Will the Reds trade Christian Encarnacion-Strand? Here's why it's a possibility

3. The Reds have depth in the farm system to offset losing Christian Encarnacion-Strand

If the Cincinnati Reds were to include Christian Encarnacion-Strand in a trade package for Dylan Cease, there is enough talent on the major league roster to stomach such a loss.

Encarnacion-Strand made his major league debut after the All-Star Game last season, and had success. However, players like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Spencer Steer have shown glimpses of being solid contributors in the big leagues.

But the Reds also have a great deal of depth in the farm system as well. While adding Jeimer Candelario could help to offset the potential loss of Encarnacion-Strand for the next three seasons, Cincinnati also has some outstanding young players making a name for themselves in the minors.

Cam Collier and Sal Stewart, both of whom were selected in the 2022 MLB Draft, have shown great potential during their brief tenure in the organization. Collier, got out of the gates slowly last season, but has tremendous upside. Stewart showed tremendous plate discipline during his first full season with more walks than strikeouts.

Both Collier and Stewart profile as corner infielders, much like Encarnacion-Strand. Either one of those two prospects could ascend to the major league level within the next two or three years.

While trading a player like Christian Encarnacion-Strand would definitely sting, if the Cincinnati Reds are going to target a frontline starter like Dylan Cease, it's not going to come cheap.

Whether it's a player like Encarnacion-Strand or a bevy of talented prospects, securing Cease will require a lot in return. Is it worth giving up Encarnacion-Strand? That remains to be seen.