Reds rumors: 3 trades Cincinnati should make with fellow contenders

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 29: Luke Maile #22 of the Cincinnati Reds is congratulated by Spencer Steer #7 after hitting a home run during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on April 29, 2023 in Oakland, California. The Reds defeated the Athletics 3-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

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Kevin Newman, Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/Syndication: The Enquirer /

2. The Reds should trade SS Kevin Newman to the Angels

Kevin Newman has been the center of Reds trade rumors for the majority of this year. His role on the team began as splitting time at shortstop with Jose Barrero but has since changed to being a utility man that only hits against left-handed pitching.

Newman is playing very well in 2023, especially against left-handed pitching, but the Reds can’t find a spot for him in the lineup for most days. Their infield is just too loaded. With top prospects Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte also playing the infield, the Reds have no plans with Newman in their future.

But his versatility and ability to hit lefties makes him valuable to contending teams, if the Reds decide to deal him. The Angels would be a perfect landing spot for him. As of today, the Angels’ top two shortstops, Zach Neto and Gio Urshela, sit on the IL. Urshela is set to miss the rest of the season now, too.

Newman would be a perfect fill-in for the Angels until Neto returns, as he is their shortstop of the future. After Neto returns, Newman still holds value, as he has played first, second and third for the Reds this year, making him a possible defensive replacement or platoon player for the Angels. The Angels need to win every game possible, so the trade for Newman could help push them toward October.

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