Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds still in the mix for Corey Kluber

They’re back! The Reds rumors surrounding Corey Kluber just don’t seem to go away. Can the Cincinnati Reds really land the Cleveland Indians’ ace?

The Reds rumors surrounding Corey Kluber just won’t go away. However, the Cincinnati Reds are not the only team in pursuit of the Cleveland Indians’ ace. Jon Morosi reports that up to five National League teams are in discussions with the Tribe’s front office.

The bidding for Kluber is about to get sky high. Will the Reds go for it and risk one of their top prospects or will they sit tight, feeling the return that Cleveland wants is too steep? That’s essentially the question that’s on the table regarding the trade talks with Corey Kluber.

Jon Morosi’s most recent report has the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies all in on the Indians’ right-hander. Of all the teams just mentioned, the Padres have the most assets to get the deal done, however, it’s questionable as to why a team that is obviously rebuilding would want to sacrifice their future for an ace if they’re able to contend with the likes of the Dodgers.

Many pundits may argue the same for the Reds, but as we’ve seeing recent weeks, Cincinnati seems to be adopting more of a “win-now” approach with the recent additions of Tanner Roark, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Alex Wood; all on one-year deals.

If the Reds want Kluber it’s going to cost them a top prospect and then some. In all likelihood, any trade for Kluber would have to include Taylor Trammell, as Morosi reports that the Indians are looking to improve their center field position.

I know a lot of fans of very high on Trammell; count me in that group. However, an ace like Kluber is going to cost a lot, and the Cincinnati Reds farm system is full of potential centerfielders. TJ Friedl, Mike Siani, and Jose Siri are all coming up through the Reds Pipeline and are quite capable of playing that position in the future.

For now, it appears the Padres are the leaders in the clubhouse, with Manuel Margot being dangled out there by the Padres. The Dodgers are definitely in the mix as well, with Alex Verdugo being possible trade bait in a package with Los Angeles.

If the Reds offered up Trammell, Shed Long, and Mariel Bautista could they close the deal with the Indians? We’ll have to wait and see. Look for the Reds rumors to gain more steam as we enter the new year, as attaining more pitching is still a top priority for the ball club.