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The Cincinnati Reds are bursting at the seams like a dam that is about to break. Between injuries, a dismal offense and early bullpen struggles, it should not be shocking to find the Reds in the position they are. Presumed to be deadline sellers, other teams such as the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees have been reported to have scouted Cincinnati pitcher Johnny Cueto.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I believed the Reds would probably at least inquire about Yankees’ Aaron Judge or Jorge Mateo. If New York isn’t willing to part with either prospect, the Reds should turn their attention to Detroit. The Reds’ need for a leadoff hitter and shortstop makes me wonder if they would ever consider inquiring about Tigers’ shortstop Jose Iglesias.
Iglesias, 25, is in his third year in the majors and is currently hitting .341 with an on-base percentage of .392. What is even better is that he is just as good defensively as he is offensively. While the Reds will lose power compared to Zack Cozart, the acquisition of Iglesias would give them a dual threat shortstop. In fact, take a look of a comparison of Iglesias and Cozart:
Iglesias: 54 games / .341 avg. /.392 OBP. / 1 HR / 8 RBI’s / Fielding % .985
Cozart: 53 games /.258 avg. / .310 OBP. / 9 HR’s / 28 RBI’s / Fielding % .986
Acquiring Iglesias makes a lot of sense for the Reds, who are looking for another everyday player who can both hit and get on base. Ultimately, Cincinnati hold an ace pitcher many covet and the Reds are not just going to give Cueto away for nothing. Would asking for Iglesias be asking for too much? Possibly, but teams will never know who they can get if they don’t ask in the first place.
Chad Troyan is a baseball and football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
