Cincinnati Reds: Three trade packages for Willy Adames

Might the Reds and Rays swing a deal centered around Willy Adames?

One, two, three strikes, you’re out! The Cincinnati Reds have struck out on every single free agent shortstop they’re inquired about this offseason. With the final chip, Didi Gregorius, now off the board, the Reds front office will likely have to explore some trade options in order to upgrade the position. Perhaps the Tampa Bay Rays would be willing to move Willy Adames.

Of all the trade scenarios that exist, this one could offer the Reds the most bang for their buck. Francisco Lindor was never a realistic option, especially considering he’s a free agent after the 2021 season. Trevor Story makes sense, but like Lindor, he’s free to explore other options after the upcoming season. Amed Rosario would fill a need, but doesn’t really move the needle.

Willy Adames, on the other hand, would be a fantastic upgrade at shortstop. Adames is under team control through the 2024 season and he plays elite-level defense. According to FanGraphs, over the last two seasons, Adames has posted 14 defensive runs saved (DRS). Adames would be an immediate upgrade over Freddy Galvis, and his defense is on-par with José Iglesias’.

There are a few statistics that may be concerning, with chief among them being Adames’ 36.1% strikeout-rate in 2020. The right-handed hitting Adames still put up a slash line of .259/.332/.481 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs last season. Adames is pre-arbitration eligible, so his price tag fits what the Reds are looking for, but what would it cost Cincinnati in return?

2. Reds send a mix of major and minor league talent to the Rays.

This one might sting a little more because we’re talking about including some major leauge talent along with some high-level prospects. However, if Cincinnati hopes to keep their farm system somewhat intact, the front office may have to fork over some players they were hoping to be part of the 2021 roster.

Tejay Antone burst onto the scene last season and put together a phenomenal rookie season for the Cincinnati Reds. Antone saw time as a spot starter and in the team’s bullpen and seems poised to be in setup for similar role this season. Weakening the Reds bullpen isn’t ideal, but Cincinnati needs to fill that hole in the infield.

Add to Antone the likes of top prospect Nick Lodolo and the Reds may be able to garner to the Rays attention. Remember, Tampa Bay holds all the cards here. There’s no rush to move Adames, despite top prospect Wander Franco waiting in the wings. The Rays would certainly inquire as the availability of Lodolo after dealing away Blake Snell this winter.

Rece Hinds is a power-hitter without a position. The Reds don’t yet know what direction to go with Hinds, but what they do know is that he can hit the ball a long way. Michael Siani has the ability to win several Gold Gloves as a centerfielder in the near future, but if his bat never catches up to his defense, his ceiling is Billy Hamilton.

3. Reds ship battery mates to Rays in exchange for Willy Adames.

This scenario probably would garner more attention had the Cincinnati Reds chose to tender a contract to catcher Curt Casali. However, the team non-tendered the veteran backstop and Casali has since signed with the San Francisco Giants. But, if the Reds front office really feels that Tyler Stephenson is ready for The Show, perhaps trading Tucker Barnhart would be in the cards.

Barnhart, a two-time Gold Glove-winner, is entering the final guaranteed season of his deal. The Reds do have a $7.5M team option following the 2021 season, but with Stephenson set to be a big part of Cincinnati’s future, it’s hard to envision the front office picking up the tab. Catcher is one of Tampa Bay’s weakest positions.

Aside from Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle is the best young pitcher within the Cincinnati organization. Each of the past three seasons have seen significant improvement in Mahle’s performance, and the right-hander is under team control for the next three seasons. After losing Blake Snell, this feels like the perfect match for Tampa Bay.

Throw in infield prospect Tyler Callihan, and the Redlegs may have the makings of a potential deal to solidify the shortstop position heading into the 2021 season. Callihan was Cincinnati’s third-round pick in 2019 and has the potential to be an everyday starter at second or third base.

There are many different trade scenarios the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays could explore, but so long as Willy Adames ends up in the Queen City, it should feel like a victory to Nick Krall and the front office.