As the Cincinnati Reds look toward the future, evaluating the roster for potential trades is crucial. With a mix of young talent and established players, some individuals may not fit into the team’s long-term vision. Here are three players who should be considered for trade or could see their roles diminished by the end of 2024.
### 1. Joey Votto
Joey Votto has been a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds for nearly two decades. His leadership, experience, and offensive prowess have been invaluable. However, as Votto approaches the twilight of his career, the Reds must evaluate his role and the potential benefits of a trade.
**Reasons for Trade:**
– **Age and Performance Decline:** Votto will be 41 by the end of 2024. While he has had moments of brilliance, injuries and age have taken a toll on his performance. If the Reds want to contend, they need players who can contribute at a high level consistently.
– **Salary Considerations:** Votto’s contract is significant. Trading him could free up salary cap space, allowing the team to invest in younger, more productive players. This financial flexibility could be critical as the Reds look to build a competitive roster.
– **Development of Young Talent:** The Reds have promising young hitters emerging in their farm system. With Votto’s contract expiring after the 2024 season, it may be wise to trade him to a contender that could benefit from his veteran presence in the clubhouse, rather than letting him finish his career with diminished playing time.
### 2. Nick Senzel
Nick Senzel has shown flashes of potential since being drafted second overall in 2016, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued his career. As the Reds continue to develop their roster, Senzel might become a trade candidate.
**Reasons for Trade:**
– **Injury History:** Senzel’s injury struggles have limited his ability to stay on the field. As the Reds aim to strengthen their lineup, relying on a player with such a questionable durability record is risky.
– **Surplus of Outfield Talent:** With the emergence of players like Jonathan India and the potential for new prospects, the Reds have a wealth of talent in the outfield. Senzel may find it challenging to secure regular playing time, which diminishes his value to the team.
– **Potential Trade Value:** While Senzel has not yet realized his full potential, he still possesses significant upside that could attract interest from teams looking for a change of scenery for a young player. Trading him now could yield a solid return, particularly if he can stay healthy and produce in the second half of 2024.
### 3. Lucas Sims
Lucas Sims has been a reliable option in the Reds’ bullpen, but the volatility of relief pitchers often makes them expendable. As the Reds look to reshape their roster, Sims could be one of the players on the trading block.
**Reasons for Trade:**
– **Relief Pitching Market:** Relief pitchers can be highly variable from season to season. Sims has had moments of brilliance but also stretches of inconsistency. If the Reds can capitalize on his performance in 2024, it may be wise to trade him while his value is high.
– **Bullpen Overhaul:** The Reds may look to overhaul their bullpen to create a more reliable relief corps. If younger arms or new signings can step up, Sims could become expendable as the team looks to build a more stable late-inning presence.
– **Addressing Other Needs:** Trading Sims could help address other areas of the roster, such as adding a starter or bolstering the lineup with a solid position player. Given the unpredictable nature of bullpens, it might be beneficial to explore trades that could provide a more significant impact on the overall team performance.
### Conclusion
As the Cincinnati Reds assess their roster leading into 2024, it’s crucial to consider the long-term direction of the franchise. Trading players like Joey Votto, Nick Senzel, and Lucas Sims could help the Reds reshape their team, bringing in younger talent and freeing up financial resources. While each player has contributed to the franchise’s history, the focus must shift toward building a competitive future. By making calculated trades, the Reds can position themselves for success in the coming years, fostering a blend of experience and youth that can lead to sustained competitiveness.
