Where will these Reds’ Players Land?
The trade deadline is fast approaching and one team that will look drastically different when its all is set and done is the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds are obviously going to begin rebuilding and it’s wise to trade some of these All-Star caliber players for some prospects to help them right along.
The “ace” of the staff Johnny Cueto, along with Mike Leake and Jay Bruce have been the most talked about players that should be on the move. Cueto and Leake are free agents at the end of the season, so it’s only logical to try to move them and get something in return for them.
Who will be possible suitors for Johnny Cueto?
The Blue Jays for example, are a team that needs pitching, so any starting pitcher available will be attached to them. The Los Angeles Dodgers want to add another ace and insurance just in case Zack Greinke decides not to return next year. How dangerous would Kershaw, Greinke and Cueto be in the playoffs? That would be a nightmare for any team facing the Dodgers. The team is currently weighing their options and Cueto is a high priority it seems like.
With the Royals sending their opening day starter Yordano Ventura down to the minors, the Royals may need help in the rotation. The Royals already own one of the best bullpens in the league, but without that frontline starter, it would be hard for them to reach the World Series again.
Are the Reds’ keeping Jay Bruce?
The Angels need a left handed bat, and the Mets need anyone that can drive in runs so Jay Bruce will be a popular name mentioned across the league when it gets closer to the deadline. Bruce is currently hitting .255 with 15 HR and 48 RBI. He can easily fill a void for the Angels as a middle of the order guy and could provide some protection for Albert Pujols. The Mets have one of the most anemic offenses in the league so this move would make sense for them as well, but are they willing to part with any of their young pitching? That is the question the Mets will have to answer.
Mike Leake is a more inexpensive option for teams looking for a good middle of the rotation pitcher. The Royals, Yankees, Dodgers and Blue Jays will be in the running for Leake’s services.
The Reds’ are currently near the bottom of the NL Central and have players they could build around. Many teams in contention will reap the benefits of the Reds’ imminent fire sale. The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st at 4 pm.
