Cincinnati Reds: 5 blockbuster trades to consider this offseason

5. Would the Reds go after Clint Frazier?

We’ve heard this name before, but never has Clint Frazier had as much success in New York as the 26-year-old did in 2020. For one reason or another, it seemed as though Frazier was destined to never hav success in the Big Apple, however, a .267/.394/.511 slash line in 2020 proved that the right-handed hitting slugger can play at the major league level.

Frazier played in 39 games for the New York Yankees this past season and put up a career-best .905 OPS and 149 OPS+. Of course, Frazier’s power has never been in question, but his ability to get on base and his defense have been inconsistent at best.

In 2020, however, Frazier had an on-base percentage of .394. Frazier had just one error in 2020 as well. According to FanGraphs, Clint Frazier had 2 defensive runs saved (DRS) while playing 280 innings in the outfield. Last season, Frazier put up -8 DRS.

What would it cost the Cincinnati Reds to land Clint Frazier? Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. The Yankees are desperate for controllable starting pitchers. Players like Tyler Mahle, Tejay Antone, Tony Santillan or Vladimir Gutierrez might entice New York to make a deal.

If the Cincinnati Reds wish to upgrade their roster over the offseason, the trade market is certainly something to consider. Many clubs will be looking to shed salary after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Will the Reds be one of those clubs, or will Cincinnati look to compete in 2021?