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

4. Phillip Ervin

We go from virtually untouchable to very tradeable. Oddly enough, the remaining four players on this list could all find themselves on a new team if the Cincinnati Reds agree to terms with free agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Phillip Ervin comes in at No. 4 due to his versatility and his ability to mash against left-handed pitching.

Ervin, a former first-round pick of the Reds, is unlikely to ever become a star. But, his skillset lends itself to a versatile outfielder, capable of playing multiple positions, with power from the right. Ervin also has decent speed and saw some improvements in his defense last season. With the expanded roster from 25 to 26, Ervin seems like the perfect fourth outfielder on next year’s team.

The problem for Ervin, if we’re under the assumption of an outfield comprised of Marcell Ozuna, Shogo Akiyama, and Aristides Aquino, would be getting at-bats against left-handers. Ervin took out his frustrations against southpaws last season to the tune of .349/.411/.628. However, with Akiyama’s ability to hit lefties and Ozuna and Aquino bringing right-handed power, his ABs would be few and far between.

While Nick Martini and Travis Jankowski are currently on the Reds 40-man roster, there prospects of making the squad are quite low, especially under the assumption that Ozuna signs with Cincinnati. With that in mind, the lack of a backup centerfielder for Akiyama outside of prospect Jose Siri might cause the front office toward keeping Ervin.

Chances Phillip Ervin is traded if the Reds sign Marcell Ozuna: 20%