Cincinnati Reds should trade for this shortstop

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field on September 22, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Rays 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field on September 22, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Rays 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Reds need a long term answer at shortstop. It just so happens that the New York Mets have a possible answer.

The Cincinnati Reds have been heavily featured in trade rumors. They are reportedly listening to offers for Sonny Gray, and are actively seeking a new shortstop. Ideally, the Reds would be able to make both happen at the same time, where they could move Gray and get that long term piece they need at short.

Enter the New York Mets. While the front office has indicated that they do not expect to be active when it comes to trades, they do have an interesting option. Amed Rosario, who had once appeared to be the shortstop of the future, has been pushed aside, leaving his future in flux.

As it currently stands, the Mets want Rosario to learn multiple positions, becoming their super utility man, although nothing has been said to him personally. Andres Gimenez has seemingly replaced him at short, although the Indians are hoping that New York gets involved in the Francisco Lindor trade talks. Rosario does not seem to have a place with the Mets any longer.

But he would have a starting job in Cincinnati. Rosario would be a long term answer at short as he is under team control for three more seasons. At just 25 years old, he also has plenty of room for growth, and could develop into a key part of the Reds future.

In 2019, it seemed that would be the case with the Mets. Rosario had posted a solid .287/.323/.432 batting line with 15 homers and 19 steals in his 655 plate appearences. However, that production cratered last year, as he posted .252/.287/.371 batting line with four homers in 147 plate appearances. He drew just four walks and was thrown out on his only attempt to steal.

Rosario would certainly appear to need a change of scenery at this point. Moving to a team where he has a starting role locked up and is not looking over his shoulder could get him back on track. He is a perfect buy-low candidate, and a piece that the Reds could count on for the long term.

The Cincinnati Reds need a shortstop. Amed Rosario does not have a place with the New York Mets, but he could be the perfect fit for the Reds.