Cincinnati Reds: Outfielders most likely to be traded if Marcell Ozuna signs

5. Aristides Aquino

I find it highly unlikely that Aristides Aquino would be involved in any type of trade discussions, but of all the outfielders on the Cincinnati Reds roster, The Punisher would bring back the most in return. Aquino’s offensive outburst during the month of August showed what the 25-year-old was capable of, and that type of power is very desirable among GMs these days.

Aquino was a man on a mission after taking over for Yasiel Puig following the slugger’s trade to the Cleveland Indians at last year’s deadline. The Punisher had been obliterating balls at Triple-A Louisville, and brought that same power to Cincinnati. In August, Aquino slashed .320/.391/.767 with 14 homers and 33 RBIs.

The month of September, however, was not as kind to the rookie. Aquino’s batting average plummeted to .196 and he only hit four round-trippers to end the 2019 season with 19 dingers and 47 RBIs. Not too shabby for a player who only received 205 at-bats during the season. Aquino started all but three games over the final two months of the season.

While he has not been handed the keys to the starting job in right field, Aquino definitely has the inside track. I see virtually no way that Dick Williams and Nick Krall dangle Aquino as a possible trade chip, though the return for his services could be huge. That said, The Punisher is under team control for the next several years and has the chance to be a star. I don’t see him going anywhere.

Chances Aristides Aquino is traded if the Reds sign Marcell Ozuna:: < 5%