The Cincinnati Reds missed out on Kyle Schwarber, and they may not want to shell out quite that much money for another free agent.
But they apparently aren't done, either, and may instead turn their eyes toward a big trade.
Two players are in the Reds' vision, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal:
- Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte
- Tampa Bay Rays star Brandon Lowe
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"Among the trade possibilities they are considering, according to sources briefed on their conversations: Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, who is owed $102.5 million over the next six seasons, including $41 million deferred; and Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who will make $11.5 million in the final year of his contract," Rosenthal wrote.
Marte would definitely cost more in a trade than Lowe.
"A deal for Marte would require the Reds to part with top young talent, something they are reluctant to do, and possibly offload a player such as second baseman Gavin Lux, who is projected to earn $5 million in arbitration," Rosenthal writes. "Marte’s contract, though, is not considered onerous. The Rays also have discussed a trade for him, and potentially could include Lowe in such a deal, or spin him to another club."
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The report from The Athletic also says the Reds are still looking at other free agents and may be involved in as many as a "dozen" directions.
It's a bit different than the reporting just from a day ago that suggested missing Schwarber would lead to a relatively conservative approach.
Sounds like the Reds are still trying to make noise after all.
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