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Cincinnati Reds 2019 MLB Winter Meetings preview

By Drew Koch

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 22: Head of baseball operations Dick Williams speaks after David Bell was introduced as the new manager for the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on October 22, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 22: Head of baseball operations Dick Williams speaks after David Bell was introduced as the new manager for the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on October 22, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – MAY 13: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off of starting pitcher Mike Fiers #50 of the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a game at T-Mobile Park on May 13, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Potential trade targets

The list of potential trade targets for the Cincinnati Reds is endless. While I wouldn’t expect to see Dick Williams and Nick Krall set their sights on Mookie Betts, I wouldn’t rule it out either. The Reds brass seems dead-set on making 2020 a season to remember, and landing a coveted player via trade may be the Reds best chance to land franchise-changing player.

Again, a few positions are already spoken for, so the likes of Kris Bryant, Whit Merrifield, and Starling Marte are likely off the table. That said, Bryant and Merrifield both have positional versatility and could find a home in the outfield. Still, the asking price for both is likely to be astronomical, and I don’t see the Pirates or the Cubs dealing within the division.

Speaking of dealing within the division, Willson Contreras is an intriguing option if the Reds were interested in upgrading the catcher’s spot. But, again, it’s doubtful that Chicago’s front office would deal one of their rising starts within the division, and the duo of Barnhart and Casali would be much more reasonably priced while also providing better defense.

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Francisco Lindor‘s name may gain some traction at this year’s Winter Meetings, but like Bryant and Merrifield, the asking price is likely to be enormous. The Cleveland star is arguably one of the Top 10 players in all of Major League Baseball and is under team control through 2021. The Reds should at least kick the tires on a potential trade for the four-time All-Star.

An intriguing name to keep an eye on during the Winter Meetings is Mitch Haniger. The Seattle Mariners outfielder is definitely on the trade block as GM Jerry Dipoto is always looking for a good deal. Haniger had a down year in 2019, but put together an All-Star campaign in 2018. The right-handed slugger slashed .285/.366/.493 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs two years ago.

Clint Frazier is another name to watch as the Winter Meetings unfold. The New York Yankees outfielder is a questionable defender, but has a lot of pop in his bat. The Yankees have a lot of depth in their outfield and have likely run out of patience with Frazier. While the Yankees are unlikely to give him away, there could be great value in a potential deal.

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