Reds: 3 trade proposals with the Yankees involving Tyler Naquin

The Cincinnati Reds need help. The bullpen has been an epic disaster this season, and with little to no help available from within the organization, Cincinnati’s front office may need to look elsewhere if they hope to salvage the 2021 season.

The New York Yankees have been a frequent trade partner in the past, and perhaps Reds GM Nick Krall should give Brian Cashman a call. The Bronx Bombers are in desperate need of outfield help, something that Cincinnati’s roster is ripe with. Could the Yankees and Reds make a deal that would be mutually beneficial for both sides? Let’s see.

1. Reds trade Tyler Naquin to Yankees for immediate bullpen help.

Tyler Naquin has been a bright spot for the Cincinnati Reds so far this season, but if we’re being honest, it would be surprising to see the left-handed hitting slugger on the roster by the July 30th deadline. Cincinnati has the right-handed hitting Nick Senzel as their everyday centerfielder, and Shogo Akiyama is under contract through next season at a pretty steep price.

The Reds made a very shrewd move signing the former Cleveland Indians outfielder to a minor-league deal during spring training. With Akiyama out of the lineup due to a family emergency and later a hamstring injury, Naquin was given the opportunity to show that he could man center field on a regular basis.

Naquin is a left-handed power bat, something that our friends over at Yanks Go Yard think the Bronx Bombers are in need of. Naquin would be an inexpensive pickup for the Yankees, and the Reds could sell-high before an injury befalls the 30-year-old who’s only played over 100 games once in his career.

Could the Cincinnati Reds reel in two, young bullpen arms in exchange for Tyler Naquin? Albert Abreu and Nestor Cortez Jr. would certainly boost the Reds bullpen. The 25-year-old Abreu is currently in Triple-A, though he’s pitched well in four games for New York this season. Cortez Jr. doesn’t have the greatest track record, but it would give David Bell another left-handed option.

2. Reds trade Tyler Naquin and others to Yankees for low-level prospects

If the Cincinnati Reds are more concerned about the future than the present, then perhaps Nick Krall and Brian Cashman can work out a deal that benefits the New York Yankees immediately, but the Redlegs won’t see the reward for a couple years down the road.

This trade proposal will again involve Tyler Naquin, who is one of the more attractive assets. But instead of just adding Naquin, maybe Krall can sweeten the pot with the likes of right-hander Jeff Hoffman and outfield prospect TJ Friedl.

Hoffman, who’s currently on the 10-day IL, was involved in a trade earlier this season; one that saw Cincinnati send right-hander Robert Stephenson to Colorado. Hoffman had underperformed as a starter during his previous two outings, but could add value to New York in short spurts out of the bullpen.

As for Friedl, he’s got talent, but it’s hard to see him cracking the Reds lineup this season. The left-handed hitting outfielder would give the Yanks a consolation prize if Naquin fails to impress. Friedl is currently in Triple-A and is capable of fielding all three outfield positions. Friedl’s speed and defense are his calling cards.

As for a return, how about three mid-level prospects from the Yankees? Cincinnati could secure the services of right-handers Matt Sauer, Glenn Otto, and Beck Way. All three are at least one, if not two years away from the big leagues, meaning Kyle Boddy and the Reds minor league coaches will have plenty of time to develop them into potential major league pitchers.