Red Sox rumors give Reds an intriguing reason to revisit Elly De La Cruz trade talks

The Boston Red Sox reportedly inquired about trading for Cincinnati Reds superstar Elly De La Cruz at this year's trade deadline. The Red Sox's offer was rebuffed, and De La Cruz is still part of the Reds' organization. But recent reports from The Athletic (subscription required) may have revealed which players the Red Sox were willing to include in that reported deal.

According to league sources, the Red Sox explored the possibility of selling high and trading infield prospect Franklin Arias for a young, controllable shortstop as a way to bolster their 2026 roster for the postseason.

While the report doesn't single out De La Cruz specifically, fans can put two and two together. Arias is Boston's top prospect, and the No. 2 overall prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline. He's a toolsy shortstop who's a plus-defender with a hit-over-power profile and would almost certainly have to be included in any deal for the Reds' shortstop.

We now know that Boston is at least amenable to moving their top prospect. The question is, are the Reds ready to trade De La Cruz? Arias alone won't get a deal done. But the Red Sox's farm system is relatively deep, and there's reason to believe the two sides could still work out a deal this offseason.

Red Sox prospect Franklin Arias could be part of trade talks for Reds star Elly De La Cruz

Should the Reds even consider trading De La Cruz? The short answer is, yes. He'll enter arbitration for the first time this winter, and is under team control for just three more seasons. There's little reason to believe the Reds and De La Cruz will come to terms on a contract extension, so in order to maximize his value, Cincinnati should look to trade him before the start of the 2028 season.

The Reds finished last place in the NL Central this past season — 28 games behind the eventual National League champion Milwaukee Brewers. Even the most ardent Reds fan has to admit that contending in 2027 feels like a pipe dream given the way the roster is currently constructed.

The Reds' farm system needs a reboot, and adding two top-100 prospects like Arias and outfielder Justin Gonzales would be a good place to start. Nevertheless, more young talent would be required to complete such a blockbuster deal.

Trading De La Cruz would be highly unpopular with the fanbase, to be sure, but if Cincinnati ever wants to contend with the likes of the Brewers, the Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Dodgers, they'll have to make bold moves. That includes trading away some of their most talented players while they still have tremendous value.

The Collective Bargaining negotiations will likely slow any type of offseason trade talks, but if the Reds and Red Sox laid the groundwork for such a deal back in August, the two sides could revisit before the impending lockout on December 1.

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