3 possible trade scenarios for Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama

3. Could the Reds trade Shogo Akiyama to the Nats?

After saying goodbye to Trea Turner and Max Scherzer at the trade deadline last summer, the Washington Nationals basically committed themselves to a rebuild. For their sake, I hope they find a way to hang on to All-Star outfielder Juan Soto.

But, if the Nats are truly looking to rebuild, they're going to want to restock their farm system. Mike Rizzzo did a good job of that last July when he netted catcher Keibert Ruiz, right-hander Josiah Gray, outfielder Donovan Casey, and right-hander Gerardo Carrillo.

The Nats will surely be looking to add to that haul this year and still have some impressive pieces, not named Juan Soto, that the franchise would likely be eager to part with. With the Reds in need of bullpen help, perhaps Nick Krall should target some of the Nationals' relief corps.

Once more, moving on from Shogo Akiyama will require the Cincinnati Reds to sacrifice one or more prospects. If the Reds are looking to improve their bullpen with capable arms, it may take more than just run-of-the-mill mid-tier prospect.

Shogo Akiyama has been a bust since coming to Cincinnati. Again, I'm of the mindset that a lot of the outfielder's misfortunate was outside of his control. Still, baseball is a business, and if the Reds want to get out from underneath Akiyama's contract, there are likely some teams out there that will play ball.