Reds rumors: Charlie Blackmon possible fit with the Cincinnati Reds

It was recently suggested that Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon may be intriguing to the Cincinnati Reds. Let’s dive into these Reds rumors.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network suggested that the Cincinnati Reds may be interested in Charlie Blackmon. The Colorado Rockies outfielder has slashed .318/.364/.601 this season. However, the latest Reds rumors seem like a bit of a stretch given Blackmon’s age and numbers away from Coors Field.

Morosi explains that the prospects of the Rockies moving Blackmon before the trade deadline are slim, however, he lists the Reds, Texas Rangers, and St. Louis Cardinals as possible suitors for the 33-year-old’s services. Morosi cites Cincy’s lack of a long-term outfield prospect as the reason for chasing after Blackmon.

Now, while the idea of landing Blackmon is a bit intriguing, it also seems a bit far-fetched. Granted, Blackmon fits the mold of a controllable hitter, as he’s under contract through the 2021 season with a player option for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

However, I’m not sure that Blackmon’s age and ability to hit outside of the hitter-friendly ballpark that is Coors Field would really make me want to make a deal with the Rockies. Blackmon would be 35 when his contract is up and have two more seasons beyond that to control his fate.

Blackmon is owed $21M over the next two seasons and could pick up a $21M option in 2022 and a $10M option in 2023. I don’t know about you, but after seeing Joey Votto‘s numbers take a dip this season, I’d be hesitant to be on the hook for $21M once Blackmon turns 36-years old.

There’s also the elephant in the room named Yasiel Puig. The Reds right fielder is a free agent at the end of the season, but the team could definitely pursue the slugger in an attempt to sign him to a long-term deal.

While the specifics would have to be worked out, I’m sure they’d be in the ballpark, if not less than what the Reds would be paying Blackmon if they took on his contract. The Reds could also, at the very least, make Puig a qualifying offer an land some draft compensation if he did not accept.

Cincinnati’s farm system is also loaded with talented outfielders, a few of which could play right field. Jose Siri comes to mind. Don’t forget Jesse Winker and Phillip Ervin, both of whom have seen time in right field during their big league careers.

I don’t know that there’s a lot of validity to these latest Reds rumors. Sounds like more speculation than anything. While Blackmon is a talented outfielder, his .237/.267/.392 slash line away from Coors Field should be concerning to any team that might have interest in the Rockies outfielder.