Cincinnati Reds: Three trade packages for Trevor Story

What would it take for the Reds to land Trevor Story?

The Colorado Rockies reportedly have an agreement in principle to ship third baseman and eight-time Gold Glove Award-winner Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals. What would take for the Cincinnati Reds to land shortstop Trevor Story? After seeing the return for Arenado, it might not be as much as you’d think.

The Rockies seem to be waving the white flag. Here in Reds Country, we know all about rebuilds. After seeing Colorado ship it’s All-Star third baseman to the Gateway City, it’s all but certain the Rockies are looking to retool their organization. While Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports the Rockies are looking to lock up Story longterm, the shortstop may have other ideas.

Joey Votto endured six years of a rebuild in Cincinnati, only to see a return to the playoff last season. That ended with a thud as the Reds were bounced in the Wild Card Series versus the Braves. Votto would be the first to tell you that the losing affected him greatly, and one would have to question whether or not Story would want to go down that same path.

There’s also the matter of the reigning World Champion Los Angels Dodgers, high-scoring San Diego Padres, and the steadily improving San Francisco Giants in the same division. It’s time the Rockies entertained the idea of a full-on rebuild and played the long game. That includes moving on from their two-time All-Star shortstop. What would it take for the Reds to land 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.

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.