This Dodgers blockbuster trade offer might leave Reds no choice on Hunter Greene

The Cincinnati Reds aren't necessarily "shopping" Hunter Greene, but the right-hander is drawing the interest of several teams throughout MLB with the August 3 trade deadline quickly approaching. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds aren’t particularly motivated to trade Greene, but he might be their best chance to make an impact at the deadline.

If the Reds truly look to move Greene ahead next Monday's deadline, one team stands out as the most likely landing spot: the Los Angeles Dodgers. The defending World Series championships are looking for that elusive three-peat this season, and adding Greene to their rotation would definitely improve their chances.

But if the Dodgers — or any other team for that matter — are looking to acquire Greene, the asking price will be steep. Greene is under contract through the 2028 season and his deal contains a $21 million team-option for 2029.

The Dodgers just so happen to have one of the best farm systems in Major League Baseball, so finding valuable assets shouldn't be a problem. But trading Greene (while players like Chase Burns, Elly De La Cruz, and Sal Stewart still remain on the roster) can't be about securing prospects who'll be good in two or three years. They need a return that can make an impact in 2027. This type of trade package might do just that.

Dodgers could steal Reds' ace Hunter Greene with this massive trade package

The Reds have holes up and down the roster, but the outfield is in dire need of help. The additions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers this season can't be ignored, but the rest of the Reds' outfield is in shambles. Thankfully, the Dodgers farm system is loaded with outfield prospects, most of whom will ready to make their MLB debut by next season.

LA's top prospect Josue De Paula is said to be off limits this summer, and while former Reds' prospect Mike Sirota would be an interesting ask, Cincinnati might do well to secure Zyhir Hope and James Tibbs III as part of the return for Greene.

Hope has spent the entire season at Double-A Tulsa and has a .288/.367/.517 slash line with 21 home runs, 84 RBI, and a 128 wRC+. Tibbs is a former first-round pick, and in 96 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City, he's hitting .287/.410/.541. He also has 21 round trippers this season to go along with 73 RBI and a 141 wRC+.

But two outfield prospects won't be enough to pry Greene away from the Queen City. Somebody has to supplement his innings for the rest of this season and into the future. Justin Wrobleski has shined for the Dodgers this season and earned a trip to the All-Star Game. He's 11-2 on the year with a 2.88 ERA and 3.62 FIP. He's still pre-arb eligible and won't reach free agency until after the 2031 season.

But Cincinnati would need a sweetener (or two) added to the mix in order to pull the trigger. LA's first-round pick from last summer, Zach Root, would be a nice add-on. The 22-year-old has appeared in 15 games at High-A this season, and has a 2.40 ERA and 2.97 FIP to go along with a 32% strikeout rate.

Another lower-level prospect like infielder Kellon Lindsey, third baseman Chase Harlan, or right-hander Cam Leiter might be needed to push a blockbuster deal like this across the finish line. For the Reds' part, adding left-hander Brock Burke might allow Cincinnati to secure such a mid-tier prospect in return.

If Greene is made available, the Dodgers won't be the only team inquiring, but they've got the most assets. It would be somewhat surprising if the Reds decided to trade one of the cornerstones of their franchise, but during his four-plus years on the big-league roster, Cincinnati has yet to win a playoff game.

Perhaps it's time to flip Greene for valuable assets before he's known more for his troubling injury history and less for his outstanding performance on the field.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow