Honestly, I think De La Cruz is the better long term option at SS. If that means moving McClain so be it. both are in AA right now. De La Cruz just made the jump so it will be interesting to see if they move McClain up or what. All I know is something will have to give between those two at some point.
Reds
- Thread starter Mr Schwump
- Start date
The latest trade rumors show the Yankees may be softening on their stance about holding onto Oswaldo Peraza in a deal for Castillo. Another SS to add into the log jam. People want their #1 prospect SS Anthony Volpe but he won't be traded unless it is in the Juan Soto deal. Hate to see the Reds settle with New York while they pursue Soto knowing that will clean house of their top prospects.
McLain has been at AA throughout 2022 and with his experience at UCLA, I'm disappointed that he hasn't progressed onto AAA by now. Never a rush with Cincinnati and need to use that time to get experience at a new position with the depth of IF prospects. The Reds have at least been experimenting around with De La Cruz at 3B.
Not to mention we haven't even seen the last of Jose Barrero who after getting outfield reps has been used exclusively as a SS at AAA. Interesting article here highlighting the Reds SS depth.
The Reds rumored interested in trading for Yankees' Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza is a bit befuddling
McClain has struggled at AA, does have double figures in HRs/SBs but only hitting like .235. Still need to move him to AAA to see what he can do. Month in AAA to see if they should bring him up in Sept.
I agree about moving him up to see if it will light a fire under his *** and get it going. Unfortunately as you pointed out with our top hitting prospects, he's not the only one struggling between Daytona, Dayton & Chattanooga.
Fair point about RH 1B in the league. On that note, I'm going to throw out some hypothetical scenarios in which the focus is on getting more ABs for the top prospects in the future.
If not a 1B, how about some LF reps for Stephenson? Since teams usually stick their worst defender out there like the Reds did with Adam Dunn for years and still save Tyler's his knees long term. 1 LF appearance for Stephenson last year. Eventually move to 1B if he's a disaster or after Votto retires, Moose contract expires.
Might be crazy but I can see a scenario in which De La Cruz could be converted into an OF as a 5-tool player. Free up a spot with the IF depth. The Reds still have multiple options to fill out the rest of the OF with Jay Allen, Siani & Austin Hendrick though they are far off from being MLB ready.
The infield should be set with India and in some order McLain, consecutive 3B at picks 1-2 in the '22 draft with Collier/Stewart, Hinds, Callihan, Barrero & De La Cruz. Hinds has been getting OF reps this year and would be in the Reds best interests for more prospects to get experience playing multiple positions.
Too many of the Reds top prospects have been underwhelming and need to start producing. More than one of these up and comers should pan out eventually on top of any new acquisitions at the deadline. From a defensive perspective it may not be the Reds best options for a lineup but trying to make sense in what the Reds have in the pipeline. At least get a legitimate 1B prospect in the farm system.
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Could McClain and/or Barrero be a bargaining chip for something in the off season?
McLain's strikeout rate is a little high but I'd hardly say he's having a poor season. His wRC+ is above average at 118 and his wOBA is also good at .367. Almost half of his hits have been for extra bases. Now he's dealing with some injuries which might set him back, but there would be tons of teams interested in McClain if the Reds (they won't) were to put him on the market.
But I would agree with the overall point that the Reds hitters in the system have been underwhelming. I'm not surprised Hendrick has struggled as he had big swing and miss concerns as a draft prospect. Hinds was the same way. Barrero has had a hellish year for the most part but he also dominated at that level last year, so that one is hard to figure out. I have to assume he's better than what he's shown. He'll likely be getting regular playing time in Cincinnati soon after the trade deadline so he needs to show something in those games.
Was hoping McClain would go to AAA in August ahead of a Sept Reds call up. Lower .230s BA doesn't offer confidence, Reds have too many .220-.240 "hitters" as is.
De La Cruz seems to be the only minor leaguer moving in the right direction. Will the Reds call him up post trade deadline?
Don't think so, I would say he stays in Chattanooga the rest of the year. He's four years younger than the league average there so this should be a good challenge for him. If he excels in Chattanooga to close this season then I would think he'll make his debut in Cincinnati at some point next season.
Agreed. It would be selling low right now. A lot like the times when the Reds were hoping to use Senzel as an attractive piece in a trade package. That ship as sailed a long time ago with him. McLain is having a similar season to other top SS prospects like Volpe/Peraza and hold out hope he snaps out of it soon. Barrero, the time is now and really no excuse for the Reds in rebuild mode to keep him in AAA. It proves nothing. Like I've said multiple times and Welsh has alluded, I believe complacency has set in with Jose.
