Reds could benefit from Kyle Tucker fallout as Dodgers face roster squeeze

One of the Cincinnati Reds' long sought-after trade targets came off the board on Tuesday night after the Chicago White Sox sent outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuña and pitcher Truman Pauley. Cincinnati will now have to go back to the drawing board in order to find a capable outfield bat, and the Los Angeles Dodgers may be willing to oblige.

The Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $240 million deal with outfielder Kyle Tucker last week, but the contract has yet to be finalized. Before Tucker signs on the dotted line, Los Angeles must jettison at least one player from their 40-man roster in order to make room for the four-time All-Star.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) revealed earlier this week that the Dodgers have no plans to trade Teoscar Hernandez. However, Los Angeles is exploring the idea of trading minor league outfielder Ryan Ward, and the Reds should jump at the opportunity.

Reds could benefit from Dodgers-Kyle Tucker fallout as Ryan Ward becomes available

Ward was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster earlier this offseason after putting up unbelievable numbers at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 27-year-old hit .290/.380/.557 with 36 home runs and 113 RBI. Over the past two seasons, Ward owns a combined .278/.356/.557 slash line and has crushed 70 homers while posting a 123 wRC+.

Ward isn't just a power threat, he also has a patient approach at the plate. An eighth-round draft pick in 2019, Ward drew 83 walks (12.7% BB-rate) in the minor leagues last season and only struck out 122 times (18.7% K-rate). He can play both corner outfield spots and has also logged time at first base.

This is the type of low-risk/ high-reward trade the Reds love to make. The Dodgers won't be looking for a massive haul in exchange for Ward, so perhaps a mid-tier prospect would be enough pry him away from LA.

The Dodgers are also looking to offload pitcher Bobby Miller — another player the Reds should have on their radar. Though the Reds' starting rotation is their strength, adding Miller to the pitching staff might give Nick Krall enough confidence to trade Brady Singer; thereby freeing up nearly $13 million that could be used to enhance the Reds lineup.