The Cincinnati Reds faced a letdown in their 2024 season, particularly regarding their offense. Although they have included Gavin Lux in their roster, they were on the brink of a larger transaction this week. Reports emerged that Luis Robert Jr. was close to joining the Reds, but negotiations with the White Sox broke down. They acquired Austin Hays but need to make a larger move as a reaction. The Reds ought to acquire Mike Yastrzemski from the San Francisco Giants.
Yastrzemski is 34 years old and will be entering unrestricted free agency following this season. Since there is only one year of team control and he is moving past his prime, the cost would be significantly less than Robert’s. It also provides them with an option after this year if Robert becomes a free agent or is open to another trade. The Reds ought to pursue this agreement aware that it won’t significantly affect the long term.
The Giants are expected to be in a competitive phase with their major acquisition of Willy Adames, yet they have numerous outfielders. With Jung-hoo Lee, LaMonte Wade Jr., Luis Matos, and Jerar Encarnacion, they ought to be covered in outfield positions. Additionally, they might acquire a free agent outfielder such as Harrison Bader or Michael A. Taylor, who excel at defense. Dealing Yastrzemski would spark debate but might improve their prospects going forward.
The Reds possess one of the most robust prospect pipelines in the league that the Giants ought to pursue. It’ll be merely one person relocating to San Francisco, yet it’s an opportunity for Buster Posey to launch his inaugural home run as team president. Outfielder Hector Rodriguez is 20 years old and plays in high-A ball. In the distant future, he might become a standout outfielder for the Giants and a significant trade asset if the team is competitive.
The Reds possess a youthful roster that is positioned to compete for the NL playoffs in the near future. Though the upper tier of the National League is packed, there is space in the Wild Card contention for Cincinnati to make a move. However, achieving that requires a steady, experienced offense. Yastrzemski can deliver that and has done so each year. Additionally, Cincinnati is among the simplest parks to access.
The chilly climate and breezy days in the bay rank Oracle Park in San Francisco as the 26th toughest park for hitting, according to Baseball Savant. Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark ranks as the third-easiest venue, according to their park factor statistic. The only simpler venues are Coors Field, which gains from its altitude, and Fenway Park.
In his six-year career, Yastrzemski has achieved an OPS+ exceeding 100 in five seasons. Exhibiting above-average hitting in San Francisco would bode well for the Reds, as he would turn into a key component of the batting order. Although Elly De La Cruz would remain the center of focus, Yastrzemski would climb higher on a pitcher’s scouting report as a series approached. Incorporating him as a key part of the lineup is bold but may be beneficial.
Next year, the Reds are expected to be one of the youngest teams in the league, featuring all the young players in the infield. De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte are each 25 years old or younger and should be vying for starting roles. Lux, 27 years old, possesses two World Series rings, adding experience to the team.
This wouldn’t be the most exciting trade the Reds might pursue, particularly in light of the Robert speculation. However, Yastrzemski could assist them in 2025 and possibly end their playoff drought.
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