Cincinnati Reds: 5 blockbuster trades to consider this offseason

If the Reds want to upgrade the roster, these five trades could certainly help.

The Cincinnati Reds fell short of expectations in 2020, but a solid core remains for the 2021 season. However, seeing how the postseason has unfolded, the Reds will have to make some major upgrades if the team hopes to make a run at National League pennant next season. What blockbuster deals could Cincinnati make this offseason?

We’ve seen the Reds front be very aggressive the past two seasons. In December of 2018, Cincinnati traded Homer Bailey and two prospects to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, Matt Kemp and Kyle Farmer. Only Farmer remains with the team, but it was a turning point for the Reds franchise.

Cincinnati also made trades for starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Trevor Bauer, letting go of several top prospects along the way. The team’s No. 1 prospect, Taylor Trammell, is no longer with the club, and Shed Long, Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray have been shipped out recently as well. The Reds are not afraid to make bold moves.

After the spending spree that Cincinnati went on last winter, it’s hard to envision the Reds investing much into the free agent market this offseason. However, a blockbuster trade is a way in which the Reds could upgrade the roster. What five trade targets could Nick Krall and the Cincinnati front office have their eyes set on this winter?