Cincinnati Reds: Three trade packages for Trevor Story

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.