Tyler Naquin's speedy recovery will boost his trade value

The latest injury update surrounding Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin was very positive. A speedy recovery would boost Naquin's trade value.

Naquin, who suffered a Grade 2 quad strain, was expected to miss four-to-six weeks. But according to Reds manager David Bell (via MLB.com), the outfielder is "way ahead of schedule".

It sounds as if Naquin will be re-evaluated later this week, and if the 31-year-old truly is ahead of schedule he could be back in the Cincinnati lineup before the end of the month. Prior to his injury, Naquin was hitting .255/.315/.460 with five home runs and 22 RBIs.

Reds OF Tyler Naquin looks to boost his trade value with speedy recovery.

The Cincinnati Reds will most likely be sellers at the trade deadline. Currently in last-place in the National League Central Division, the Reds chances of making a run at the postseason are all gone.

With that in mind, Cincinnati should be looking to deal several players who are on expiring deals and could help playoff-contending teams. Tyler Naquin fits that mold.

Naquin will be a free agent after the 2022 season and there have been no hints that Cincinnati will be looking to re-sign their right fielder during the offseason. Players like Brandon Drury, Kyle Farmer, Luis Cessa, Tyler Mahle, and Luis Castillo will also be highly attractive to other teams.

Had Naquin's timetable for a return remained the same, it was unlikely that the former Cleveland outfielder would have been back on the diamond before the All-Star break. With this revised timeline, if other clubs can see that Naquin is fully recovered from his injury, the prospects of him being traded will increase and what the Reds are able to receive in return should go up as well.

While Reds fans were hopeful that their team would be buyers and not sellers at this year's deadline, the front office foreshadowed what was on the horizon after trading away Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suárez, Tucker Barnhart, and Sonny Gray during the offseason.

Will Tyler Naquin still be with the Cincinnati Reds after the MLB trade deadline? It's certainly possible, as any impact outfield bat the Reds have in their farm system is easily two-plus years away from making it to the big leagues. Still, I'd be very surprised if Naquin was with the Reds after August 2nd.