Reds trade interest in breakout Astros outfielder is fading fast

The Cincinnati Reds are seeking a myriad of different ways to upgrade the lineup heading into the 2026 season. The Reds ranked in the bottom-third of the league in several meaningful categories last season, and after missing out on Kyle Schwarber, Cincinnati's front office must find another way to bolster the offense.

One name that came up during last week's Winter Meetings was Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers. Though an injury kept the Astros centerfielder sidelined for a couple months, his numbers took a dramatic jump in 2025.

While he was always known for his glove, Meyers' bat finally came around in 2025. Prior to last season, Meyers was little more than a replacement-level player (.228/.292/.371), but he saw a huge uptick in his batting average (.292) and on-base percentage (.354) in 2025 and Houston is hoping to use that to their advantage in trade negotiations this winter.

Reds Rumors: Cincy's interest in Astros OF Jake Meyers isn't very serious

But according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer (subscription required), the trade talks between the Reds and Astros appear to be somewhat frivolous. After being briefed by a Reds source, Wittenmyer reported that Cincinnati's involvement was not very deep or serious.

This reporting shouldn't be terribly shocking. While Meyers offers an above-average glove in the outfield, and improved his hitting in 2025, there's really no power in his bat. One of the Reds' biggest shortcomings last season was a lack of pop, and there's nothing in Meyers' game that suggests he can be that type of answer.

If the Reds were to trade for Meyers, he'd likely join Ke'Bryan Hayes at the bottom of the batting order. That's not really the type of addition the Reds should be looking to make this offseason.

The team's also been linked to Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte and Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Lowe. While those two players are a peculiar fit in terms of the position they play — second base — both Marte and Lowe have an above-average hit tool with plenty of power.

The only move the Reds have made so far this winter was to re-sign Emilio Pagán. And while that was an extremely important step to take, Cincinnati's front office needs to be bolder. Otherwise they're going to be stuck with the same team that limped into the playoffs last year and was quickly tossed aside after just two games. It's time to get with it, Nick Krall.