Cincinnati Reds: 3 mutually beneficial trade packages for Aristides Aquino

It’s time for the Reds to move on from Aristides Aquino.

While it would be a tough pill to swallow for a good majority of Reds fans, the writing is on the wall. It’s time for the Cincinnati Reds to move on from Aristides Aquino. The Punisher’s role has been diminished to little more than a bench bat, but he still holds value in a trade.

Once an arbiter ruled that Aquino was not eligible for a fourth minor-league option, his standing with the team took a hit. Were it not for an injury to Shogo Akiyama that has kept the Japanese outfielder out of action, chances are good that Aquino might not have made the Opening Day roster.

Tyler Naquin’s red-hot start to the 2021 season has only put Aquino’s spot on the active roster in further jeopardy. You have to squint really hard to see Aquino on this club much past the month of May. With that being the prevailing thought, perhaps the Reds should entertain the idea of trading the 26-year-old rather than losing him for nothing.

Aquino is no slouch, but his ability to hit opposing pitchers’ breaking stuff is questionable at best. The Punisher, however, still has power that few in the game of baseball possess, and he’s also an above-average defender who can play all three outfield positions. It just so happens that the Reds are stocked up on outfielders for the present, and the future.

If the Cincinnati Reds decide to designate Aquino for assignment in the coming days or weeks, he’ll be subject to waivers. Several rebuilding teams are likely to take an interest and it’s hard to see all 29 teams passing on his talent. So, rather than lose Aquino for nothing, or to a rival ball club, let’s see if any of these three trade proposals would be worthwhile.

1. Reds deal Aristides Aquino to the Tigers for bullpen help.

The old adage is, “You can never have enough pitching.” With what we’ve seen from the Cincinnati Reds this season, that’s a very accurate statement. After moving on from the likes of Raisel Iglesias and Archie Bradley, the Reds bullpen has been completely remade. With a focus on missing bats, Cincinnati could use a player like Detroit Tigers’ prospect Alex Lange.

Lange, according to MLB Pipeline, is the Tigers’ No. 29 ranked prospect and made his big league debut recently versus the Cleveland Indians. The 25-year-old possesses a fastball/ slider combination that could work well out of the Cincinnati bullpen. He also has a changeup and cutter that he’ll throw on occasion.

Nick Krall made it a point this offseason that the Reds were looking for relievers with minor-league options available. This type of player gives Cincinnati the ability to move young arms back and forth between Triple-A Louisville and the bigs. It’s a strategy we’re likely to see this season and moving forward.

The Tigers are rebuilding, and despite the hot-start from Akil Baddoo, Detroit could certainly use a bat like Aquino’s in the lineup. Alex Lange, whose offseason work with Driveline would seem to make him a perfect fit in Cincinnati, but may cost the Reds a bit more in return than just Aquino. Adding a prospect like Yan Contreras or Graham Ashcraft might be enough to get a deal done.

2. Reds keep Aristides Aquino in the state of Ohio.

The Ohio Cup starts this week, but both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians could mutually benefit by doing business with one another. The Indians’ entire outfield is comprised of left-handed hitters, so adding a right-handed bat like Aristides Aquino to the mix could certainly help the Tribe. What might the Reds be able to receive in return?

It all comes back to pitching once again for Cincinnati. With an inconsistent start from the bullpen, having several available arms at the alternate site or Triple-A Louisville, once the minor league season begins, could definitely help this year’s Reds team.

At one time, Nick Sandlin was among the top young prospects in the Cleveland organization. The right-hander was taken in the second-round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Sandlin is a bit small for a starter, but his pitch repertoire would work well out of the Cincinnati bullpen.

The Reds could also snag another arm like Kyle Nelson. A southpaw, Nelson relies on a fastball/ slider combo to get hitters out, but not the way Amir Garrett does. While Garrett overpowers opposing batters, Nelson relies on command and control. His fastball barely eclipses 90-MPH, but he’s able to spin his slider with solid results.

Nelson has three minor-league options remaining and Sadlin, if added to the 40-man roster before next offseason, will have the same. Both would be developmental relievers with upside, which is better than what the Cincinnati Reds will receive if Aristides Aquino is outrighted and claimed off waivers.