Reds could land a massive Elly De La Cruz trade haul without helping the Dodgers

This is not a popular idea, to be sure, but the Cincinnati Reds will (eventually) have to trade their superstar shortstop, Elly De La Cruz. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been a popular and predictable destination, but the Seattle Mariners might actually be the Reds' best trade partner if they decide to shop De La Cruz this offseason.

Reds' icon Joey Votto is already onboard with the idea of trading De La Cruz, and was even the one to suggest building a potential trade package around Dodgers' top prospect Josue De Paula. The Mariners, however, have some terrific young talent in their pipeline as well, including the best pitching prospect in baseball, Kade Anderson.

The Mariners could top the Dodgers' trade package for Elly De La Cruz

Seattle, just like Los Angeles, has six top-100 prospects according to MLB Pipeline. Beyond Anderson, the Mariners also have right-hander Ryan Sloan and infielder/ outfielder Michael Arroyo among the top-50. Outfielders Lazaro Montes and Jonny Farmelo, along with shortstop Felnin Celesten round out their top-100 prospects.

But the Mariners' assets aside, isn't it time for every other organization throughout Major League Baseball to stop helping the Dodgers stockpile All-Star talent? The Reds have already done enough damage after shipping outfield prospect Mike Sirota to LA in exchange for Gavin Lux in 2025.

Dodgers prospects are also known to fall flat after leaving the organization. Nick Frasso's done nothing of note with the Colorado Rockies. Diego Cartaya still hasn't made it to the big leagues. James Outman flamed out after his rookie season. Josiah Gray has only pitched in five games since 2024. The only prospects who've made a name for themselves since leaving LA have been Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas.

The Boston Red Sox reportedly made a run at De La Cruz before the August 3 trade deadline, but were rebuffed. While the Reds could certainly go into the 2027 season with De La Cruz on the roster, one could argue that his trade value will never be higher than it is right now.

There'll be no shortage of teams who'll be interested in De La Cruz if the Reds make him available this winter. And while the Dodgers would certainly be able to present a huge trade package, the one the Mariners put forward might be even better.

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