The Cincinnati Reds are expected to attempt to make moves during the current offseason that will allow them to compete next season. However, as one of their players has likely reached his peak trade value, it may make sense to move him in order to solve other issues on the roster.
Scooter Gennett earned his first All-Star game appearance last season as he compiled 56 XBHs, 86 Rs, and 92 RBI. With only two more years of team control remaining, Gennett has yet to sign an extension. Due to this, the Reds may be interested in moving him while his value is very high.
As Gennett holds a career slash-line of .289/.331/.456, he would provide a tremendous boost to the Cubs lineup. To make him even more appealing, Gennett was able to compile a .310 batting average last season alongside an .847 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Despite the two teams being in the same division, it is possible that they could come together for a mutually beneficial trade. After all, the front office of the Reds has made it clear that they are looking for additional starting pitching and the Cubs have a surplus in that area.
For example, during the 2018 season, the Cubs used twelve different starting pitchers. Even though the team recently traded Drew Smyly to the Texas Rangers, he was not included in that number due to missing each of the last two seasons. However, with Cole Hamels back in the fold, the Cubs could look to move either Jose Quintana or Mike Montgomery in order to make vast improvements to their offense.
The inclusion of one of these two pitchers could then create a base for a trade to bring in elite offense in the form of Gennett. Even though it would be difficult for the Cubs to move one of these pitchers, if they receive a bounce back year from Tyler Chatwood and/or Yu Darvish, this could very well turn out to be a great move for the North Side of Chicago.