Reds must follow up Cubs-Astros blockbuster with a monumental trade of their own

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs pulled off an absolute blockbuster trade. The Astros, who are looking to open up some payroll space, dealt All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. Houston got a nice return, but one of the best players in the game now resides on the North Side of Chicago.

The Cubs may not yet be done making moves, as it's been rumored that Cody Bellinger could be on his way out of the Windy City. This, combined with the St. Louis Cardinals' teardown is shifting the balance of power in the NL Central.

But the Cincinnati Reds are not powerless to stop it. The Reds have a terrific starting rotation, a superstar shortstop, and a number of young, talented players on the roster. Cincinnati is one monumental move away from being a contender for the next three or four years, and all it will take is some intestinal fortitude on the part of Nick Krall and the Reds' ownership.

Reds must follow up Cubs-Astros blockbuster by trading for Luis Robert Jr.

The Reds have no choice but to roll the dice and trade for Luis Robert Jr. The Chicago White Sox star has injury concerns, but is on a relatively affordable contract for the next three seasons, and would provide the type of bat this lineup is sorely missing.

The Reds were rumored to be interested in Garrett Crochet, and more recently free agent Nick Pivetta. Nothing against either of those players, but the Reds need a middle-of-the-order bat. That's exactly what Robert is, and as an added bonus, he plays the outfield.

Robert won't come cheap. Acquiring the former All-Star will likely cost Cincinnati at least one of their top-10 prospects. The White Sox are said to crave position players, so a young infielder like Sal Stewart or even catching prospect Alfredo Duno could (and should) be part of the conversation.

This is not a time for the Reds' brass to be timid. Cincinnati needs to make a splash and remind the Cubs that they don't run the division. The NL Central is extremely winnable, but the Reds cannot afford to go into next season with a "healthy" roster, Terry Francona at the helm, and call it good. The Reds need to counter the Cubs' blockbuster with one of their own.

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