There have been good developments in the system as well, though. Alex McGarry is probably going to hit 30 homers combined between High-A and Double-A. Daniel Vellojin just got promoted to Chattanooga after having a good half season in Dayton. Cerda is off to a slow start in Chattanooga but he's only been there for about three weeks.
But it's a good bet that much of the return for Mahle and Castillo will be position players. I'm also holding out hope that the Reds can get Dylan Crews in next year's draft as he seems like the clear cut best college position player in next year's class.
But it's a good bet that much of the return for Mahle and Castillo will be position players. I'm also holding out hope that the Reds can get Dylan Crews in next year's draft as he seems like the clear cut best college position player in next year's class.
Normally I would agree with you but the fact he participated in Reds spring training this year indicated to me they could be at least thinking about fast tracking him. Brief Sept call up then break camp next spring wouldn't surprise me. Question becomes where do they play him if Reds obtain top NYY SS prospect in Castillo trade?
Article on the Reds site about moving Tyler Stephenson to 1B. Lots of people calling for it, but the idiots in the Front office have no plans to do it. Article says Votto is trenched at 1B at least through 2023. With the DH being implemented that isn't the case. Him and TS could basically platoon at 1B and both still play everyday with the other being the DH.
https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/tyler-stephenson-s-potential-use-at-first-base
https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/tyler-stephenson-s-potential-use-at-first-base
And so it begins.
Liked Naquin, left handed bat with occasional power and a nice arm. Good get for the Mets.
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Definitely! Got a steal Got him for a low level minor leagues with Jose Acuna & Hector Rodriguez. A LH versatile outfielder with some pop. On a contender he could be the missing piece in a role as a starter or off the bench with lineup protection around him made him a coveted piece. Wish that lineup was still the Reds like last season. Left us on a good note with that home run yesterday.
Elly De La Cruz hit a 512-foot homer, tripled and also stole home (on a pickoff to first base) in last night's game.
Not sure about Acuna, but seems to be a good pickup. He's only 19 so still a couple of years away, but he has a 2.67 ERA in single A ball so that's nothing to sneeze at. Rodriguez has a .321 batting avg. as a professional in the Florida Complex league. That's with 234 career AB's so a pretty good sample size to know it's not a fluke. He's only 18 as well so a few years away too, but possibly a good bat that we hope can be close to a .300 hitter down the road. Hate to see Naquin go, but in reality, on a contender, he's a role player. not an everyday kind of player if you're chasing pennants. I'm sure that's how the Mets will use him, for quality bench depth.
As of right now, they did not even give up a Top 50 prospect in the Mets pipeline so my expectations are tempered until they get out of the low levels of the minors & rookie ball.
Not so sure Naquin is just bench depth with New York given their outfield situation. Outside of Marte, it's not exactly a bunch of world beaters with Brandon Nimmo & Mark Canha right now and they were looking to dump Jeff McNeill before the season started.
Good move if you're the Mets looking to solidify the lineup adding a lefty with power that plays all over the outfield. Will be a huge upgrade when they get fed up with Daniel Vogelbach at DH. The kind of trade you make that doesn't break the bank who certainly weren't doing the Reds any 'favors' and the kind of trade with low risk you are comfortable with if you're New York having all of their top prospects still in play for a Luis Castillo or Juan Soto. We'll see what these 2 minor leaguers do in time after they get some seasoning and advance to higher levels in the organization.
At DH, the Mets currently have Vogelbach, JD Davis .236 with 3 HRs & 20 RBIs and Domonic Smith .194 0 HRs and 17 RBIs. Their outfield situation includes the PED-user Starling Marte, Nimmo/Canha & Naquin all have lateral numbers but the move gives them an additional left-handed bat in the lineup which is the main thing to consider in his value. A commodity at the deadline for teams in the mix without breaking the bank. A plus over former Red Travis Jankowski and apparently the Mets tried to deal McNeil to Cincy for a pitcher over the offseason and even the Reds said no. Imagine that!
Hate it for the hometown kid but it's interesting how Phillip Diehl was the random chosen piece in the deal for minor league depth. Will miss Naquin. A diamond in the rough that fell in the Reds lap and within their budget. He blossomed in Cincinnati with solid power numbers in regular playing time. A great fit on the 2021 team and belongs on a contender like Solano, Drury etc who I expect to be moved as well.
