Grading each trade the Cincinnati Reds have made post-lockout

Grading the Reds trade with the Royals.

Cincinnati trades LHP Amir Garrett to Kansas City for LHP Mike Minor and cash considerations.

This trade was just bizarre. I don't mind the Cincinnati Reds saying goodbye to Amir Garrett. In fact, it was overdue. I don't even mind the addition of Mike Minor to the starting rotation. What I don't understand is the Reds ridding themselves of contractual commitments to players like Sonny Gray, Eugenio Suárez, and Tucker Barnhart only to turn around and take on Minor's 2022 salary of $10M.

Garrett struggled mightily in 2021 and, while he may enjoy a bounce-back season in 2022, his erratic behavior coupled with his poor performance warranted a change of scenery. But if you're going to trade AG, then get some prospects back in return who might be able to help your cause in a year or two.

Instead, Nick Krall brought a veteran left-hander to compete with his influx of talented prospects for a spot in the starting rotation. Further complicating this trade is the fact that Cincinnati had a veteran left-hander under contract for $10M in 2022 if they would have only pulled the trigger on exercising his option. Instead, Cincinnati allowed Wade Miley to walk for nothing and he's now pitching for the Cubs.

I think you almost have to laugh at this trade to keep from crying. Dealing Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez to Seattle was foolish, but this trade is just nonsensical. I'm sorry, but this deal is getting a C. Minor is not a bad pitcher, and may able to duplicate the type of success Miley had in 2021. But taking on his contract after having dismissed Miley and Gray who make similar salaries is just plain dumb.

Grade: C