The Cincinnati Reds made waves during the last season with the emergence of Elly De La Cruz, a player whose explosive skills and dynamic presence can reshape a franchise’s future. To build on that success and replicate the excitement of acquiring a talent like De La Cruz, the Reds should consider making strategic trades this winter. Here are three potential trades that could help the Reds enhance their roster, infuse more talent, and build for both the present and the future.
### 1. Acquire a Power Bat: Trade with the Oakland Athletics for Ramón Laureano
**Proposed Trade:**
– **Reds Receive:** Ramón Laureano (OF)
– **Athletics Receive:** Spencer Steer (3B), Connor Phillips (RHP)
**Rationale:**
The Reds need to bolster their lineup with a reliable power hitter who can complement their young stars. Ramón Laureano, known for his defensive prowess and ability to hit for power, fits this bill perfectly. His experience and talent could help anchor the outfield alongside De La Cruz and Jonathan India.
Steer has shown promise as a versatile infielder but may be expendable with the Reds’ deep farm system. Connor Phillips, a right-handed pitcher, also represents a valuable asset for the A’s as they continue their rebuilding phase. This trade not only brings a solid contributor to the Reds but also helps Oakland acquire two promising young players who could impact their future.
### 2. Bolster the Rotation: Trade with the San Diego Padres for MacKenzie Gore
**Proposed Trade:**
– **Reds Receive:** MacKenzie Gore (LHP)
– **Padres Receive:** Noelvi Marte (SS), Hunter Greene (RHP)
**Rationale:**
The Reds have a solid starting rotation, but adding a young lefty like MacKenzie Gore could elevate their pitching staff significantly. Gore, a former top prospect, has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career and would benefit from a fresh start in Cincinnati. His ability to miss bats and generate swings and misses would enhance the Reds’ rotation.
In this trade, the Reds give up Noelvi Marte, a highly regarded shortstop prospect, and Hunter Greene, an established power pitcher. While losing Greene would be a blow, acquiring Gore could give the Reds a more balanced rotation and strengthen their overall pitching depth. Additionally, this move opens up space for other prospects in the infield and solidifies their long-term plans.
### 3. Strengthen the Bullpen: Trade with the New York Mets for David Robertson
**Proposed Trade:**
– **Reds Receive:** David Robertson (RHP)
– **Mets Receive:** Allan Cerda (OF), Jameson Hannah (OF)
**Rationale:**
To truly replicate the excitement of Elly De La Cruz’s arrival, the Reds must ensure their bullpen is reliable and effective. David Robertson, a seasoned veteran with closing experience, could provide the Reds with stability in high-leverage situations. His ability to pitch in critical moments could make a significant difference in close games.
Allan Cerda and Jameson Hannah are both promising outfield prospects who could intrigue the Mets as they look to build a competitive roster. The Reds would benefit from Robertson’s leadership and experience as they aim for a playoff run, ensuring their young core is supported by a solid backend of the bullpen.
### Conclusion
The Reds have a unique opportunity to build upon the momentum generated by Elly De La Cruz’s breakout season. By strategically targeting players like Ramón Laureano, MacKenzie Gore, and David Robertson, Cincinnati can enhance their roster with a blend of power, pitching depth, and veteran leadership. Each trade proposal balances the immediate needs of the team with future considerations, ensuring that the Reds remain competitive while nurturing their young talent.
As the winter unfolds, the Reds should prioritize these moves to not only replicate the excitement surrounding De La Cruz but also solidify their status as a rising contender in the National League. With a commitment to building a strong and versatile team, the Reds can create a bright future and potentially contend for championships in the coming years.
