Cincinnati Reds: What Shed Long trade means for Scooter Gennett

The Cincinnati Reds traded their prospective second baseman of the future in Shed Long. Does that mean that an extension could be in the works for Scooter Gennett?

Being placed on waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers may have been the best thing to ever happen to Scooter Gennett. He was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds prior to Opening Day in 2017, inserted into the starting lineup, and developed into a star. In his two years with the Reds, Gennett has produced a combined .303/.351/.508 batting line, hitting 50 homers as he has established himself as one of the preeminent power hitters of the position.

While Gennett had been a cornerstone for the offense over the past two years, the Reds had their second baseman of the future rising through the minors. Shed Long had established himself as one of their top prospects, a former catcher who had worked to become the sixth best second base prospect according to MLB.com. His power potential, ability to hit to all fields, and solid eye at the plate made him an intriguing option, and one that could replace Gennett in the future.

Instead, Long has been traded, sent to the Mariners as part of the three team deal that brought Sonny Gray to Cincinnati. The heir apparent at second is no longer in the system, and other potential option for second, Alex Blandino, appears to be more of a utility player. The future at second base for the Reds now appears to be in flux.

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Or is it? The Reds have been interested in extending Gennett before, holding preliminary talks with their second baseman in July. However, the Reds were not exactly close to an extension, with general manager Dick Williams saying in December that the Reds preferred payroll flexibility and that no extensions would be forthcoming.

Now, the calendar has flipped. 2018 is over, and while nothing has been announced regarding any extensions, one has to wonder what the Reds strategy is for Gennett. He is slated for free agency at the end of this season, but the Reds no longer have that guaranteed option behind him. Unless Cincinnati feels that Nick Senzel will perform well at second, they do not have an internal option to replace Gennett.

Even though there have not been any rumblings on an extension between Gennett and the Reds since, that does not mean that talks have not been revisited. It is possible that with this trade, not only are the Reds adding a long term piece to their rotation, but getting a sense for the future at second as well – a future that could include Gennett beyond the 2019 campaign.

The Cincinnati Reds will need a long term answer at second base. With the trade of Shed Long, it may be that they consider Scotter Gennett to be that player.