Cincinnati Reds SS Zack Cozart – potential All-Star or perennial trade bait?

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart may have had the strongest case of anyone on the team to head to the Midsummer Classic in July.

When the Cincinnati Reds hosted the 2016 All-Star Game, Zack Cozart had a legitimate case for making his first All-Star game, but was watching from the dugout. About two weeks earlier, the Reds’ longtime shortstop had slipped on first base while running out a ground ball, tearing the ACL and LCL in his right knee.

After three mostly mediocre or below average seasons at the plate prior to the 2015 season, many wondered if his first-half production was something he could repeat in 2016 — especially after suffering such a gruesome knee injury.  The Reds’ front office  kept reminding us that Cozart had been an elite lead-off hitter in the minors, as the fans watched his struggle to hit after a series of minor injuries.  No one ever doubted his athleticism as he made one amazing play after another at short.

Then came the start of 2015.  In 53 games Cozart had 50 hits and an OPS of .769.  At the time that first in both categories among National League first baseman.  He also was grading out as the second best defensive shortstop in the NL behind only Andrelton Simmons of the Atlanta Braves.

Fast forward to 2016 where Cozart once again had a solid offensive season while recovering from injury.

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No one really knew what to expect from the 30-year old Cozart in 2016.  He was coming back from an ugly injury and is getting close to the end of the usual shortstop life span.  He answered by having another solid defensive and offensive year.

This  really nice, but does his 16 home runs make Cozart a perennial All-Star?  Not so much.  Cozart ranked ninth in home runs in the NL.  Granted, he missed forty games due to injury.  Then again Trevor Story didn’t play 100 games and led the league in the category.

Does this make him perennial trade bait? Maybe.  He ranks 14th in home runs for shortstops overall.  The Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers come to mind.  They are contenders who could use the bump in offense from the position.

The Seattle Mariners may see value in Cozart as well.  Cozart still has value to the Reds too.  He is a veteran with an affordable contract on a young team.  He also could potentially switch to second or third, if his range suddenly leaves him.

Next: Reds' hitter have big second half

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In any case watching Cozart the past two seasons has been a bright spot for an otherwise moribund franchise.  His defense has been a high point for years.  The Cincinnati Reds had Barry Larkin and Davey Concepcion at shortstop in the past. Now Reds’ fans need to love Cozart for as long as he is here.