretches in the on deck circle before batting in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Trade Scooter Gennett to the Angels

Talk about selling high. The Reds claimed Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers in spring training, and he’s been one of the great stories of the season. Gennett, who hit 35 home runs over the course of his four major league seasons with the Brewers, and never more than 14 in a single season, hit four home runs in a single game June 6 against the Cardinals. Gennett launched 15 long balls total prior to the All-Star break, setting a new career high with half a season left to play.

A 27-year-old left-handed hitter, Gennett has posted a .311/.363/.603 slash with the Reds in 73 games as a utility plater. Primarily a second baseman with the Brewers, Gennett has played third base and both corner outfield spots in Cincinnati.

As good as Gennett has been this year, now is probably the right time to try and trade him. Yes, the club won’t have to worry about Gennett hitting free agency until 2020, so there’s no need to rush to make a deal. However, it’s hard to imagine Gennett’s value rising more than it has during the first half of 2017, and unless the Reds see him as the second baseman for the club long term, they might as well capitalize on his big first half.

With the Angels in desperate need of production at both second base and left field, Los Angeles makes the most sense for a trade partner. The Angels were able to keep their heads above water without Mike Trout for nearly two months, and entered the All-Star break just three games back in the AL Wild Card race.

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