Much like the character Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems as though an offseason trade that includes one of the Cincinnati Reds' many infielders is inevitable.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), rival clubs see an opportunity to capitalize on the Reds' depth across the infield.
While chatting with Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall during the GM Meetings this week, Rosenthal noted that the Cincinnati executive has had conversations involving multiple players on the team's roster.
Reds rumors: Rival clubs view Cincinnati's overabundance of infielders as opportunity
The Cincinnati Reds are in an inviable, yet awkward spot. The number of talented infielders on the club's roster puts the front office in position to secure talent at other positions, but it also weakens the team's ability in negotiations.
Other teams know, just as fans do, that the Reds cannot keep the overabundance of infielders currently on the 40-man roster.
Jonathan India feels like the odds-on favorite to be moved this winter, but Nick Krall could pivot to another top infielder if it nets the Reds a coveted pitcher in the trade market. Hurlers like Tyler Glasnow, Dylan Cease, and Logan Gilbert are all rumored to be available, but they won't come cheap.
While some see Cincinnati's infield surplus as a detriment, the Reds don't have to move anybody. Krall even said as much in his conversation with Ken Rosenthal. The quote below, from Krall, is courtesy of The Athletic (subscription required):
"We don’t need to trade somebody at this point. I’d rather keep as many guys as possible. We got caught in years where we didn’t have anybody to play."Nick Krall, Reds Senior Executive
These latest Reds rumors are just the start of what's sure to be an intriguing offseason in Cincinnati. The Reds barely missed out on the postseason last year and will be looking to retool the roster in an effort to play baseball in October next season.