Reds rumors: 1 dream trade, 1 savvy play, 1 to avoid altogether
Reds rumors: Cincinnati could be buyers at this years trade deadline. What’s a dream trade, a realistic trade, and a trade to avoid at the deadline?
The Cincinnati Reds have been the talk of baseball over the last few weeks. They have some of the most exciting rookies in baseball that have completely shifted the culture and energy in Cincinnati.
The arrival of Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott among others has the Reds holding the name “America’s team” whether it be with sarcasm or not. The young team is having fun and they are winning games. Not only are they closing in on being a .500 team, but they are within 2 games of first place in the NL Central.
The players on the field are doing everything they can to push for the playoffs. When the trade deadline arrives, the front office will have the opportunity to match the players energy by entering “buy mode” and making the acquisitions necessary to win down the stretch.
Reds rumors: Dylan Cease would be a dream trade target for the Reds
To say this is a bit of a stretch is an overstatement. This trade will likely live in Reds fans dreams more than it would ever be a possibility. This trade makes sense to fit Cincy’s needs for this season as well as for the future.
The Reds don’t have a true ace in their rotation. Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott have flashed top of the rotation potential this year. Graham Ashcraft showed potential as an MLB starter last year but has regressed to a “2 pitch” pitcher, resulting in serious struggles this season. Nick Lodolo has shown top of the rotation potential as well but hasn’t been able to pitch healthy for most of the season, currently on the IL. Other starters like Ben Lively, Brandon Williamson, Luke Weaver and Levi Stoudt haven’t showed consistent potential. With their top prospects Chase Petty and Connor Phillips yet to reach Triple-A, the team will need an option in the rotation.
Enter Dylan Cease. Now, there are a lot of roadblocks between where we stand today and this trade happening. The White Sox would need to blow up their roster in order for him to really be made available. If the White Sox were to do that, the Reds front office would also need to enter uncharted territory. Not only has this current Reds front office never really bought at the deadline, to acquire Cease, they would need to go all-in. A package around top prospects like Edwin Arroyo, Rece Hinds, and a starting pitcher like Williamson or Stoudt could spark the White Sox to pick up the phone.
Although this isn’t likely, a Reds fan can dream, right?