This Reds-Astros trade for Carlos Correa could actually work

Carlos Correa could find a new home in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Reds are determined to get back to the postseason, even after likely losing Trevor Bauer, by upgrading at their worst position last season, as they are inquiring about all of the top shortstops that are in the rumor mill this offseason.

While he hasn’t made an All-Star team in the last three seasons, Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa could be an intriguing option for Cincinnati, and the Reds have enough pieces to make this trade happen.

The Reds would need to send a few top prospects to Houston in this trade for Carlos Correa

If the Astros want some MLB talent in exchange look no further than Jesse Winker, who was relegated to the DH role due to a logjam in the outfield. Winker is a career .280 hitter that averaged 22 home runs per 162 games, and Houston could use his pop in the lineup as they could potentially lose both George Springer and Michael Brantley in free agency.

Despite the long gap between their respective pitching appearances, starting pitching prospects Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene are likely going to be considered untouchable in trade talks. While Tyler Stephenson will likely be the Opening Day Catcher, there is an elite prospect that the Astros could secure in trade talks in former Top 10 pick Jonathan India.

India might not have had the statistical production that fans expected, but his sweet swing, smooth glove at third, and quality defense at third could give the Astros an infielder that could man the left side for a decade if everything clicks at the plate.

If the Reds also include slick-fielding shortstop Jose Garcia who showed off his rocket arm in the pros last year, and a lower-level pitching prospect, that could be enough to get a deal done.

This Correa trade would be a risky deal for the Reds given his contract, but risks like these need to be taken if they want to keep contending in the NL Central.