Reds' unheralded midseason pickup could be the key to an Edwin Arroyo trade

There wasn't much fanfare attached to the Cincinnati Reds' acquisition of Juan Brito when they plucked him off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians back in August. But since being called up to the active roster two weeks ago, Brito has received some meaningful playing time and is making the most of this opportunity.

When the roster expanded in September, the Reds recalled Brito to the big leagues. The scantly-used infielder made his Major League debut with the Guardians in April, but after three weeks, was sent back to Triple-A Columbus where he remained until he was DFA'd last month.

Brito has now played in eight games with the Reds, and is hitting .348/.385/.696 with two home runs, eight RBI, and a 183 wRC+. Obviously 26 plate appearances is hardly enough of a sample size to pencil Brito in as the Reds 2027 Opening Day second baseman, but he's already receiving plenty of praise from his manager.

"We're seeing a kid who seems to be a baseball player. We put him at second. We put him at third. He took some balls in the outfield today. He knows how to play," Terry Francona said recently. "Sometimes kids get a chance, and maybe they make the most of it."

While Brito is making the most of his opportunity, Edwin Arroyo is doing the exact opposite. The Reds former top prospect has now had two chances to make an impression on Francona and the coaching staff, and he's come up short both times.

Arroyo made his Major League debut in June after Elly De La Cruz landed on the injured list. He was given 142 plate appearances and managed a meager .244/.286/.282 slash line with a 57 wRC+. Cincinnati optioned Arroyo back to the minors in late-July, but after Ke'Bryan Hayes hit the IL, he was called up once again. During his second stint, the 23-year-old hit just .059/.111/.118 with a -42 wRC+.

Just like it would be completely ridiculous to crown Brito as the Reds second baseman of the future heading into the offseason, it's equally as foolish to proclaim Arroyo as a bust with just 50 Major League games under his belt. But Brito's presence on the roster could push the Reds to trade Arroyo this coming winter, especially if it brought back a Major League-caliber pitcher.

Trading Edwin Arroyo could be a viable option for the Reds this offseason

The Reds have a shortage of arms in their farm system. With Hunter Greene on the shelf following Tommy John surgery, and Brady Singer ticketed for free agency, Cincinnati needs to address their starting rotation this offseason. Trading Arroyo to a team in need of a middle infielder could be a quick (and somewhat painless) way to fill that roster hole.

Matt McLain is still under team control through 2029. While his bat has continued to underwhelm, McLain's glove has been tremendous this season. Brito is a switch-hitter, meaning the Reds could platoon he and McLain at the keystone in 2027. There's reason to believe McLain can still live up to the hype he gained in 2023, and having Brito as a Plan B isn't the worst option.

The Reds are not lacking for middle infield depth in the minor leagues, so parting with Arroyo this offseason wouldn't completely derail the pipeline. Cincinnati's leadership is going to have to make some savvy moves like this if they hope to compete next season, but with Nick Krall still in charge, one has wonder if such a trade will even be considered.

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