3 trade packages the Reds could propose to the Rockies to help bolster the bullpen

1 of 3

It's apparent that the Colorado Rockies will not be contenders in 2023. As such, the team's front office traded Mike Moustakas over the weekend; a sign that the Rockies will be sellers at the trade deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds, on the other hand, will likely be buyers. While Colorado's record is nothing to write home about, the Rockies do have some talent on this year's ball club.

If the Reds are looking to add players at this year's trade deadline, perhaps evaluating potential deals with the Rockies is a good place to start. What are three potential trades Cincinnati could make with the Colorado?

1. Reds trade pair of prospects to Rockies for LHP Brad Hand.

While the Cincinnati Reds bullpen has pitched above expectations thus far, a good chunk of the fanbase is waiting for the incoming implosion. The Reds have received great contributions from players like Lucas Sims, Alexis Diaz, and Buck Farmer, but more depth is needed.

This is especially true when it comes to the idea of left-handed relief pitching. With Reiver Sanmartin on the 60-day IL, Alex Young is Cincinnati's only southpaw coming out of the bullpen. Furthermore, Young actually performs better against right-handed batters than he does against lefties.

Brad Hand would be a fine addition to the Reds relief corps. The left-hander owns an ERA of 3.47 and has 34 punch outs in 26.1 innings of work. While right-handers have given Hand problems this season, lefties are hitting just .154 off the 33-year-old.

CIN/COL trade #1

According to Spotrac, Hand is under contract through the end of the season and is signed for just $2-million. The left-hander has $7-million club-option for the 2024 season with a $500K buyout.

In return, the Rockies would no doubt be looking for young, controllable assets. T.J. Hopkins is little more than a depth option in Triple-A at the moment, and Stuart Fairchild can more than fill that role. Additionally, perhaps a catching prospect like Matheu Nelson would sweeten the deal enough for for Colorado to pull the trigger.

2. Reds trade underachieving infield prospect for Rockies LHP Brent Suter.

It's time to bring the Archbishop Moeller High School graduate home, don't you think? Brent Suter has been one of the more underrated left-handed specialist for quite some time, and the Cincinnati Reds could certainly use another southpaw in the bullpen.

Currently, Suter is dealing with an oblique injury and is on the Rockies 15-day IL. The injury, however, appears minor in nature, so Suter should be back on the diamond within the next couple of weeks.

If healthy, Brent Suter should undoubtedly be on Nick Krall's radar. The southpaw is 4-0 this season with a 2.81 ERA. Suter is never going to be confused for Hunter Greene, but the left-hander is the king of soft-contact. According to Baseball Savant, Suter's hard-hit rate is in the 99th percentile.

CIN/COL trade #2

So what might a trade like this cost in terms of prospect capital? Probably not as much as you would think. While Suter may be the better pitcher between he and the aforementioned Brad Hand, the soon-to-be 34-year-old is a free agent after the season.

Maybe an underachieving prospect with high upside would be enough to pry Suter away from the Mile High City. A young infielder like Ivan Johnson or Tyler Callihan comes to mind, or even a power-hitting outfield like Allan Cerda. And perhaps, in the end, a young pitching prospect would be enough to push the deal through.

3. Reds trade minor leaguer for Rockies hard-throwing RHP Pierce Johnson.

This would be what those in the business call a buy-low scenario. Pierce Johnson is not a franchise-altering type of pitcher, but for the overachieving Cincinnati Reds bullpen, the right-hander could be a nice addition.

Let's face it, the Reds have seen very little from Ricky Karcher, Casey Legumina, Alan Busenitz, or Silvino Bracho this season. While Johnson is not an elite reliever, the 32-year-old could probably be had for next to nothing.

Johnson is a hard-thrower, ranking above the 80th percentile in fastball velocity, whiff-rate, and strikeout-rate according to Baseball Savant. But, when Johnson gets hit, he gets hit hard. His 51.2-percent hard-hit rate is among the worst in baseball. Is some of that due to playing in the thin air of Colorado? Perhaps, but hitting in Great American Ball Park isn't any easier.

CIN/COL trade #3

Pierce Johnson is a buy-low trade candidate. One could argue that just taking Johnson off the Rockies hands in exchange for cash considerations might be enough. But relievers are in high demand around this time of year, especially relievers that can throw strikes.

If this trade were to come to fruition, a young prospect from Double-A Chattanooga like Carson Spiers, Alex McGarry, or Nick Quintana may be enough to get a deal done.

There are other players whom the Colorado Rockies may be interesting in trading, but starters like Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatella are signed for the long haul.

The Cincinnati Reds should be looking to sacrifice lower-level prospects to help bolster the pitching staff. Whether that's the starting rotation or the bullpen is irrelevant, but the Reds have plenty of long-term options in their farm system.

Next. Starters to target in trade. 2 starters the Reds should trade for, 2 they shouldn't. dark

Home / Reds News