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

4. Reds OF Jake Fraley could be traded during the MLB Winter Meetings

Some Reds fans may scoff at the idea of trading Jake Fraley, but if Cincinnati's interest in a free agent like Jeimer Candelario heats up during the MLB Winter Meetings, the team may be able to part with one of their left-handed hitting outfielders.

Fraley had a great season in 2023 until a toe injury put him on the IL. The right fielder returned during the latter part of the season, but it was obvious that the injury was hindering him and Fraley was relegated to just being the team's DH.

A healthy Fraley in 2024 could be quite the weapon, but the Reds do have some talented left-handed hitting outfielders already on the roster. TJ Friedl proved that he's an everyday player and will likely open next season as the Reds centerfielder.

But it was Will Benson's emergence during his first year in Cincinnati that could cause the Reds to pivot away from Fraley this offseason. The Reds also have youngsters like Rece Hinds, Jacob Hurtubise, and Blake Dunn coming up through the pipeline; all of whom are likely to see the field in 2024.

Jake Fraley is entering Year 1 of his arbitration window, though just like Jonathan India, that's no reason to just move on from the slugging outfielder because he's due a bump in pay. However, Fraley proved to be rather unplayable against left-handed pitching last season.

If Nick Krall sees an advantage in trading Fraley this offseason, don't put it past the Reds President of Baseball Operations to pull the trigger on a potential trade. That said, Cincinnati isn't "shopping" Fraley, and the 28-year-old is likely to be part of the Reds 2024 Opening Day roster.