Real Deals: Top prospect targets on the Cincinnati Reds

As we near the seemingly imminent J.T. Realmuto trade, it is important to familiarize ourselves with some of the top prospects around the league that may end up on the Marlins in the return package. Remember, the main motivation for shopping him in the first place is to obtain controllable difference-makers who fit the franchise’s rebuilding timeline.

There are four major suitors remaining in the Realmuto sweepstakes, according to SiriusXM’s Craig Mish: the Reds, Padres, Dodgers and Braves. We will be taking a team-by-team look at which of their prospects are worthy of being the “centerpiece” in a deal involving the All-Star catcher.

We begin with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds have four clear players who fit the role of a centerpiece in any Realmuto trade. In addition, they have talented secondary pieces, such as SP Tony Santillan—rated as the #69 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America—who could sweeten the pot if attached to one of the following players.

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3B/2B Nick Senzel (Baseball America’s #10 Prospect)

The consensus top prospect in the Reds’ system, Senzel remains unlikely to be included in any Realmuto trade. Quite frankly, a trade including Senzel would likely be a one-for-one deal, and even at that point, I would still decline if I were the Reds.

Senzel is the definition of a five-tool player with plus hit, power, speed, arm, and fielding abilities. Additionally, he may be ready for the big leagues as early as Opening Day 2019.

Miami would likely have to include more outgoing talent to net a talent such as Senzel; something which I do not see happening.

3B Jonathan India (Baseball America’s #51 Prospect)

I am higher on India than some fellow writers. Similar to Senzel, India is also a five-tool prospect, but with a more conservative ceiling.

A University of Florida alum, India was selected 5^th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft for a reason for quite a few reasons. Primarily, his hit tool is as advanced as they come directly from the draft, and his power and fielding are not too far behind.

There is a strong belief that India can stay at third base at the major league level, and his film has made me a believer of that theory.

As for a Reds trade that would excite me? Pair India (#51) with Santillan (#69), then decide between a few lower-level prospects or Tucker Barnhart—if the Marlins insist on the inclusion of an MLB-ready player—and call it a day.

OF Taylor Trammell (Baseball America’s #33 Prospect)

Trammell is another gem in the Reds system, but make no mistake, there is nothing hidden about his abilities. He is a multi-dimensional prospect with the chance of becoming a superstar at the next level. An advanced hit tool, plus power, speed, and fielding places him near the top of the list when it comes to top outfield prospects.

So why is he below India on my list? Because with a Realmuto trade you want a talented but safe prospect in order to combat the variability in this farm system. Take a different approach than they did with the volatile Yelich package. Trammell is enticing, but also risky.

Let me clarify: you cannot go wrong with any of the four Reds being mentioned, but the safer choices are likely Senzel and India.

RHP Hunter Greene (Baseball America’s #57 Prospect)

You want high ceiling? You want the volatility? You want the greatest risk versus reward of the Reds system?

Then say hello to Hunter Greene. If things go right with Greene, he has a chance of being one of the more talented pitchers of this generation. I will repeat, one of the more talented pitchers of this generation.

After an elbow injury gave the Reds a scare, all reports indicate that the young righty is back and at full strength. That being said, for a prospect that already carried significant risk due to his profile presentation and command, an added elbow concern may be enough to make the Marlins shy away.

Let’s make a deal...

For this portion, I will present you with a trade scenario that my talented peer, Ian Smith, presented on Twitter:

As for me, I take the #51 and #69 prospect in baseball and run.

What do you say? Let me know in the comments! If not this trade, what do you believe a realistic trade with the Reds should look like?