Reds rumors: Scooter Gennett is a hot topic at the Winter Meetings

There are several Reds rumors circulating at the Winter Meetings involving Scooter Gennett. This shouldn’t come as a shock to Reds Country.

There have been all kinds of Reds rumors as the Winter Meetings are taking place in Las Vegas. The latest batch concern, perhaps the most polarizing player on the team now that Billy Hamilton is gone. Scooter Gennett‘s name has come up as a popular trade target of several teams.

The first rumor came out earlier this morning when reports had the Cincinnati Reds actively shopping Scooter Gennett. While this idea may be unpopular, it should not come as a surprise that the Reds may want to see what Gennett’s value is.

After all, Cincinnati has their top prospect, Nick Senzel, waiting in the wings and he just so happens to play the only position that Scooter Gennett is suited to play. Gennett is predicted to make close to $11 million this next season. That’s a lot of dough considering you have a big time prospect who’s yet to make his MLB debut and would be making a lot less money than that.

So, after that report came out this morning, Mark Sheldon the Reds beat writer at MLB.com, refuted that report, saying that his source says the Cincinnati Reds are not actively looking to trade Scooter. This should also not come as a surprise to many Reds fans as there were discussions earlier this year about Gennett possibly signing a long-term deal with the ball club.

Scooter, being from Cincinnati, is beloved by the hometown fans. He plays the game the right way, shows grit and determination, and he doesn’t make waves. It’s no wonder that he’s a fan favorite. The biggest hangup with Scooter, however, is his defensive limitations.

Gennett does not fit the mold of today’s Major Leaguer that is incredibly versatile defensively, which allows managers and coaches to make moves based on pitching and hitting matchups. Further complicating Gennett’s standing with the team is the fact that Senzel has been groomed to be the Reds second baseman of the future.

These Reds rumors are unlikely to go away anytime soon. So long as Scooter Gennett and Nick Senzel are both part of the Cincinnati Reds organization, and Senzel does not have an everyday spot in the lineup, possible trade scenarios will be discussed.

While Sheldon’s scoured refuted the idea that Gennett was being actively shopped, that doesn’t preclude the Reds from making a deal if the opportunity presents itself. Stay tuned, this could get interesting.