Cincinnati Reds Interested In Signing The “Next Manny Machado”

As the Cincinnati Reds look to improve their farm system, the international free agent market has been a point of interest.

The Cincinnati Reds showed major interest in Cuban outfielder Luis Robert prior to his signing with the Chicago White Sox. However, Robert is off the market. It appears the Reds are going to focus their intentions on another top international free agent.

Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports is reporting that the Reds are interested in shortstop Jose Israel Garcia.

However, it’s hard to find any real information on the shortstop. He has no highlight video and his stats are basically impossible to find. But while not much is known, he is one of the most highly touted prospects on the international market.

The 19-year old’s moniker is “Manny Machado with less power”. He is an excellent defender. While he won’t make as big of an impact as Robert, he would greatly improve any franchise he signs with.

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Garcia would also join a long list of international players making the jump to the MLB. Along with Robert, Yuliesky Gurriel (Astros), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Blue Jays), Yasmany Tomas (Diamondbacks), and  Yoan Moncada (Red Sox), many other Cubans have made the successful jump stateside.

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With the Cincinnati Reds, Garcia could easily be groomed as the team’s shortstop of the future.

Dilson Herrera/Jose Peraza are currently in the plans for the middle infield roles. If Garcia truly is the next Manny Machado, he would earn himself a spot on the diamond.

Adding Garcia would also allow the Reds the opportunity to move Zack Cozart. Cozart is having the best season of his career, hitting .350 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs. However, there’s a good chance the Reds take advantage of his breakout year. They could trade him to keep building their farm system.

For now, Garcia remains somewhat of a mystery to the baseball universe. It’s hard to tell exactly what the Reds would be getting. However he projects as an impact player once he reaches the MLB.

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The Cincinnati Reds are looking to continue adding young talent to their budding farm system. If they sign Jose Israel Garcia, they would be getting one of the best young shortstops in the market. Maybe, the next Manny Machado will wear red stockings.