Cincinnati Reds should test trade market for closer Raisel Iglesias

The Cincinnati Reds have few trade pieces

The Cincinnati Reds don’t have many chips to deal. With that said, they need to make the most out of the ones they do have. Specifically, shut down reliever Raisel Iglesias. He is dominant and cheap, with three years of control still. The Cuban hurler agreed to a 7-year/$27 million dollar deal and garnered interest last off-season.

In 2017, the righty tossed a 2.49 ERA with 28 saves in 76 innings. He throws in the mid to high 90’s range with the fastball, and can snap the slider into a chase pitch. The closer already has 34 saves, and his primed for 30+ in 2018. Also, he has a friendly contract, as the 27-year old was worth $14.1 million in 2017.

That is huge considering that he was paid $3.5 million this past season, and is going to get paid $4.5 in 2018. The right-handed pitcher is clutch in key situations and knows how to pitch in a hitter’s ballpark. He is a great value to any team in baseball, as Iglesias is controllable and affordable.

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The big closer had a K/9 of 10.89, and a HR/9 rate of 0.59. He has shown that he can keep the ball out of the seats, and can tally up the strikeouts. Furthermore, his slender delivery aids him in his fastball reaching hitter’s later. That has helped to raise his K rate as well as strand runners.

The Cincinnati Reds intriguing trade value

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MLB teams are emphasizing the strength of bullpens more than ever. With that said, teams with elite pen arms should sell. The Reds don’t need Iglesias, as they are still not competitive, and should cash in on his rising value. The farm system is a top 10 one, but it doesn’t hurt to add some more pieces.

Look at the packages for elite relievers such as Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller. The Reds got shafted when they dealt the flamethrowing Cuban, due to his allegations. But when he was on the Yankees, New York was able to nab top prospect, Gleyber Torres. That was only with a couple of months of control.

Imagine what the Reds would get for Iglesias.

Cincinnati would be right to ask for two to three top organizational prospects, and maybe even a major league ready player. Now, MLB teams have inflated the value of relievers, so why not cash in? The Reds would be wrong if they miss this opportunity, think of it as them making up for the Chapman deal.

The Cincinnati Reds should make the most of this opportunity, as this could help them gain future impact talent. They are not going to win the World Series in the next few years, let alone make playoffs. Test the market on the closer, and see what offers come in. There really isn’t anything to lose.

Next: What odds do the Reds have in 2018?