Cincinnati Reds: Three trade packages for Trevor Story

1. Reds trade Jonathan India and prospects to Rockies for Trevor Story.

With Nolan Arenado reportedly being dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals, there’s an obvious void at third base in Colorado. Jonathan India, the Cincinnati Reds first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, could be the centerpiece of deal to bring Trevor Story to the Queen City.

India is blocked at the major league level by Eugenio Suárez. Though Suárez’s name popped up in trade rumors this offseason, unless Cincinnati is ready to throw in the towel, odds are the Reds hang on to their All-Star third baseman. With India entering the major league-ready stage of his development, now is the time to trade the 24-year-old.

Tony Santillan is a name Reds fans haven’t heard since this time last year when the right-handed hurler joined the team’s 40-man roster. Santillan impressed in 2018, but struggled with command in 2019. Last year’s absence of a minor league season hurt the 23-year-old’s development, but the former second-round pick still has lots of talent.

In order to fully execute this trade scenario, Cincinnati may have to sweeten the pot with one of their draft picks from the 2020 MLB Draft. Jackson Miller, the team’s No. 2 catching prospect, is Ann offensive-minded backstop. However, he’s likely four years away from the big leagues, and if Cincinnati is after Trevor Story, they’re looking to win now.

2. Reds sacrifice José García’s potential for Trevor Story.

The Cincinnati Reds have been fond of José García since signing him during the 2017 International singing period. However, while García’s glove has the potential to be Gold Glove caliber, the 22-year-old has yet to find his groove in the batter’s box. Would the Reds sacrifice the future of the shortstop position in order to make a deal for Trevor Story?

This potential deal comes down to one question; do the Cincinnati Reds value what Trevor Story would bring in 2021 or are they more comfortable with what José García can bring down the road? Until last season’s promotion, García had not played above Advanced-A Daytona, and that showed as he posted a batting average of just .194 in 67 at-bats.

A trade like this would be high-risk/ high-reward. The Reds, by dealing away García, would be banking that what Story brings to the table in 2021 would be better than anything else available via a trade or free agency. Given Didi Gregorius’ reported contract demands ($15M AAV), Story represents the best available option despite his $18.5M salary.

Cincinnati would also be hopeful to re-sign Trevor Story, as the 28-year-old will be a free agent after the 2021 season. In fact, in order for a deal like this to be executed, the Reds should agree to an extension with Story prior any sort of deal; similar to what we saw from Cincinnati in 2019 when the front office swung a deal for Sonny Gray.

José García for Trevor Story straight up would be a bit of a stretch, so Cincinnati would likely have to add another prospect or two in order to complete a deal. Perhaps the addition of a talented arm like Vladimir Gutierrez would be enough to pull off this trade.

3. Reds move Jesse Winker to the Rockies in exchange for Trevor Story.

This trade might be the best case scenario, as moving Jesse Winker would declutter the Cincinnati Reds outfield, remove some salary from the 2021 payroll, and add a starting shortstop. Winker has high upside, but the 27-year-old seems to be a very streaky hitter and average fielder.

Winker was primarily the Reds designated hitter last season, but the universal DH isn’t coming back in 2021. That’s going to make it very difficult for David Bell to juggle his talented outfield. The front office appears bullish on Nick Senzel becoming a centerfielder, and Shogo Akiyama played Gold Glove-caliber defense in left field last season.

With Nick Castellanos declining to exercise his opt-out clause, the right-handed slugger will be the Reds everyday right fielder in 2021, and possibly until 2023. Aristides Aquino offers a right-handed bat off the bench and is a quality outfield defender with a big arm.

Winker excelled in his role last season, and for three week period was one of the best hitters in baseball, However, a slump near the end of the season brings to question which version of Jesse Winker should fans expect to see in 2021? Winker is slated to earn $3.15M in 2021. Subtract that from Story’s $18.5M salary, and you’ve got a number very similar to Didi Gregorius’ asking price.

Lyon Richardson, a talented right-handed prospect may be necessary to seal the deal. Currently the team’s No. 11-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Richardson has the potential to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter; something the Rockies are always on the lookout for.