Reds should pounce after Dodgers trade triggers unexpected roster crunch

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins quietly pulled off an under-the-radar trade ahead of the new year. The Dodgers shipped speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins in exchange for Minor League pitcher Adriano Merrero. While the move itself will have little effect on the Cincinnati Reds, the fallout from the trade could provide Nick Krall and the front office with an unexpected opportunity.

In order to fit Ruiz onto the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated Eric Wagaman for assignment. The longtime New York Yankees prospect hit just .250/.296/.378 last season for the Fish, but his Minor League statistics, defensive versatility, and a few underlying metrics suggest that adding Wagaman could help bolster the Reds depth in 2026.

The Reds are in the market for young, inexpensive, controllable position players who can bring versatility and power to the lineup. Wagaman could be a sneaky candidate to do just that.

Dodgers-Marlins trade caused a ripple effect that could benefit the Reds

Wagaman has yet to find success at the big league level. In 158 games, the 28-year-old has a rather unimpressive .250/.293/.381 slash line with 11 home runs, 63 RBI, and a career wRC+ of just 85. But from 2023-2024, Wagaman put up terrific numbers in the minor leagues. He combined to hit .283/.349/.475 with a 134 wRC+ while spending time with both the Yankees and Los Angeles Angels organizations.

Wagaman has played multiple positions throughout his Major League and Minor League career, including first and third base and both corner outfield spots. He's an average fielder at all four positions, with most of his Major League experience coming at first.

While it's true that the Reds have several players that fit this mold — versatile fielder with a solid Minor League track record — building depth is key for a team with little money to spend in free agency.

Wagaman is far from the perfect upgrade, but he's pre-arbitration eligible, won't reach free agency until 2031, and has still has plenty of minor-league options available. This isn't the type of blockbuster move that will excite the fanbase, but it's the type of high-upside acquisition that can pay dividends in the long run. The Reds would be foolish to not at least kick the tires on a possible waiver claim or trade with the Marlins.