Cincinnati Reds Reportedly Interested in Top Trade Candidate This Winter

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, the Cincinnati Reds are interested in pursuing Tyler Glasnow on the trade market.

The pitching market continued to move on Monday morning when it was reported that free agent Sonny Gray is headed to the St. Louis Cardinals on a three-year deal. 

This means that the Cardinals, who finished last in the National League Central last season, have scooped up Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn this offseason as they look to rebuild their rotation.

Now, the division-rival Cincinnati Reds are figuring out what to do for a response as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. 

Per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

According to a source, the Reds were pursuing Sonny Gray and were close before he went to the Cardinals on a reported 3-year, $75 million deal. 

Reds also have interest in Tyler Glasnow of the Rays. He's owed $25M in '24. TB is not wanting to rebuild and seeks MLB-ready starter.

According to a source, the Reds were pursuing Sonny Gray and were close before he went to the Cardinals on a reported 3-year, $75 million deal.

Reds also have interest in Tyler Glasnow of the Rays. He's owed $25M in '24. TB is not wanting to rebuild and seeks MLB-ready starter.

— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) November 27, 2023

Let's start with some of the logistics: 

1) The Reds are a team that has money, but they aren't know to spend big in free agency. As a result of that, the trade market is likely more appealing to them. While Glasnow's deal is large for one season, it's certainly more appealing than spending $100+ on a long-term free agent. Acquiring Glasnow would allow the Reds to get better in 2024 but also maintain flexibility for the future.

2) The Reds do have young starters that would appeal to the Rays - but those same starters also appeal to the Reds and would be hard to move. Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson and Andrew Abbott have all made their major league debuts and all can be part of the Reds' rotation next year as well. Cincinnati is likely looking to add to that group, not take away from it.

3) The Reds do have an immensely popular trade candidate in Jonathan India, but it's unknown whether or not the Rays need a second baseman.

Glasnow went 10-7 this past season with a 3.53 ERA. He made 21 starts after coming back from injury.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.