Cincinnati Reds: 5 blockbuster trades to consider this offseason

1. The Reds could go after Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Francisco Lindor is likely at the top of nearly every team’s wishlist, and the Cincinnati Reds should be no exception. With a glaring hole at shortstop, adding Lindor would certainly boost the team’s offense heading into the 2021. But, the price for Lindor’s services is likely to be extremely high.

What would Cincinnati have to give up in order to land Lindor for the 2021 season? A lot. I’d have to think that established major leaguers like Nick Senzel or Aristides Aquino could be part of the package. Top prospects like Nick Lodolo, Jonathan India and even José García may be on the Indians’ list of desirables as well.

We’re likely to see a bidding war for Francisco Lindor’s services this offseason, and I for one don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze. The Cleveland Indians have tried on many different occasions to sign Lindor a multi-year deal. Each time it’s been rejected. Why? Because Lindor expects to be paid like one of the Top 10 players in Major League Baseball. And you know what? He should.

Lindor is a game-changer, but I find it hard to believe that the Cincinnati Reds would go all-in on a player who can walk after the 2021 season. I can’t see the Reds giving up what it’s likely going to cost (Lodolo, India, Senzel and Tony Santillan for example) to land the Indians All-Star shortstop for what’s likely to be just one season in a Cincinnati uniform.