Cincinnati Reds: 4 possible trade packages for Sonny Gray

What might the Reds get in return if they decide to trade Sonny Gray?

While the majority of fans don’t want to hear this, the Cincinnati Reds could really improve the team’s farm system if they decide to deal Sonny Gray this offseason. There were reports earlier this season that the team was open to trading Gray, and just yesterday rumors surfaced that Cincinnati was working hard to trade the right-hander.

Starting pitching is a strength of the Reds organization. Even with Trevor Bauer likely headed out of town, the starting pitching looks solid. That said, if Gray were moved elsewhere, that’s a big loss for the Reds who would essentially be losing 60% of the starting staff from the 2020 season.

Luis Castillo is entering the first-year of his arbitration window, as is fellow right-hander Tyler Mahle. Wade Miley is under contract for the 2021 season, and as it stands right now, Michael Lorenzen has the inside track to nail down the No. 5 starter’s spot. There’s sure to be competition from Tejay Antone as well.

So, if the Reds decide to trade Sonny Gray, where might he go? What could Cincinnati expect to get in return for last year’s Opening Day starter? Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots for the two-time All-Star and see what kind of return the Cincinnati Reds could land if they decide to deal Gray this offseason.

2. The Angels are desperate for pitching and the Reds have a surplus.

If the Cincinnati Reds decide to trade Sonny Gray, they’re dealing from a position of strength. Cincinnati’s starting rotation has been among the best in the majors for the past two seasons. The Los Angeles Angels, on the other hand, are in desperate need of adding a quality arm or two to the team’s beleaguered starting rotation.

Gray is an underrated pitcher with an extremely affordable contract, especially for a big market team like the Angels. Los Angeles has been looking for quality starters for several seasons now with the hope of giving Mike Trout a chance to win a World Championship. Trout is the best player in the game and a World Series ring would solidify his place among baseball royalty.

Brandon Marsh is among the best prospects in the game. A two-sport star in high school, Marsh is blocked at the major league level by Trout, Justin Upton, and Jo Adell. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Georgia native can play all three outfield spots. Now, I know most fans don’t want to see another outfielder added to the mix, but Marsh is in a class all by himself.

Marsh is still just 22-years old, and with Nick Castellanos operating on what amounts to be a one-year deal, the toolsy prospect could take over in right field following the 2021 season. The Reds could also add a potential bullpen arm in Jose Soriano while sending outfielder TJ Friedl to the Angels along with Sonny Gray.

3. The Reds make a deal with the South Siders.

Last offseason, both the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox made major additions to their respective rosters. Cincinnati added Shogo Akiyama, Nick Castellanos, and Mike Moustakas, while Chicago signed Dallas Keuchel and Yasmai Grandal. Chicago is looking to add more pieces this offseason while Cincinnati is looking to deal.

The White Sox were in the hunt for the AL Central crown but eventually fell to the Minnesota Twins. One thing that let the South Siders down in 2020 was their starting pitching. Keucehl and Lucas Giolito were spectacular, but the other three starters (Dylan Cease, Dane Dunning, and Reynaldo Lopez), just didn’t cut it. If Chicago wants to compete, they need another starter.

If the Reds are looking to deal Sonny Gray, they must have an eye on the future. Adding pitcher Michael Kopech, left-hander Garrett Crochet and first baseman Gavin Sheets would definitely do that. Kopech is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the White Sox system according to MLB Pipeline, but missed the entire 2019 following Tommy John surgery. Kopech hasn’t pitched since 2018.

Crochet was taken with the 11th pick in this year’s MLB Draft, just ahead of Cincinnati’s choice, Austin Hendrick. The Reds were said to be very high on Crochet. Crochet was the first player since former Cincinnati draft pick Mike Leake to go straight from the draft to the majors without suiting up in the minor leagues. Throw in prospect Gavin Sheets as an eventual replacement for Joey Votto.

4. The Reds get a haul from the Red Sox.

Boston Red Sox were an utter disaster last season, finishing last in the American League East Division. However, the Sox have re-grouped this winter, re-hiring former manager Alex Cora and focusing on a return to the postseason in 2021. The Red Sox will need to improve their starting rotation, and Sonny Gray could help them do that.

Boston’s best starter in 2020 was Nathan Eovaldi, a player they overpaid two years ago after the right-hander heroically helped the Red Sox win the World Championship in 2019. Following Boston’s trade of Mookie Betts last offseason, it would appear that the Red Sox might be in the market for a starter who’s not going to break the bank.

If the Cincinnati Reds intend to trade Sonny Gray, they need to boost the farm system in the process. Adding talented right-hander Tanner Houck and first base prospect Triston Casas would do just that. Both are in Top 10 prospects within the Red Sox farm system according to MLB Pipeline. Cincinnati needs an eventual replacement for Joey Votto and Casas fits the bill.

C.J. Chatham would also fill the Reds biggest need; a starting shortstop. Xander Bogaerts isn’t going anywhere, so Chatham is blocked at the major league level. While the former second-round can play all over the infield, his plus, plus arm would be wasted at other spots on the diamond. Chatham hit .298/.333/.408 in the minors during the 2019 season.

If Sonny Gray is indeed on the trade block, the number of teams willing to make a deal will be quite large. Gray’s under contract for two more seasons, and at $10M per, his contract is very affordable. The Reds would do well to hang onto Gray, but if the right offer came along, Cincinnati would be foolish not to listen.