Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds open to trading for a controllable hitter

With the trade deadline approaching, the Reds rumors will be coming hot and heavy in the next few weeks. The latest rumor has the Cincinnati Reds as buyers.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, sources have told him that the Cincinnati Reds may look to add a controllable hitter before the trade deadline. These latest Reds rumors have to come as a bit of a surprise, as Cincinnati appears to have an adequate amount of offensive potential, however, the Reds have struggled to score runs.

As the July 31st deadline edges closer, I’m sure we’ll hear the names of several Cincinnati Reds players mentioned among possible trade targets. The Reds have so many players operating on one-year deals, we’re bound to hear of a few contending teams looking to upgrade.

Tanner Roark, Yasiel Puig, José Iglesias, and Alex Wood are just a few players that may find their names twisting about as we enter the month of July. Other players such as relievers David Hernandez and Jared Hughes may be mentioned as possible upgrades for teams looking to solidify their bullpens.

However, Morosi’s report speaks to the Reds being in the market to pick up a bat rather than deal away a player on a one-year deal. Morosi notes Cincinnati’s successful pitching staff as a reason for the front office to consider it a possibility for the team to make a run at a postseason berth in the second half of the season.

As far as available players who could fit the mold of what the Reds are looking for, Morosi didn’t mention anyone by name. I’m sure a player that Cincinnati fans would love for the Reds to make a run at is the recently demoted Clint Frazier of the New York Yankees.

Frazier was the fifth overall draft choice of the Cleveland Indians in the 2013 MLB Draft. In 2016, Frazier, along with several other players, was traded to the Yankees in exchange for relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Frazier was recently optioned back to the minors when the Yankees acquired Edwin Encarnacion from the Seattle Mariners just a few days ago.

While it’s pure speculation on my part as to the possible interest the Reds may have in Clint Frazier, he definitely fits the description of Morosi’s report. Frazier is young, controllable hitter who’s having a solid season. Frazier is hitting .283 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs on the season. He’s under team control until 2023.

Who knows what the Cincinnati Reds may be looking for. With Scooter Gennett soon to be activated from the injured list, the All-Star sluggers’ presence may be more than enough to help add enough of an offensive punch to the Reds’ lineup.

Furthermore, outside of the catcher’s spot, the Reds appear to have enough offensive firepower at nearly every position on the field. While the players haven’t necessarily produced up to their potential, the ability is certainly there.

Get ready for more Reds rumors as the trade deadline nears. With July 31st being the final date that players are able to be moved, look for a flurry of activity as we enter the coming weeks. After 4 straight wins against the Houston Astros, the Reds have shown that they possess the ability to be a dangerous team down the stretch.