Mets panic move with Jorge Polanco opens the door for a savvy Reds trade

After striking out on Kyle Schwarber during the MLB Winter Meetings, one might surmise that the Cincinnati Reds' best chance to upgrade the roster will come through a trade rather than free agency. The New York Mets may have just given Cincinnati that opportunity.

After losing longtime slugger Pete Alonso, the Mets panicked and signed free agent infielder Jorge Polano to a two-year, $40 million. The former Seattle Mariners second baseman is expected to take over for Alonso at first and will also act as the Mets' designated hitter in 2026.

This move is bound to prompt Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns to make even more moves, some of which might involve shipping out some players currently on New York's roster. Jeff McNeil is already known to be on the trade block, but after signing Polanco, the Mets may be looking to move Mark Vientos as well. If the Mets make Vientos available, look for the Reds' front office to give Stearns a call.

Mets signing Jorge Polanco could open the door for the Reds to trade for Mark Vientos

Vientos came up through the Mets' farm system as a third baseman, but since arriving in the big leagues has proven he has no business playing the hot corner. That's good, because the Reds already have a Gold Glove Award-winner manning third base in Ke'Bryan Hayes. But Vientos could act as the Reds designated hitter and would bring some much needed pop to Cincinnati's lineup.

Last season, Vientos hit .233/.289/.413 with 17 home runs and a 97 wRC+. He's one year removed, however, from posting a .266/.322/.516 slash line with 27 bombs and a 127 wRC+. While his walk rate (6.5%) is less than ideal, Vientos ranked among the 70th percentile or better in hard hit rate, average exit velocity, and barrel rate.

Vientos is still pre-arbitration eligible and won't reach free agency until after the 2029, meaning he'd cost the league minimum and comes with four years of team control. For a team like the Reds, who are looking for ways to add power without paying an arm and a leg, trading for a player like Vientos could offer the front office an intriguing alternative to the free agent market.

Vientos is by no means the perfect fit, but given the Reds' budgetary restrictions, it gives Cincinnati a chance to make improvements to the team without sacrificing much in terms of prospect capital. This is the type of low-risk/ high-reward move Nick Krall loves to make. Keep your eyes peeled, Reds fans.