1 realistic trade candidate from each team the Reds could target

Which players should the Reds target from the AL West?

Jason Castro, Houston Astros

We've peeked a few other potential backup catchers, but Jason Castro makes a ton of sense due mainly to the fact that he's a left-handed hitter.

We saw David Bell platoon both Tyler Stephenson and Tucker Barnhart behind the plate in 2021, but Castro's .917 OPS versus right-handers is much more impressive than Barnhart's .678 OPS against right-handed pitchers.

Taylor Trammell, Seattle Mariners

This would be a wild turn of events, wouldn't it? The Reds had previously traded Taylor Trammell to the San Diego Padres in the deal that brought Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati.

Trammell has a solid arm and elite speed that make him a capable centerfielder. However, his 42.1% strikeout-rate would need to be improved upon.

Jake Diekman, Oakland Athletics

The veteran left-hander (Sean Doolittle, Jesse Biddle, and Zach Duke) has left Reds fans with a bad taste in their mouths. But maybe Jake Diekman would be a different story.

Diekman posted a 31.7% strikeout-rate over 60-plus innings of work. The southpaw posted a 3.86 ERA, but the 13% walk-rate is a bit concerning.

Brandon Marsh, Los Angeles Angels

Brandon Marsh appeared in 70 games during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels. The trio of Jo Adell, Mike Trout, and Justin Upton look to be a mainstay in the Angels' outfield.

If LA wants to compete for the AL West crown, they need to invest in pitching. The Reds have plenty of that and perhaps a deal could be worked out that would be mutually beneficial.

Jharel Cotton, Texas Rangers

Jharel Cotton reemerged from obscurity this past season after not seeing a major league diamond since 2017 with the Oakland Athletics.

A rash of injuries, including Tommy John surgery, kept Cotton out of action for the 2018 and most of the 2019 season. However, a 3.52 ERA and 30 punch outs are a good way to make your presence felt.