Latest News: 1 Trade Cincinnati Reds Must Make During Offseason…..
As the 2024 Major League Baseball season winds down, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves at an important crossroads. After years of rebuilding, the Reds have shown flashes of promise, with young talent like Elly De La Cruz, Jonathan India, and Hunter Greene emerging as core pieces of the franchise’s future. However, while there is a lot of hope and excitement surrounding their development, the Reds are still in the process of building a competitive roster capable of consistently contending for a playoff spot. The offseason presents a crucial opportunity for the Reds to accelerate their competitive window, and one area where they could make a significant impact is through a strategic trade.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the one trade the Cincinnati Reds must make during the offseason in order to enhance their chances of competing in 2025 and beyond.
The Case for Acquiring an Experienced Starting Pitcher
When evaluating the Reds’ roster, one glaring need becomes evident: pitching depth. While the Reds have several talented young pitchers in their rotation, including Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft, they lack the kind of veteran presence and consistency that a true contender needs in its rotation. With a promising young core of position players like De La Cruz and India, the Reds need to make sure that their pitching staff is both stable and effective moving forward. Acquiring a proven veteran starting pitcher should be at the top of their to-do list this offseason.
There are several reasons why the Reds should focus on adding an experienced starting pitcher via trade. First and foremost, while Greene and Lodolo offer a high ceiling, they are still developing and have shown inconsistency. Greene’s fastball and strikeout ability are undeniable, but he still needs to improve his command and consistency, particularly with his secondary pitches. Lodolo has shown flashes of brilliance but has been hampered by injuries, and Ashcraft, though solid, has also had his struggles. The Reds need an ace-like presence to anchor the rotation and take some of the pressure off their young arms.
Additionally, a veteran pitcher could help guide the younger pitchers through the trials of a full MLB season. Their experience in big games and ability to handle adversity is crucial for a team looking to take the next step. With such a key hole in their pitching staff, the Reds need to look for an experienced arm who can slot into the rotation and provide stability, reliability, and a winning mentality.
Potential Trade Targets for the Reds
Several potential trade targets could help the Reds fulfill this need for a veteran starter. While the market is deep with talent, the Reds will need to be strategic, looking for players who fit their budget and timeline. Here are a few names that could make sense for Cincinnati:
1. Lucas Giolito (Los Angeles Angels)
A former All-Star with the Chicago White Sox, Lucas Giolito was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, but his tenure with the team may not last long. Giolito has been a solid mid-rotation starter for most of his career, with a career ERA of 4.12. His strikeout rate and ability to generate weak contact make him a reliable option in any rotation. With the Angels unlikely to contend for the postseason in 2025, Giolito could be available for trade, and the Reds should be interested.
Why Giolito fits: With his established track record, Giolito could slot into the Reds’ rotation as a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter behind Greene. His durability (averaging over 30 starts per year since 2019) and experience in the American
