Reds rumors: Cincinnati Reds emerge in trade talks for Francisco Lindor

The latest Reds rumors are sure to stir up the fanbase, as the Cincinnati Reds have emerged as a suitor for shortstop Francisco Lindor.

We’ve seen plenty of Reds rumors this offseason, but this might be the biggest one yet. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Cincinnati Reds have emerged as a potential suitor for Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor would certainly bring the offensive upgrade that Cincinnati’s front office has been looking for.

Feinsand’s piece for MLB.com states that, according to a source, the Reds have been engaged in talks with the Indians for the superstar shortstop. The fact that Cincinnati is even considering Lindor is big news. If the Reds were able to actually land the four-time All-Star, Cincinnati would automatically be vaulted to the top of the NL Central.

Adding Lindor to the roster would bring a level of talent to the shortstop position that folks in Cincinnati haven’t seen since Barry Larkin was in his prime. Speaking of being in his prime, Francisco Lindor is just 26-years old and under team control through the 2021 season. Bringing Lindor to the Queen City could give Cincinnati a two-year window in which to make a World Series run.

Lindor came in second in the Rookie of the Year balloting in 2015 and went to the All-Star Game the following four seasons. Lindor is a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and also has two Gold Gloves to his name. While some may debate it, Francisco Lindor is the best shortstop in the game today.

What might the Cleveland Indians want in return is anyone’s guess, but Feinsand suggests that centerfielder Nick Senzel and prospect Jonathan India are attractive trade chips. Jon Heyman, an insider at MLB Network, stated that the Indians are thought to like Senzel a lot.

While there’s no obvious candidate currently on thee Reds roster that could replace Senzel in center field, you’d have to think he could be on the trade block for a player of Lindor’s abilities. Players like Travis Jankowski, Phillip Ervin, and perhaps Jose Siri could hold down the position.

Though these Reds rumors are quite intriguing, Cincinnati isn’t the only team said to be interested in the Indians shortstop. The Los Angeles Dodgers have also been rumored to be after Lindor’s services. There’s also been whispers that Cleveland is not in any hurry to move on from Lindor, who still has two years of team control remaining.

The Cincinnati Reds could definitely use a player of Lindor’s skillset. Looking to make 2020 a year to remember, the best option currently in the clubhouse is Freddy Galvis. Though skilled with the glove, Galvis has a career-OPS of .675. It’s hot stove season and Cincinnati is right in the thick of it.