Sonny Gray trade rumors: Reds could get an epic haul from the Angels

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 27: Sonny Gray #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the second inning. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Could the Angels swing a deal with the Reds for Sonny Gray?

While most fans may not like the idea, it sure sounds as though Sonny Gray will not be part of the Cincinnati Reds organization for much longer. For the past couple weeks, the two-time All-Star has been rumored to be on the trade block. A team in desperate need of starting pitching is the Los Angeles Angels. What could the Reds get in return if they dealt Gray to LA?

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, people around the league are convinced the Los Angeles Angels are determined to add a No. 1 starter this offseason. Among those mentioned by Heyman are Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer, Tampa Bay pitcher Blake Snell, and Reds starter Sonny Gray.

Gray’s reasonable contract (two-years/$20.2M remaining) and the lack of elite-level starting pitching on the open market have teams searching for other avenues in order to address their starting rotation. Cincinnati’s front office has been rumored to be open to trading Gray, despite the fact the Reds are already slated to lose both Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani.

Still, Cincinnati’s starting rotation is the team’s strength. Aside from Gray, the Reds have Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle slotted in next year’s starting rotation. Wade Miley, who was injured throughout most of 2020 will also be in the mix. And, the Reds will likely turn to Michael Lorenzen, who performed admirably in two starts last season.

Furthermore, the Cincinnati Reds have some talented arms in their farm system. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Tony Santillan are thought to be on the cusp of making their major league debuts. If Cincinnati were to trade Gray to Los Angeles, what kind of haul might the Reds receive in return?

MESA, AZ – OCTOBER 14: Brandon Marsh #4 of the Mesa Solar Sox (Los Angeles Angels) bats during an Arizona Fall League game. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Could the Reds swing a deal for Brandon Marsh?

If the Cincinnati Reds were able to pry away Brandon Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels, sign me up all day, every day. Marsh is a major league-ready outfielder who checks every box. Yes, I’m aware that the Cincinnati outfield is currently overcrowded, but there are other avenues the Reds could take to remedy that situation. If Marsh is available, Gray is as good as gone.

Marsh is a former second-round pick and potential five-tool player. When you think of Marsh, think of former Reds prospect Jay Bruce. Marsh has the arm and speed to play center field, but could find a spot anywhere in the outfield.

While Cincinnati’s outfield may seem set for now, there’s actually a lot of question marks. Nick Castellanos’ start to the 2020 season was impressive, but he fizzled down the stretch. Castellanos also has the potential to enter the free agent market next winter if he opts out of his current deal.

Shogo Akiyama showed flashes down the stretch, but his first season in the majors did not go was expected. Jesse Winker caught fire during the middle of the abbreviated season, but hit just .104 during the month of September. And then there’s Nick Senzel, who’s yet to prove that he can stay healthy.

A straight swap of Marsh for Gray might seem odd at first, but gaining control of a potential cornerstone for the franchise would be too good to pass up. As for the Angels, with the current outfield trio of Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Justin Upton, it’s going to be tough for Marsh to break into the starting lineup.

Jun 16, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Louisville Cardinals starting pitcher Reid Detmers (42) pitches. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

The Reds could land three very good prospects.

Cincinnati could use Sonny Gray’s value to land some very good young talent as well. The Reds farm system has been decimated over the past few years as the team has traded away such players as Jeter Downs, Josiah Gray, Shed Long, Stuart Fairchild, and Taylor Trammell. Adding some young talent from the Angels would surely help replenish the farm system.

Cincinnati could swap Sonny Gray for the trio of Reid Detmers, Jordyn Adams, and Chris Rodriguez. All three are currently ranked in the Top 10 of the Angels system according to MLB Pipeline. Detmers was the Angels first-round pick in last year’s draft and is an advanced left-handed arm that could compete for the starting rotation in 2021.

Rodriguez is the Angels’ fourth-round selection from the 2016 MLB Draft. The right-hander is just 22-years old, but has suffered some injuries in his young career. However, he appears to be on the road to recovery and has the potential to be a frontline starting pitcher in the majors.

Adams, the Angels’ first-round pick in 2018, is still in the early development stage of his career, but the 21-year-old has blazing speed. Adams has also been adept at recognizing pitches, though he still refining his swing.

Reds fans would not want to hear the term “rebuilding”, but that’s what this type of move would indicate. However, the return for Gray would be tremendous and Nick Krall would at least have to consider this type of offer.

ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels catches a fly ball in right field. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Don’t look for a return of MLB-ready talent.

Let’s not get too crazy when we talk about a deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Anthony Rendon would not be part of any deal that sent Sonny Gray to LA. If the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels are going to swing a deal for the two-time All-Star, don’t look for Cincy to get MLB-ready talent in return.

If the Angels do indeed intend to go after a trade for Gray, they’re doing so with the mindset to win-now; something the Reds tried to do last year. The Angels’ window of contention hinges on having the best player on the planet as part of their organization.

The Angels have tried time and time again to surround Mike Trout with elite talent, but it’s never panned out. Albert Pujols was not the answer, and just last year, the Angels acquired Dylan Bundy and signed Anthony Rendon.

Next. The Reds perfect lineup for 2021

If the Cincinnati Reds do indeed deal Gray to the Angels, it’ll be for a gigantic haul of younger talent, or a top level prospect and maybe a couple lower-level minor league players. Reds fans won’t want to hear this, but if Cincinnati deals Gray to LA, it’ll likely be a sign that the team is trying to rebuild rather than compete.

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