Cincinnati Reds: Could Dodgers potential shakeups offer trade target?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be pursuing a trade for Francisco Lindor. Will LA’s trade pursuits offer some help for the Cincinnati Reds?

Jon Morosi of MLB.com is reporting that sources claim the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to pursue a trade for Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. While Lindor has long since been an object of affection throughout Reds Country, perhaps such a trade could indirectly benefit the Cincinnati Reds.

Morosi notes that if the Dodgers pursue a trade for Lindor, Corey Seager, LA’s incumbent shortstop, would be expendable. Morosi also notes that Seager may or may not be part of a potential deal that brings Lindor to Los Angeles. Would Seager be a good fit for the Reds? Perhaps.

Seager, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, could certainly be an upgrade in the Cincinnati Reds lineup. Last season, Seager slashed .272/.335/.483 with 19 home runs and 87 RBIs. A shortstop with an OPS of .813 would be a solid addition to a Cincinnati lineup that struggled offensively last season.

Adding a player like Seager is not without its risk. The 25-year-old missed about a month last season with a hamstring injury, and Tommy John surgery limited Seager to just 25 games in 2018. Still, we’re taking about a player who’s three years removed from finishing third in the NL MVP voting.

Corey Seager has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Seager is projected to make $7.1M next season. Picking up Freddy Galvis‘ team option will cost the Reds $5.5M and re-signing José Iglesias will not be cheap. From a budget standpoint, adding a player with Seager’s ability for $7M is a bargain.

The rumors surrounding Francisco Lindor will not let up anytime soon. The four-time All-Star has yet to agree to a contract extension with the Indians, and the longer this saga drags on, the more likely Lindor is to be shipped out of town. Lindor has two years of team control remaining and his stock may never be higher than this offseason.

While adding Lindor to the Cincinnati Reds lineup would be a dream come true, a trade to Los Angeles could offer certain benefits as well. Reds Country would be wise to keep up with the Hot Stove surrounding Lindor this offseason, as it may indirectly affect the Reds.