Cincinnati Reds: Clint Frazier should be top target at trade deadline

Reports are the New York Yankees are willing to move Clint Frazier. The Cincinnati Reds should make the outfielder their top priority at the trade deadline.

Jeff Passan of ESPN is reporting that the New York Yankees are willing to part with outfielder Clint Frazier. Fans have clamored since before the season that the Cincinnati Reds should go after the 24-year-old. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, it’s time for Dick Williams and Nick Krall to pounce and bring Frazier to the Queen City.

The Reds are now 9 games below .500 and all but out of the race for the National League Central crown. While Cincinnati was said to be buyers before the All-Star break, a 3-7 record over their last 10 games put the Reds into the sellers category. With an eye towards the future, Frazier could help solve the Reds offensive woes.

The right-handed hitting Frazier is slashing .283/.330/.413 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs on the season. Frazier does not reach arbitration eligibility until 2021 and will not be a free agent until after the 2023 season. He fits the mold of a controllable hitter, something the Reds are in the market for.

Passan reports that the Yankees are willing to trade Frazier for pitching help. It just so happens that recent reports suggest that the Reds are willing to move Raisel Iglesias. Would that be enough to land Frazier? Given the struggles Iggy’s had this season, probably not, but it’s a start.

The Reds also have Tanner Roark on an expiring deal. The Reds starter has gone 6-6 in 20 appearances this season and has a 3.95 ERA. Could Iglesias and Roark get the deal done? Eh, we’re likely getting closer, but Cincinnati would likely have to sweeten the pot a bit more if they wanted to secure the former first-round pick.

Provided it doesn’t cost the Reds anything beyond some veteran arms and a mid-level prospect or two, Williams and Krall need to pursue a deal for Frazier. The Yankees have a plethora of talented outfielders and should be willing to part with Frazier, as the Bronx Bombers have no problem shelling out tons of money to being high-priced free agents to The Big Apple.

The Cincinnati Reds are close. While some fans will moan and tell you that this team is no better than the ones that have dwelled in the NL Central cellar for the past five years, the fact is, this team is much improved and has a chance to make some noise next season. The addition of a player like Clint Frazier would go a long way towards solidifying next year’s team.