4 trades Reds could make to reallocate resources after trading Alexis Diaz to Dodgers

After trading former All-Star closer Alexis Díaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said the club plans to reallocate some of their resources. But what exactly does that mean?

For those Reds fans who've been around the block, it means very little. More times than not, when Krall or anyone from the Reds front office uses that type of euphemism, what they really mean is it's a salary dump. Díaz was signed to a $4.5 million contract, and considering the season is about one-third of the way complete, Cincinnati freed up about $3 million.

Now, let's pretend for a moment that the Reds actually plan to use that money (and maybe a little bit more) in order to shore up the roster. If the Reds were truly looking to reallocate their resources, how might they do that?

4 trades Reds could make to reallocate resources after trading Alexis Diaz to Dodgers

Trade for Miami Marlins outfielder Jesús Sánchez

If you're looking for a power-bat, they don't come much bigger than Jesús Sánchez. The Miami Marlins' slugger has ridiculous power and ranks among the tops in MLB in bat speed. Last season, he smacked 18 home runs for the Marlins, but that total would've gone up by five if he played all his games at Great American Ball Park. The Marlins will be selling off everything not nailed down at this year's trade deadline, and his $4.5 million salary matches Díaz's. Sánchez is under team control through 2027.

Trade for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward

This is the big fish that so many Reds fans wanted to see Cincinnati land this past offseason. Unfortunately, Ward's only hitting .218 this season, but his slugging percentage (.493) helps to elevate his OPS to a respectable .758. Ward is an Ohio native, which oftentimes appeals to the Reds' ownership. He's under team control through 2026 and is owed nearly $8 million this season. The Los Angeles Angels, though improving, are unlikely to make a playoff run in 2025.

Trade for Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick

The Houston Astros have a low-cost outfield bat — Chas McCormick is owed just $3.4 million — that Cincinnati might find tempting. It would definitely be a buy-low scenario, as McCormick has hit just .218/.283/.305 the past two seasons. The 30-year-old is buried behind rookies Cam Smith and Zach Dezenzo, meaning it shouldn't take much to pry McCormick away from Houston.

Trade for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran

If the Reds want to swing for the fences, it's time to give Craig Breslow a call. Boston is itching to call up top prospect Roman Anthony, but currently have nowhere to put him. With Wilyer Abreu and Ceddane Rafeala seemingly entrenched in their roles, perhaps the Red Sox would be willing to part with Jarren Duran. He's posted back-to-back seasons with an OPS above .800 and is under team control through 2028. The Red Sox outfielder has some question marks off the field, but he's a former All-Star with a lot of upside.

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