Reds rumors: 3-team trade involving Corey Kluber discussed

These Reds rumors involving Corey Kluber won’t go away. The Cincinnati Reds are said to be in talks with two other teams in an effort to acquire the right-hander.

The latest Reds rumors come to you courtesy of The Athletics’ reporters Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal. According to the report, the Cincinnati Reds are engaged with trade talks surrounding Cleveland Indians’ ace Corey Kluber. This time, however, the talks include a third team, the San Diego Padres.

The fact that the Padres are involved shouldn’t be terribly shocking. It was reported earlier in the offseason that San Diego was interested in acquiring the Reds’ All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez. The Friars motivation to upgrade the hot corner is the same this go-around, however, instead of Suárez headed the West Coast, the Padres are looking to acquire Nick Senzel from the Reds.

The Cincinnati Reds have had their own discussions with the Cleveland Indians earlier this offseason regarding Nick Senzel. The Reds No. 1 prospect is a hot name on the trade market due to his defensive versatility, and advanced approach at the plate. The fact that he’d be a rookie this upcoming season with six years of team-control is very appealing as well.

Senzel has All-Star written all over him, so it’s no surprise that the Padres would be interested in his services. The perception that Senzel doesn’t have an opening on the Reds roster, as currently constructed, is another reason both fans and some experts believe that Senzel is a trade chip. Both of Senzel’s primary positions are currently occupied by All-Star Scooter Gennett and Suárez.

Gennett, however, is in his final year of team-control. He just signed a one-year deal for a little less than $10M for the 2019 season. Gennett’s name is no stranger to trade rumors as well, but those seem to have died down as of late.

Corey Kluber, of course, would be a major upgrade to the Cincinnati Reds, whose likely ace at this moment is either Alex Wood or Luis Castillo. Though both players are solid front-of-the-rotation starters, neither one is currently in Kluber’s league. Kluber is a three-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner.

Kluber has one year remaining on his current contract, plus two options, so essentially he’s under three-years of team control. He is owed $52.5M over the next three seasons, including a $17.5M option in 2020 and an $18M option in 2021. Kluber turns 33 a just a couple months.

The latest Reds rumors are very interesting, and depending on where your loyalties and priorities lie as a fan, you may feel excited or nervous about the trade talks. If you’re a Reds fan starved for an ace to elevate the pitching staff, then you’re likely in favor of the trade. If, however, you believe that Senzel is a future All-Star, then you’re probably hoping the Reds don’t make this move. Stay tuned.