At DH, the Mets currently have Vogelbach, JD Davis .236 with 3 HRs & 20 RBIs and Domonic Smith .194 0 HRs and 17 RBIs. Their outfield situation includes the PED-user Starling Marte, Nimmo/Canha & Naquin all have lateral numbers but the move gives them an additional left-handed bat in the lineup which is the main thing to consider in his value. A commodity at the deadline for teams in the mix without breaking the bank. A plus over former Red Travis Jankowski and apparently the Mets tried to deal McNeil to Cincy for a pitcher over the offseason and even the Reds said no. Imagine that!
Hate it for the hometown kid but it's interesting how Phillip Diehl was the random chosen piece in the deal for minor league depth. Will miss Naquin. A diamond in the rough that fell in the Reds lap and within their budget. He blossomed in Cincinnati with solid power numbers in regular playing time. A great fit on the 2021 team and belongs on a contender like Solano, Drury etc who I expect to be moved as well.
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Reds roster come Mon will look like Louisville's. Castillo/Mahle are a given. But I look for Solano, Drury, Pham, Farmer to go. Just hope they get more than they got for Naquin.
Then there's this...Justin Dunn gave up 6 runs in 3 IP last night in AAA, ERA now north of 7.
Hoping they get more too and don't settle on the returns with the contributors that Reds have who will help many teams in the playoff mix. Low A Ball/FCL is awfully early to get excited about and now have the Reds inept organization at developing prospects, in particular the position players.
I can see it now, dead weight Friedl & Fraley back in the fold after losing Pham in the OF too. Almora likely would've been dealt had he not been injured. Anything this FO does worries me. Seems like for any good trade they make, at least 3 undo it. I doubt there's a team desperate/stupid enough to take on Mike Minor which is a shame he's been a bust as lefty option in the rotation as his only value but of course the Reds make that move only after releasing Miley. Conflicted about Jeff Hoffman. He's settled into a nice role in long relief and would be glad to have him back next year. He is a FA at the end of the season though. If Cincinnati could get a serviceable catcher and a reliever, I'd be all for packaging multiple of the players together to get a return that benefits Cincinnati.
As far as Justin Dunn, that's rough...At AAA and age 27 in September, how long do you use the excuse been out all-season or when do you start worrying about damaged goods? I guess we'll know sooner than later. Originally thought Dunn could have offered something in the 2nd half but clearly isn't ready yet.
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Hasn't been mentioned but I think Detwiler, if healthy, and Buck Farmer could be an add on in a trade. Detwiler has age on him, has been dinged but Rent-a-Lefty for half a year to a contender could happen.
FWIW, mlb.com saying Castillo to Yankees, Blue Jays, Dodgers. Drury to Braves, Dodgers, White Sox. Last I saw on Mahle was likely to Twins. I just hope they get something of value in return.
The Dodgers #1 & Orioles #3 rated farm systems. Would be my preference for a trade. Saw where the Yankees are showing some interest in the Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez. I don't know if that is a contingency plan if someone else gets Castillo, going all in with their prospects on Soto or think he'll be cheaper than Castillo with Judge's FA looming.
The Dodgers/Yankees/Padres all will definitely entertain a pursuit of Soto at the deadline or over the winter like many big market teams and you can bet he will clean out the farm system. The best deal may not be from the team with the most quality prospects in return but my main concern is who will offer the best package. Definitely can see some of those teams holding back top prospects if seriously considering Juan Soto. Teams need to **** or get off the pot when it comes to Castillo and Cincinnati can't play the waiting game while teams chase Soto or anyone else on the trading block.
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I'd think all these current Reds players about to be traded are looking forward to getting out of Cincy to an organization that cares about winning.
Anyone on this team too old for a rebuild and 3-4 years down the road when the Reds could realistically contend again should all be made available. Only exception I would make coming from a fan perspective is if Votto wants to finish his career here. I know his contract is killing the Reds and need to free up 1B plus it would be great for him to win before retiring. The DH spot in the NL is huge at this stage of his career.
However, he's earned the right to finish out his contract on his terms and as a Reds fan perspective (not the business perspective) this one would sting to see wear another jersey. At the end of the day, Votto & Moustakas can't be moved with those contracts and age.
However, he's earned the right to finish out his contract on his terms and as a Reds fan perspective (not the business perspective) this one would sting to see wear another jersey. At the end of the day, Votto & Moustakas can't be moved with those contracts and age.
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You would think in most cases, but Kyle Farmer more or less said on Jim Day's podcast that he didn't want to get dealt because he likely wouldn't play every day for another team.