Reds should be eyeing these one-year rentals in trade talks this offseason

So far this offseason, the Cincinnati Reds have been unwilling to invest in free agency. This is par for the course when it comes to how the Reds conduct business. On occasion Cincinnati will step outside their comfort zone, but the Reds typically look for low-cost free agent targets or acquire high-level talent through trades.

The latter might be the best way for Cincy to upgrade their roster this winter. While finding controllable talent who is pre-arbitration eligible or on a longterm deal offers some stability, perhaps the Reds could look at some one-year rentals. Doing so would lessen the return the other organization will receive, effectively keeping the top-end of the Reds farm system intact. Who are some one-year rentals the Reds should look at this offseason?

The Reds should be eyeing these one-year rentals in trade talks

Mike Yastrzemski, San Francisco Giants outfielder

The outfield is a problem. Jake Fraley had a trying season in 2024, TJ Friedl was never healthy, and Spencer Steer looked lost at times in left field. While another left-handed bat isn't necessarily tops on Nick Krall's shopping list this holiday season, Mike Yastrzemski offers some tantalizing power and reaches base consistently.

Yastrzemski's chase rate was among the best in baseball last season, and his home run numbers could skyrocket outside of Oracle Park. According to Baseball Savant, Yastrzemski would have mashed 27 round-trippers in 2024 if he played all his games at Great American Ball Park.

Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman

The D-backs derailed any notion of signing Eugenio Suárez this offseason, but that doesn't mean that Arizona plans to retain his services in 2025. It was a prudent move on the part of Diamondbacks' GM Mike Hazen to pick up Suárez's team-option, but Arizona has a ton of infield depth.

With the Reds lack of both offense and defense at the hot corner, reuniting with Geno should still be on the table this offseason. At the moment, the Reds would open the season with one of Jeimer Candelario or Noelvi Marte at third base. Neither is a terrific option.

Lane Thomas, Cleveland Guardians outfielder

One of the most obvious fits for Cincinnati's outfield is Cleveland Guardians' centerfielder Lane Thomas. The former Washington Nationals' standout was traded to Cleveland last summer and could be on the move again before Opening Day.

Thomas' defense isn't great, but that right-handed swing would play quite well alongside the left-handed duo of Friedl and Fraley. The Reds need to add an outfielder, and few fit the bill better than Thomas.

Yandy Díaz, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman

Some Reds fans have full faith in Christian Encarnacion-Strand taking over at first base, but the team's failed pursuit of Josh Naylor would seem to indicate that Cincinnati's front office still has questions. CES still has minor-league options remaining, and trading for a player like Yandy Díaz would allow time for the young slugger to continue to develop in the minors.

Díaz was shopped last summer and has one year left in Tampa Bay before reaching free agency during the 2025-26 offseason. The 33-year old had a down-year in 2024, but is just one season removed from hitting .330/.410/.522 with 22 homers. Diaz rarely strikes out and could crush 30-plus homers at GABP. His contract also contains a team-option for 2026.