Reds trade looks even better after Jesse Winker's struggles continue with Brewers

Fans of the Cincinnati Reds let out one collective groan when it was announced last spring that general manager Nick Krall had shipped All-Stars Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners. Cincinnati received pitchers Brandon Williamson, Justin Dunn, Connor Phillips and outfielder Jake Fraley in return.

At the time, this appeared to be a nightmare trade for the Reds. But this trade is looking better and better by the day, especially with how poorly Winker has performed since leaving Cincinnati.

Fraley has played way above expectations and been one of the Reds best run producers this season. Williamson has looked rather promising as he has begun his major league career. While Dunn has been slowed by injuries, Phillips has shown incredible potential and features one of the best fastballs in the entire Reds organization.

Reds trade looks even better after Jesse Winker's struggles continue with Brewers.

Jesse Winker, while he dealt with injuries often, was once of the Cincinnati Reds most consistent hitters during his time in the Queen City. Winker hit near .300 in his five years with the Reds, but after the trade to the Mariners, Winker's numbers collapsed. In just 136 games with the Mariners last season, he totaled 14 home runs, his lowest mark in a full season since 2018.

It was apparent that Winker and the Mariners' leadership did not see eye to eye. But when the M's traded Winker to the Milwaukee Brewers, during the offseason, there was hope that the former All-Star could reinvent himself, and have a bounce-bask season in 2023. That has not been the case.

In fact, Winker has continued to struggle and deteriorate. Currently on the 10-day IL with a cervical strain, Winker has yet to hit a home run in 2023, where he has seen 108 at-bats. His batting average currently sits just above .200. Winker just looks lost at the plate.

It might be time for the Cincinnati Reds fans that criticized this trade to apologize to Nick Krall. This trade has aged beautifully for the Reds to date. If Brandon Williamson and Connor Phillips can live up to expectations, this trade will look even better.