2 Reds prospects who are untouchable in Garrett Crochet trade talks, 3 who aren't

Apparently the Cincinnati Reds aren't done adding to their starting rotation. The Reds are reportedly kicking the tires on a potential trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. This news, of course, comes on the heels of Cincinnati acquiring Brady Singer a couple weeks ago. The old adage is that you can never have enough pitching, and the Reds seem to be taking that to heart.

But Crochet will not come cheap. The All-Star hurler was on the trade block last summer, but no team was able to meet the White Sox's lofty demands. The Reds, however, have a bevy of talented prospects, which is no doubt what the rebuilding White Sox will be seeking in a trade package.

But while the Reds have young talent to spare, Cincinnati should have a list of untouchable prospects who can't be sacrificed in order to acquire Crochet's services. Which two Reds prospects must be kept off limits in trade talks and which three should be made available?

2 Reds prospects who are untouchable in Garrett Crochet trade talks

Cam Collier, Reds infield prospect

The Reds received a gift when Cam Collier fell to them during the 2022 MLB Draft. Under no circumstances should Cincinnati part ways with arguably their most talented young hitter. Collier has all the tools to be a force in the middle of the Reds' lineup and must be kept off limits.

Alfredo Duno, Reds catching prospect

The Reds have a plethora of young middle infielders and pitchers, but the organization lacks catching depth in the minor leagues. Alfredo Duno battled injuries last season, but many scouts see him as the catcher of the future. Cincinnati needs to hold on to their young backstop.

3 Reds prospects who should be made available in Garrett Crochet trade talks

Edwin Arroyo, Reds shortstop prospect

This is a no-brainer. The Reds have more shortstops than they know what do with, and Edwin Arroyo is the most advanced of the bunch. If the Reds truly believe that Elly De La Cruz will be their starting shortstop for at least the next half-decade, then there's no room for Arroyo on the big league roster.

Chase Petty, Reds pitching prospect

Pitching is something the Reds covet, so it's difficult to see them parting with Chase Petty in order to land Crochet. Though White Sox GM Chris Getz is looking for position players, if trading Petty meant the Reds would land the Chicago's ace, Nick Krall might have to pull the trigger.

Sal Stewart, Reds infield prospect

Sal Stewart might be the best pure hitter in the Reds' farm system. Last season, Stewart hit .279/.391/.454 with eight home runs and 46 RBI. Stewart rarely goes down swinging and had nearly as many walks (50) as strikeouts (57) in 2024. But finding a defensive home for Stewart might be difficult, as he's in a similar mold to the likes of Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, and Spencer Steer.