Reds insider adds more fuel to growing Hunter Greene trade rumors

Cincinnati Reds fans are baffled by the Hunter Greene trade rumors that have emerged during the infancy of the MLB offseason. Almost as soon as the were the Reds eliminated from the postseason, whispers of a trade involving Cincinnati's ace began to materialize.

MLB.com beat writer Mark Sheldon was chief among those who began spreading the Greene gossip. On October 9, Sheldon published a piece in which he discussed the idea of the Reds trading Greene in order to bolster the lineup. He wrote, "Moving him (Greene) would free up salary to sign a bat this offseason or bring back a hitter in return, and a change of scenery could benefit him."

In Sheldon's latest submission — an offseason primer — he doubles down on the idea of trading Greene. "With his cost certainty and a club-friendly deal, Greene could net the best return for Cincinnati to fill its needs elsewhere, " Sheldon wrote.

Reds Rumors: Hunter Greene trade speculation is fueled by team's beat writers

To be fair, Sheldon isn't the only Reds beat writer who's suggested the idea of trading Greene. Back before the July 31 trade deadline, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer brought up the notion of trading the fireballer. A few weeks later, the Enquirer's Jason Williams proposed the idea as well.

While baseball writers are known to come up with some wildly speculative trade scenarios from time to time — I know, I've done it too — when those closest to the organization are peddling such an idea, there's reason to listen.

Some Reds fans despise the idea of trading Greene. They'll say such things as , "Why would you trade away your ace on an affordable contract?" Or, "The Reds just got back to the playoffs and now they want to trade their best player. Typical."

There are others who'll say, "Greene is always hurt. Trade him now." Or, "We have enough pitching depth, it's time to go get a big bat who can protect Elly De La Cruz." Both sides have their argument. So you can see why the debate rages on, and it will until either Greene is traded or Nick Krall declares the flamethrower off limits in trade talks this offseason.

There's reason to believe that both Sheldon and Wittenmyer have some inside sources who've let them know that the Reds aren't opposed to trading Greene. But will another team offer up enough in return to pry him away from Cincinnati? That may be the more important question, and it's one that only Krall and the Reds front office can answer.