3 Terry Francona trade reunions that could turn the Reds into legitimate contenders

The Cincinnati Reds may look to add at this year's MLB trade deadline. If they do, it'll be interesting to see if any of Terry Francona's former disciples pique the team's interest before July 31 rolls around.

Cincinnati brought in former Cleveland Guardians reliever Bryan Shaw during spring training, but the veteran right-hander never found his way onto the active roster. Will Benson had past experience with Francona during his days in Cleveland, but for the most part, the Reds' skipper has not brought any of his former players to Cincinnati.

That could change at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, however. Not only are the Guardians looking like sellers, but there are a handful of other players who've been under Francona's tutelage in the past that could be on the Reds radar in the coming weeks.

3 Terry Francona trade reunions that could turn the Reds into legitimate contenders

Emmanuel Clase, Guardians pitcher

Emilio Pagán has been fantastic as Francona's closer this season, but if the Reds could some pull off a trade for Emmanuel Clase, Cincinnati would have secured one of the premiere bullpen arms in the game. Clase endured some early-season struggles, but has since righted the ship and could be moved at the deadline.

Clase is 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA and 20 saves this season. The three-time All-Star is just 27 years old and under contract through next season with team-options for both 2027 and 2028. Clase would carry a steep price tag, but with Pagán entering free agency this winter and after trading away Alexis Díaz, the Reds don't have a true closer under contract for next season.

Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks infielder

The Diamondbacks have yet to declare themselves sellers this summer, but Arizona was three games under .500 heading into the All-Star break. If they're unable to get untracked, D-backs GM Mike Hazen will have no choice but to sell off several expiring assets before July 31.

One such player who could be moved is Josh Naylor. There were whispers connecting the Reds to Naylor this past offseason, and after seeing him hit .294/.391/.456 with Arizona this season, Cincinnati has every reason to re-engage in trade talks for the 28-year-old's services. Given Christian Encarnacion-Strand's shortcomings this season, adding Naylor could certainly bolster the Reds lineup.

Steven Kwan, Guardians outfielder

Reds fans would go absolutely crazy if Nick Krall were able to pull off a blockbuster trade for Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. The three-time Gold Glove Award-winner provides the exact type of bat-to-ball skills that Francona covets and would be a tremendous compliment atop the Reds batting order.

Kwan is under team-control for two more seasons and would give the Reds a reliable glove in left field. It remains to be seen whether or not Kwan is on the trade block, but with Cleveland unlikely to sign him long-term, there's reason to believe that a prospect-laden trade package could bring the two-time All-Star to Cincinnati.

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