Reds rumors: Yasiel Puig and Tanner Roark drawing interest from Braves

The latest Reds rumors involve a pair of Cincinnati Reds players on expiring contracts. The Braves are said to be interested in Yasiel Puig and Tanner Roark.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Atlanta Braves have shown interest in both outfielder Yasiel Puig and pitcher Tanner Roark. According to Heyman, the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics are also interested in the Cincinnati Reds right-hander. These latest Reds rumors are sure to stir up the fanbase.

Interest in Roark has been well-documented over the last few days. With an expiring contract and the reported disinterest on the part of the Reds to extend Roark, it’s not surprising that the 32-year-old hurler is drawing interest from around the league.

However, this is one of the first reports that names Puig as a potential trade candidate. While Puig’s departure from Cincinnati before the trade deadline has been widely speculated that due to his contract expiring after the season, a lot of fans throughout the Queen City would love to see the Reds make an attempt to re-sign the right fielder.

The Braves have one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball, so the Reds may have a good trade partner if the two sides decide to discuss a deal. Left-handed pitching prospects like Kyle Muller, Tucker Davidson, and Koby Allard should top the Reds wishlist should Atlanta’s GM Alex Anthopoulos start a dialogue with Dick Williams and Nick Krall.

If New York is serious about a trade for Roark, the Yankees have an attractive player to offer the Reds in outfielder Clint Frazier. However, it’s hard to see the two sides agreeing to a player-for-player swap. Frazier has several more years of team control and Roark will be a free agent this offseason.

If Roark is dealt before Wednesday’s deadline, the current pitching staff of Luis Castillo, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood, and Sonny Gray would still be solid. Tyler Mahle is eligible to come off the injured list as of today and could take Roark’s spot in the rotation. Players like Lucas Sims or Sal Romano could also be an option.

As for Yasiel Puig, the Reds would be unable to absorb that loss as easily. Puig is among the team leaders in hits (94), doubles (15), home runs (22), RBIs (60), and stolen bases (13). However, Cincinnati does have players like Phillip Ervin and Josh VanMeter who’ve come on strong of late and would be in line for playing time in the outfield if the slugger was dealt.

Reds Country is nervously anticipating the moves that the front office may make over the next 22-plus hours. The MLB trade deadline is Wednesday at 4 PM and there’s likely to be plenty more Reds rumors between now and then. Stay tuned.