Cincinnati Reds: Deal for Corey Seager unlikely after Mookie Betts trade

A blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, is unlikely to initiate a deal sending Corey Seager to the Cincinnati Reds.

When the news broke last night of a deal between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, speculation among Cincinnati Reds fans turned to the potential acquisition of Corey Seager. The Dodgers shortstop had been rumored to be on the Reds radar all winter. However, this latest blockbuster trade would seem to signal that LA is all in, eliminating a possible deal with the Reds.

Last night, the Dodgers acquired outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price from the Red Sox. Boston received a package that included outfielder Alex Verdugo. A third team, the Minnesota Twins, were also involved. Kenta Maeda was shipped to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, while hard-throwing right-hander Brusdar Graterol is headed to Beantown.

So why should this deal interest Reds fans? Well, earlier this offseason, it was reported that Corey Seager had drawn the interest of the Reds. It was also reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, that a potential three-team trade between the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds was in the works.

The deal that was never agreed upon, would have sent Francisco Lindor to LA and Seager would’ve wound up in the Queen City. According to Rosenthal, a trade between the Reds and Indians was also discussed, but Cincinnati had reservations regarding Lindor’s salary.

Now, back to Corey Seager. Obviously, Cincinnati would love to have his bat in the lineup. The former Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star also has two Silver Sluggers to his name. For his career, Seager is a .294 hitter with an .853 OPS. Imagine replacing Freddy Galvis, who’s career-OPS is .675, with Seager.

Well, keep on dreaming Reds fans, because I don’t see it happening. Why? There are several reasons. First and foremost would be Los Angeles desire to win now. Obviously, the acquisition of Mookie Betts gives the Dodgers a great chance to return to the World Series. Betts is arguably one of the best five players in all of Major League Baseball.

Seager is under team control through the 2021 season. Who would the Dodgers replace him with? Sure, Gavin Lux is the team’s top prospect and is very capable of playing shortstop, but Seager has a bonafide track record of success at the big league level. Reds fans saw last season with Nick Senzel, potential doesn’t always equal success.

The Dodgers are staring at a starting lineup of Betts, Seager, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Justin Turner and Will Smith. LA also has a lethal starting rotation with the likes of Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler. That team has the makings of a World Series contender.

Another roadblock in the Reds pursuit of Corey Seager is compensation. What would the Dodgers be looking for in return? Sure, after sending Maeda to Minnesota, you could argue that a player like Anthony DeSclafani or Tyler Mahle might pique LA’s interest. But, if you’re the Reds, do you really want to weaken your starting rotation?

Furthermore, one could argue that a Reds team with the addition of Corey Seager might be the Dodgers biggest threat in the National League. I’m sure the Atlanta Braves would have something to say about that, as would last year’s World Series champs, the Washington Nationals. But, given what the Reds have done this winter, adding Seager would make them one of the best in the NL.

Sorry folks, I just don’t see it happening. Now, on the flip side, Minnesota’s acquisition of Kenta Maeda makes them the clear frontrunner in the AL Central. Cleveland has been insistent that Francisco Lindor is not on the trade block, but this latest move could make the Indians brass reconsider their stance on the All-Star shortstop.