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Reds: Lucas Giolito and 3 more pitchers Cincinnati should target

By Zach Pressnell

May 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) throws the ball against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) throws the ball against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2023; London, GBR, ENG; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (12) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning during London series game two at London Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2023; London, GBR, ENG; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks (12) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning during London series game two at London Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports /

Reds rumors: Cardinals flamethrower could help the Reds, if the price is right

Trading with a division rival is a tricky topic that can be sensitive for some people. Neither side will budge from what they are willing to offer or willing to receive because there’s no worse feeling than dealing a player away and getting beaten by him for years to come, especially coming from a division rival. So, this trade would need a lot of work and careful consideration for the Reds.

With that out of the way, it would be a huge add if Cincinnati could net the flamethrowing reliever Jordan Hicks from the Cardinals. Hicks comes with some glaring holes in his game, mainly with his control issues, but if Cincinnati is able to reel his walks per nine below a four, they could have a hugely viable backend of the bullpen option. The 26-year-old features a four-seam fastball and a sinker, both consistently over 100 MPH, which would by far be the hardest thrower in David Bell’s bullpen.

Hicks wouldn’t cost the Reds an arm and a leg either, as he is on an expiring contract, likely to sign to the top bidder in the offseason. Tread lightly with this deal, as well as any other trade with a division rival. The Reds would beat themselves up for years if they end up on the wrong side of the deal with the Cardinals.

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