After the Reds finally made a move by trading for Tanner Roark, Reds fans have been craving to know what will happen next. Since the front office has reassured Cincinnati that the team will be making moves this offseason and spending money, only acquiring Roark has not quite reeled the fans back in. Granted, it is only December, but it feels like the offseason is flying by with the Reds making almost no moves.
Free agency always seemed like it would be the route the Reds would take to improve their roster. Unfortunately, the Reds have missed out on top and middle-tier pitchers that could have improved their rosters, leaving the market thin. Dallas Keuchel would still be the dream for the Reds, but it is more than likely a long shot. With that said, the Reds have been exploring the trade market now more than ever, as evidenced by the Roark trade.
Cincinnati’s in-state rival, the Cleveland Indians, have made it well known they are willing to trade either of their star pitchers. Two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber and All-Star Trevor Bauer may start 2019 in a different city. The Reds have expressed interest in both, but have focused on Kluber, as most teams would given the choice.
Kluber did not have his breakout season until 2014, his age 28 season. However, that was also the year he won his first Cy Young award. Since then, Kluber has consistently ranked as one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League, finishing in the top three for Cy Young voting four of five years, and the top ten all five years.
(Photo Courtesy: Sporting News)
Since 2014, Kluber’s lowest ERA was just 3.49 in 2015, which was also the year he posted his lowest WAR in the five-year span at 4.4. Both of those numbers are more than serviceable and would provide instant to the Reds rotation. In Kluber’s two Cy Young-winning years he posted WARs of 8.3 and 8.2, with the latter coming as recent as 2017. His two third-place finishes saw a WAR of 5.8 and in 2018 he posted a 5.9 WAR and 2.89 ERA.
So it would be crazy for the Reds to not do whatever it takes to acquire Kluber right? After all, they did say they were ready to spend big and show the city that they mean business in 2019. Not to mention Kluber is under a team friendly contract for three more years. What are they waiting for? Well before we jump the gun and demand a Kluber trade, it is important to remember the ace will be turning 33 in 2019. The return for Cleveland will be the key to if a deal happens.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Indians are interested in Reds’ top prospects Nick Senzel and Taylor Trammell. It is unclear if he was referring to a package deal including both, or if he meant the team is interested in forming a package around one of the two prized prospects. If he means both in one deal, the Reds should hang up the phone immediately.
While no one is off-limits for the Reds, Senzel should be, due to how close he is to the major leagues. Trammell would be an interesting deal to try and work out for Cincinnati. It would require better pieces outside of the centerpiece, but would keep the number six prospect in baseball on track to don a Reds uniform.
The Reds are notorious for slowly moving their stars through the minor leagues. Although Trammell could be a key piece in the Reds future, there is no telling how long that may be, meanwhile Kluber would benefit the Reds now.
(Photo Courtesy: Red Reporter)
Trammell is an above average hitter with tremendous speed. His versatility and speed in the outfield make him a valuable trade asset. The Futures Game MVP is just 20 years old and will only continue to improve. If the Reds planned on quickly moving him through their system, it would be harder to trade him, but that will almost certainly not be the case.
This brings up the question, how ready are the Reds to compete? Trading for Kluber would, of course, improve the team, but just how much? The NL Central continues to get better and is one of, if not, the best division in baseball. The Reds would need to add more than just Kluber if they really plan to compete. The two years of team control following the 2019 season could be when the Reds are finally ready, but those are Kluber’s 34 and 35-year-old years.
Trading for Kluber would be the big move fans have been waiting for and would appear the team believes they can make a run at a wild-card spot. It is not absurd to believe that they have a shot, their lineup was potent in 2018 and they would have a vastly improved rotation. Nick Krall has a huge decision to make that may happen as soon as this week. Stay tuned.
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