3 Rule 5 Draft-eligible prospects the Reds could trade for before today's deadline

2. Reds could trade for Rays Rule 5 Draft-eligible prospect Heriberto Hernandez

Nobody likes trading with the Tampa Bay Rays because fans assume that their favorite team is going to get taken to the cleaners. Soon enough, opposing fan bases will begin to feel the same way about making deals with the Cincinnati Reds.

Heriberto Hernandez is a name to watch as the 6 PM ET deadline approaches. Will the Rays just select the contract of Hernandez and add him to their 40-man roster, or will the outfielder be made available to the highest bidder?

A number of Reds fans have been clamoring for the team to pursue a power-hitting outfielder this offseason. Hernandez fits that requirement. The soon-to-be 24-year-old bats from the right side and posted 37 home runs the past two seasons in the minor leagues.

Heriberto Hernandez is power-over-hit, but does see a fair amount of walk as well. Last season at Double-A, the outfielder logged 76 free passes in 118 games. For his entire minor league career, Hernandez owns a 15.5-percent walk-rate according to FanGraphs.

The Tampa Bay Rays have some decisions to make today, as their current 40-man roster is maxed out. If the Rays are intent on adding any of their top prospects, they'll have to make some adjustments.

This also opens the door for fringe players like Hernandez to either be left unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft or traded before today's deadline. Hernandez is definitely a player the Reds should have their eye on.