Reds trade pitch from MLB insider sounds like a franchise-wrecking move

As the MLB trade deadline inches closer and closer, many experts and pundits will release some wild ideas into the atmosphere. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand did just that with his recent list of 8 players who could use a change of scenery in which he listed Christian Encarnacion-Strand as a one who would benefit from moving to a new organization. That idea, of course, will not sit well with Cincinnati Reds fans.

The timing on Feinsand's part couldn't have been worse. Not only has Encarnacion-Strand been on the injured list for the past several weeks, but he also just proclaimed his return to the active roster in a big way with a 7-for-13 showing during the Reds' sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Encarnacion-Strand blasted three home runs during the series, and kept the good times rolling with an RBI single during Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians.

Feinsand's argument is not without reason. An objective look at the Reds roster reveals that there's not an obvious spot for Encarnacion-Strand to play. However, with Austin Wynns no longer on the roster, the need for Tyler Stephenson to get at-bats as the team's DH has lessened dramatically. Encarnacion-Strand even logged two starts at third base over the weekend — a welcome change from the light-hitting Santiago Espinal.

The Reds should have zero intention of trading Christian Encarnacion-Strand at the MLB trade deadline

The Reds really don't even know what they have in Encarnacion-Strand. All of his time in the big leagues have been abbreviated. The slugger only played in 63 games during his rookie campaign after being called up midway through the 2023 season. His sophomore season was interrupted by a season-ending surgery after playing just 29 games. Even this season, while his recent hot-streak looks promising, the Reds can't be sure if what they're seeing is real or a mirage.

One thing's for sure; Encarnacion-Strand has more power than anyone on the Reds roster not named Elly De La Cruz — and even Cincinnati's superstar shortstop might have to take a back seat in that category. During his 111 Major League games, Encarnacion-Strand has 20 home runs. Averaged out over a 162-game season, that's 29 round-trippers per year. No one else on the Reds roster, outside of De La Cruz, has that kind of pop.

Encarnacion-Strand is a middle-of-the-lineup bat in every sense of the phrase. His strikeouts can be irritating at times, but given his lack of Major League at-bats, it's safe to say that he's never really found a rhythm.

With Noelvi Marte still on the IL with an oblique injury, Encarnacion-Strand has a clear opportunity to play every day, and the Reds need to give it to him. It's time for Cincinnati to discover whether or not Encarnacion-Strand is member of the Reds core, or a potential trade chip. To suggest, however, that the Reds should be shopping Encarnacion-Strand this summer is lunacy.

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