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.

1. The Reds get their shortstop.

The Cincinnati Reds are in desperate need of a shortstop heading into the 2021 season. Freddy Galvis didn’t pan out as expected, José García still needs some more seasoning in the minors, and Kyle Farmer is currently the team’s best shortstop. San Diego Padres’ infielder Jake Cronenworth finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting and would fill the void at shortstop.

This seems like a perfect match for two teams that have done some blockbuster deals in the past. Prior to the 2012 season, the Reds emptied the farm in order to make a deal for right-hander Mat Latos. Cincinnati sent Yasmani Grandal, Yonder Alonso, and others out west. Most recently, San Diego was part of a three-team deal with Cincinnati that brought Trevor Bauer to the Queen City.

In this proposed deal, Cincinnati would send Gray and former second-round pick Rece Hinds to San Diego in exchange for infielder Jake Cronenoworth and left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. Hinds was the Reds second-round selection in 2019 and has plus, plus power but there is concern about the third base prospect’s ability to recognize pitches.

Adding Cronenworth, who hit .285/.354/.477 in 2020 would be an immediate upgrade at shortstop and net the Reds a player who’d be under team control through the 2025 season. Ryan Weathers, the son of former Cincinnati pitcher David Weathers, made his big league debut last season during the Padres’ Wild Card Round versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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.

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.