5 Reds players and prospects who could be traded during the MLB Winter Meetings

The MLB Winter Meetings begin next week, and Cincinnati Reds fans are hopeful that some more roster additions are on the way.

After inking right-handed pitchers Emilio Pagán and Nick Martinez to free agent contracts this week, might Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall turn his attention to the trade market once the Winter Meetings open up?

The Reds have a treasure trove of prospects that rebuilding teams would love to acquire, and there are likely some major league caliber players who are sure to pique the interest of opposing executives as well. Which five Reds players and prospects could be traded during the MLB Winter Meetings?

1. Reds prospect Leonardo Balcazar could be traded during the MLB Winter Meetings

This will be a very unfamiliar name to a majority of Reds fans, but those who are truly plugged in to the organization's farm system will have undoubtedly heard of Leonardo Balcazar. While some will surely be dismissive of Balcazar because he's one of, what seem like, a dozen shortstop prospects, rest assured that the 19-year-old is very talented.

Balcazar played in Low-A this past season and hit .324/427/.474 in 18 games. Unfortuantely, a torn ACL ended Balcazar's season, otherwise, you probably would've heard a more from the Reds infield prospect.

However, as mentioned, Leonardo Balcazar is a shortstop. Moreover, he's at least three-plus years away from making it to the big leagues. With so much talent at the position, both in the big leagues and in the minors, at some point Cincinnati is going to have to part with some of these talented assets in order to bolster other aspects of the roster.

Balcazar would be unlikely to be the headliner of any trade during the MLB Winter Meetings, but any rebuilding club or one looking to improve their farm system would be thrilled to have the bat-first prospect join their organization. Don't be shocked if Balcazar is part of some sort of deal during next week's festivities.