5 jaw-dropping Reds trades that would instantly break the internet if they happened

The Cincinnati Reds finally made it back to the MLB playoffs this past season, and the organization's offseason trade acquisitions certainly played a part in the team's return to postseason play.

Players like Jose Trevino, Gavin Lux, and Brady Singer were all added via trade before Opening Day, and Nick Krall made some last minute deals at the July 31 deadline as well. In short, for a cash-strapped ball club like the Reds, bolstering the roster through trades rather than free agency is their best option heading into the upcoming offseason.

While most of the focus throughout Reds Country over the last few weeks has centered around the notion of trading Hunter Greene, little attention has been paid to a number of players Cincinnati might look to acquire this offseason. Though some of these acquisitions might be a bit of pie-in-the-sky type thinking, all five players on this list are thought to be available this winter (for the right price).

5 jaw-dropping Reds trades that would instantly break the internet

Steven Kwan, Guardians outfielder

Steven Kwan has been linked to the Reds ever since Terry Francona took over as the team's manager last fall. Unfortunately for the Reds, the Cleveland Guardians rarely traded players with more than one year of team control, and Kwan doesn't become a free agent until after the 2027 season. The Guardians will want a king's ransom in order to pry him away from Cleveland.

Adley Rutschman, Orioles catcher

To be clear, this type of trade would only make sense if the Reds decided to part with Tyler Stephenson this offseason. Cincinnati has failed to extend their starting catcher beyond his arbitration years, and Stephenson be a free agent after 2026. Adley Rutschman had a down-year in 2025, and after signing top catching prospect Samuel Basallo to a contract extension this year, many pundits believe the Baltimore Orioles may look to shop the former No. 1 overall pick this winter.

Sonny Gray, Cardinals starting pitcher

Reuniting with Sonny Gray would require the St. Louis Cardinals to absorb the majority of his remaining contract. The former Cy Young Award runner-up is owed $35 million next season and has a $30 million club-option for 2027 with a $5 million buyout. Gray also has a full no-trade clause. While many believe the Reds have more than enough depth in their starting rotation, you can never enough pitching.

Oneil Cruz, Pirates outfielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates are going nowhere fast, and there's a chance they might look to move on from Oneil Cruz this offseason. Much like Elly De La Cruz, his advanced metrics jump off the page. Cruz is also under team control through 2028 and blasted 20 home runs last season. The Bucs will surely set a high price if they attempt to trade Cruz this offseason, but the Ke'Bryan Hayes trade already demonstrated a willingness between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to deal with the division .

Jarren Duran, Red Sox outfielder

Jarren Duran's name has already come up in several Reds circles — especially when discussing the idea of trading Greene to the Boston Red Sox. The Reds are starved for top-tier outfield talent, and with Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, and Ceddane Rafaela, the Red Sox would seem to have it coming out of their ears. Duran should definitely be on the Reds' radar this winter.