Cincinnati Reds: Taylor Trammell’s ascension will dictate free agency

What will the Cincinnati Reds do at the trade deadline and in free agency? Taylor Trammell’s ascension will go long way toward answering those questions.

The Cincinnati Reds‘ top prospect Taylor Trammell showed off his talents during last night’s MLB Futures Game. Trammell has the makings of a can’t-miss prospect and could be making his major league debut as soon as next season. The 21-year-old’s ascension through the minor leagues will dictate what moves the Reds make at the trade deadline and in free agency.

While Reds Country loves to speculate about what’s going to happen with the upcoming trade deadline and the impeding free agency of so many Reds players on expiring contracts, the prospects of what Taylor Trammell brings once he’s called up to the big leagues will have a major impact on what moves the front office makes regarding Scooter Gennett and Yasiel Puig.

Gennett bursted onto the scene back in 2017 and had an All-Star season in 2018 while competing for the NL batting title until the final week of the season. Trade rumors this past offseason and an injury during Spring Training put some question marks around Scooter’s future with the team. Gennett was hoping for a contract extension this last winter and didn’t receive it.

Puig presents an interesting case as well. The slugger is currently tied with Eugenio Suárez for the team-lead in home runs and has been swinging a red-hot bat of late. Puig brings energy and excitement to the team along with ridiculous power and deceptive speed. He also has a cannon for an arm and plays great defense in right field.

While retaining both Gennett and Puig is certainly possible, the Reds have a tremendous talent, currently in Double-A Chattanooga, that will soon be knocking on the major league door. Trammell presents the Reds organization with a bonafide star in the making and will likely make his major league next season. So, does it make more sense for the Reds to re-sign Scooter or Puig?