Cincinnati Reds: Three possible trade scenarios if Marcell Ozuna signs

If Marcell Ozuna comes aboard, the Cincinnati Reds will have more outfielders than they know what to do with. With a starting outfield of Ozuna, Shogo Akiyama, and Aristides Aquino, the battle for the fourth outfield spot on next year’s team could become quite competitive. While Phillip Ervin mashed against left-handers last season, he could easily be the odd man out.

The additions of Travis Jankowski, Nick Martini, and Mark Payton already add to the logjam in the Reds outfield. Jose Siri looks ready to join the big league club next year, and Scott Schebler is still on the 40-man, recovering from shoulder surgery. Josh VanMeter also seems to be the forgotten man, and with the signing of Mike Moustakas, his future may be in the outfield rather than second base.

The Cincinnati Reds still need bullpen help, especially another left-handed reliever. The Zach Duke experiment crashed and burned, and Cody Reed is still a question mark at the big league level. With the new rule requiring pitchers to face a minimum of three batters, having a lefty capable of getting right-handers out as well becomes paramount. Jarlin García can do just that.

Garcia’s batting average against (BAA) was actually better against right-handed hitters (.194) than it was against left-handed batters (.247). It’s questionable if Garcia would even be available and wha the cost may be, but in their hopes for adding an outfielder, perhaps the Marlins would be content with a package of Ervin and minor league pitcher such as Jared Solomon.

So much of what happens for the remainder of the offseason is dependent on the Reds decision to sign or steer clear of Marcell Ozuna. The slugger’s list has apparently been narrowed to just a few teams, with Cincinnati being in the mix. Adding Ozuna to next year’s roster would certainly allow Dick Williams and Nick Krall the flexibility to trade for some more pieces.