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?

The case to re-sign Yasiel Puig

When it comes to what the Reds’ future plans for Yasiel Puig, we first need to determine if the slugger even be in a Cincinnati uniform past July 31st. Puig’s name is sure to be swirling in trade rumors as we approach the trade deadline, but if the Reds are in contention, I doubt you’ll see Puig on the move.

Yasiel Puig brings elite-level defense to the Cincinnati Reds. Though it appears as though Puig does not understand the definition of a cut-off man, his rocket for an arm eliminates the need to do so. Puig also has the speed and instincts to track down balls in right field. Though some might question his silly one-handed catches, I can’t remember him dropping a ball due to showboating.

Puig’s speed on the base paths cannot be undervalued. Though base stealing comes at premium in today’s game. Puig has shown a tremendous amount of hustle and a willingness to put himself in scoring position. He’s a real threat to swipe 25-plus bags this season.

Yasiel Puig also brings ridiculous power to the dish. The slugger is currently sitting on 20 home runs and as the summer heats up, the balls are likely to fly out of Great American Ball Park at an alarming rate.

The problem with re-signing Puig comes down to what he’s looking for in terms of a contract. How much and how long? If the Reds are able to convince Puig to re-sign for two or three years, I’m all in. However, if he’s looking for a four or five-year contract, I’d be very hesitant to make that deal.

If the Cincinnati Reds re-sign Puig and let Scooter walk, you could envision a future outfield of Jesse Winker in left, Trammell in center, and Puig in right. A move like this would relocate Nick Senzel to second base, a position that he’s quite familiar with.