I’m going to be honest. I had two blog posts ready to be published last week before all hell broke loose. The first one described why I thought it made sense for the Reds to keep Tyler Mahle. The Reds then traded Sonny Gray. The second one was a reaction to the Reds trading Sonny Gray. The Reds then traded Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez. So I will give my thoughts on pretty much everything that’s happened over the last week.

Reds trade RHP Sonny Gray to Twins in exchange for RHP Chase Petty.

I thought this might happen. I knew the Reds would probably be slashing payroll and this felt likely. I won’t say I hate this trade. You can argue that this trade is entirely reasonable. Sonny Gray was a good pitcher for the Reds, but he’s not very durable and isn’t getting any younger. I understand it from that aspect. I just feel that the return is light. Chase Petty is a top-five prospect in the Reds system right now. He has an electric arm and high upside, but he’s still at least four years away from contributing at the major league level. He’s a risk, but at least he’s talented. I wanted more for Sonny Gray, but all in all, it’s fine.

Reds trade OF Jesse Winker and 3B Eugenio Suarez to the Mariners in exchange for OF Jake Fraley, RHP Justin Dunn, LHP Brandon Williamson, and a Player to be named later.

A bombshell. A stunner. A jaw-dropper. Call it whatever you want, but I didn’t want to believe this happened. It felt like a gut-punch. Reds GM Nick Krall said the Reds didn’t want to attach prospects to move a large contract. He didn’t lie. He only attached an All-star outfielder in the middle of his prime coming off his best season. I don’t get it. You were already losing Castellanos, and now you blow up the middle of the lineup. Parting with Suarez isn’t as difficult because of his struggles the last two years, but at what cost? Winker isn’t a perfect player, but he’s a damn good hitter. I just don’t get it.

As for the players we got back, I can’t even pretend to get super excited. Jake Fraley is a friend of my podcast (humble brag), and he’ll hit righties well. He’s a decent platoon option. Justin Dunn is injured right now and hasn’t been able to throw strikes in the big leagues. Brandon Williamson enters the organization as the No. 4 prospect in the Reds system. Maybe it’s not a bad return, but I don’t like the price we had to pay.

Reds trade LHP Amir Garrett to Royals in exchange for LHP Mike Minor and cash considerations

On the surface (no, I’m not calm nor ready), this trade is fine. I like Amir Garrett, but he stunk last year. He was a wildly frustrating pitcher. I don’t mind Mike Minor as he’s essentially Wade Miley. However, the Reds are on the hook for most of Minor’s 10-million dollar contract this year. If that’s the case then why not keep Wade Miley or Sonny Gray? It’s not a trade worth getting upset over, but it’s just perplexing. I need a drink.

Reds sign IF Donovan Solano to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.

This is a move I can get behind. “Donny Barrels” can hit. He slashed .280/.344/.404 last year. He won the Silver Slugger in 2020 at second base. I have no clue where he will play. Maybe third base? some outfield? I can get behind this move though.

Reds sign 1B Colin Moran to a one-year deal worth $1 million.

Captain Red Beard is a Red. I’ll take it? Once again, I don’t know where he fits in. I can see him as a bench bat against righties. Colin Moran is not a bad hitter. He’s a wretched fielder, and he couldn’t hit lefties with an ironing board, but it’s a low-risk sign.

What’s Next?

Nick Krall said they aren’t trading Luis Castillo or Tyler Mahle. I’m pretty surprised by that. I don’t know what the plan is for this franchise. They say they aren’t rebuilding, but they are cutting payroll and they are trying to save face with minor moves to do the bare minimum. I could see them adding a left-handed reliever. Perhaps, a reunion with Johnny Cueto is in the cards? I don’t know, but my brain is in a pretzel.

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