Reds: 3 trade rumors to squelch before they gain any traction

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Well, it's barely June and the Reds trade rumors are already starting to heat up. There hasn't really been anyone within the organization drumming up much of fuss. But a recent publication from The Athletic (subscription required) and some of the Cincinnati faithful are stirring up some trade rumors.

Last season, it was almost criminal to mention the Cincinnati Reds and not identify a couple of potential trade targets. But this year feels a little different, doesn't it?

While it's irresponsible for rebuilding teams like the Reds to not at least listen to potential trade offers, these three rumors should be squelched before they gain any sort of traction.

1. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Alexis Diaz to the NY Mets.

Okay, it feels like this must be stated once again; the Cincinnati Reds should rebuff any trade talks surrounding Alexis Diaz. This means you, New York Mets!

This idea gained steam at last year's trade deadline when it was revealed by a member of the New York media that the Mets had inquired about Diaz's availability. The team quickly learned the price tag was extremely high and was unwilling to part with assets in order to reunite Edwin Diaz with his younger brother.

Of course, these Reds rumors only gained more traction during the spring after Edwin Diaz was carted off the field in a wheelchair following a celebration by Team Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic. You can just imagine the fairytale-type of story the folks in New York would be singing.

Well, it's time to burst the bubble of Mets fans throughout Queens. Alexis Diaz, who has risen to the A-list in the majors when you begin to talk about the best closers in the game, is not on the trade block. Diaz is under team control for the next four seasons, and while relievers can be quite fickle, the right-hander just seems to have something special.

2. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Nick Senzel now that he's healthy.

Nick Senzel is finally starting to show the Cincinnati faithful why he was selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 MLB Draft. So now that Senzel is finally starting to scratch the surface of his potential, let's trade him, right? Let's not.

Okay, the idea isn't the worst, but what do you really think Senzel is worth on the trade market? Given his injury history and lack of power, he's not going to be a prime target for many contending teams at this year's trade deadline.

Senzel, who's played very well since returning to his natural position at third base, has ended three of his first four seasons on the Injured List. Even this past offseason, Senzel was recovering from toe surgery and wasn't even part of the Reds Opening Day roster.

Yes, the Cincinnati Reds have a ton of talented infielders coming up through the farm system, and players like Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand will need to find a place to play.

But Nick Senzel is a versatile defender who's beginning to get reps in left field. The 27-year-old is under team control through the 2025 season as well. With a low salary number this season, Senzel fits quite well into the Reds plans for the future. While he may not be an everyday starter once the calvary arrives, he can still contribute on a regular basis. It's too soon to move on from Senzel.

3. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Jonathan India because of his below-average defense.

Do you want to know what these young Cincinnati Reds prospects have proven? Absolutely nothing, at least at the major league level anyway. Sure, Elly De La Cruz, Edwin Arroyo, Noelvi Marte, even Matt McLain and Spencer Steer all look the part of the next great wave a talented Reds infielders.

But so did Jonathan India back in 2021. The Reds second baseman outperformed almost everyone on the roster during spring training and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. India looked great through the first couple of weeks, but really cooled off until David Bell moved him to the top of the batting order.

Once there, India became a table-setter for the likes of Jesse Winker, Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez, and Nick Castellanos. India won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2021 and the expectations for an encore performance in 2022 were through the roof. Sadly, Jonathan India fell short of those expectations, and due to injury, played in just 103 games in 2022.

But India has remade his body, become the vocal leader for this year's team, and is hitting like he was back in 2021. Despite all that, however, there are grumblings among some the fans about his defense. Furthermore, the idea of trading India and inserting McLain at the keystone is becoming quite popular.

Let's put the brakes on this idea for now, shall we? Is Jonathan India an elite defender? No. But his bat more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings. It would also be a horrible precedent for the Reds clubhouse to see their leader, and arguably best player, traded in the midst of a rebuild.

Jonathan India is under team control for another three years. If there's any internal discussion about how to move forward with India in terms of the position he plays or offering a contract extension, those discussions can be tabled during the offseason. India is the type of player Reds fans should want to build the team around, not trade away because of below-average defense.

Next. 5 players the Reds gave up on. 5 Reds players the organization gave up on too soon. dark

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3 Reds trade rumors to squelch before they gain any traction

1. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Alexis Diaz to the NY Mets.

2. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Nick Senzel now that he's healthy.

3. Reds rumors to squelch: Trade Jonathan India because of his below-average defense.

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