Does Brandon Drury have a long-term future with the Cincinnati Reds?

Several players on the Cincinnati Reds roster are bound to hear their names pop up in trade rumors over the next month or so. Will Brandon Drury be among them?

Drury has been, arguably, Cincinnati's best player this season and should be the Reds' representative this July in the MLB All-Star Game.

After signing a minor league deal with the Reds prior to the 2022 season, the former New York Mets' infielder now leads the team in home runs (14) and slugging. Drury is second on the Reds in doubles (11) and RBIs (35) behind only Kyle Farmer.

What is Brandon Drury's long-term future with the Reds?

You have to assume that other clubs will inquire about Brandon Drury as the trade deadline approaches later this summer. Drury may not be a starter on several contending team, but a power-hitting right-handed bat with the ability to play multiple positions will be extremely valuable to several teams looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Drury is your quintessential rental player. He'll be a free agent after the 2022 season and could greatly help improve a team like the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, or Philadelphia Phillies.

But what is Drury likely to being back in a trade? Honestly, as good as the 29-year-old has played this season, the return is likely to be pretty light. It's hard to see Cincinnati able to land anything more than a mid-tier prospects for Drury's services over the final two months of the 2022 season.

While Drury is unlikely to fetch a haul, if the Cincinnati Reds have no intention of re-signing him, trading him is the best route to take. Cincinnati has young players like Jose Barrero and Matt McLain who could greatly benefit from an opening in the Reds infield.

Brandon Drury has played above expectations this season, but his long-term future should not be with the Cincinnati Reds. Nick Krall and the Reds' front office should look to flip Drury in the next few weeks for the best prospect-laden package available.