Outrageous MLB trade deadline proposal will make Reds fans want to puke

It's that time of year, folks. Be on the lookout for some of the most wild and outrageous trade proposals you thought you'd never see.

In fact, Kerry Miller over at Bleacher Report put together a list of 10 outrageous trades to shake up the 2023 MLB trade deadline. Miller even admits that these are "outrageous", but are they aren't preposterously irrational or aggressively unbalanced.

However, most Reds fans would probably agree that the proposed trade that would bring Marcus Stroman to the Queen City in exchange for top infield prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand would be enough to make them puke.

Outrageous MLB trade deadline proposal will make Reds fans want to puke.

That's right, the trade proposal is a straight swap of Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman for Cincinnati Reds slugger Christian Encarnacion-Strand. There is no way that Cincinnati would even come close to entertaining this outrageous deal.

First, Stroman is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and has a $21-million player-option for next season. Stroman, who's been advocating to reach a contract extension with the Cubs, would no doubt opt out, meaning this would amount to little more than a two-month rental.

In exchange, the Reds would be giving up a player who could become cornerstone in the middle of the lineup for the next decade. Yes, the Reds infield is crowded with the likes of Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, and Matt McLain, but they'll find a spot for Encarnacion-Strand eventually.

Come to think of it, there's a certain first baseman who's in the final guaranteed year of his contract, right? With Joey Votto heading into what could be his final year in Cincinnati, Encarnacion-Strand is the perfect heir apparent to the former MVP and could make his way to the bigs later this year.

There's also the matter of trading within the division. Could you imagine looking at the Chicago lineup for the next several years, and every time David Ross' club plays the Reds just shaking your head seeing Encarnacion-Strand batting cleanup for the Cubbies? No way!

Outrageous! Laughable! Disgusting! Vomit-inducing! Pick whatever word you prefer, but if the Cubs coming calling and propose this deal to Reds GM Nick Krall, there's only one word he needs to use - No!