Rival GM dashes Reds' fans hopes after deeming this player off limits in trade talks

The 2024 Cincinnati Reds, if anything, showed that they are missing one more star-level bat. Winning 77 games in the NL Central is not enough to get into the postseason, but there is plenty of promise among a young crop of talent already on the roster.

One major issue for the Reds this past season was finding consistency in the middle of the lineup. This winter, Cincinnati is surely interested in signing a position player to help catalyze an offense desperate for production.

The Reds were dead-last in team batting average in the National League during the 2024 season. Their power didn't necessarily make up for it either, slamming 174 home runs in a hitter-friendly park, which ranked 10th among NL clubs. There was one particular player that the Reds could have considered, but it doesn't seem like he is available on the market this season, which will force Cincinnati to keep looking.

Rival GM dashes Reds' fans hopes after deeming Brent Rooker off limits in trade talks

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker, on the tails of registering career-highs in home runs (39), RBI (112), doubles (26), and runs scored (82) with a .293/.365/.562 slash line, has piqued the interest of several organizations this offseason. The 30-year-old transitioned into stardom this past season on and off the field, showcasing a fun personality that undoubtedly boosts the clubhouse atmosphere.

His rise to the spotlight resulted in some teams checking in on his status, but that has been shut down. It looks like A's general manager David Forst will not entertain any potential moves involving Rooker. To Frost's credit, why would he? Rooker is blossoming into a leader for a club that is desperate for some positive press, so letting him go would have an adverse affect for a team already getting destroyed by the media.

So what does this mean for Cincinnati? They need to keep looking, but they also need to change their strategy because, well, other teams are making the proper adjustments to build a contending team.

The Reds are dealing with other offseason issues, so to hear the decisive news of Rooker remaining with the A's is a bit of a gut punch to the Reds. However, one player becoming unavailable for a trade should not ruin Cincinnati's offseason, but it definitely hurts. It's time to turn the page on Rooker, even if the fantasy of him wearing red and white was a short-lived dream.

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