CLEVELAND, Ohio – Yasiel Puig is one of the many players that could be traded prior to Wednesday’s deadline. The Reds slugger is hitting .255 with 22 home runs and 60 RBI this season.
If Cincinnati is open to trading him, then the Indians should try to move him up I-71 for the remainder of the 2019 season. Puig will be a free agent at the end of the year.
The right-hander is exactly what the Indians need for their stretch run. His mix of power and athleticism would fit right in with the rest of the roster. Puig could hit cleanup and give the Tribe the right-handed power bat they've needed all season.
The Reds don’t have to deal Puig. In fact, some believe they could sign the 28-year-old to a contract extension this offseason. They could also make Puig a qualifying offer worth nearly $19 million for the 2020 season.
Cincinnati is six games below .500 (49-55) entering Tuesday, which means they could be sellers at the deadline. Puig has quickly become a fan favorite, but the organization has to consider trading him, unless they’re certain he’s going to stay around long-term.
The Indians are one of the many teams who should have interest in Puig. They shouldn’t part with a top prospect like Nolan Jones to get him, but that shouldn’t be the asking price for a veteran with a .305 on-base percentage. Puig comes with his baggage and some are concerned about his effort. Others wonder if he’d be a good fit in the Indians’ clubhouse?
Those are legitimate questions, but they also come with an easy answer. Terry Francona is a great manager, who relates to his guys and can handle different egos. He would get Puig to buy into the organization and the team, as they attempt to win their fourth straight American League Central Division title.
What move do you want the #Indians to make before Wednesday’s trade deadline?
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 30, 2019Francona would get the most out of Puig, who's one of the most talented players in the game. He’s a plus defender and would make the Indians’ lineup (1-through-5) as dangerous as any in the league.
The Indians could offer the Reds a young pitching prospect in the deal, especially with the way Zach Plesac has emerged as a legitimate Major League starting pitcher.
There's some speculation that Cincinnati is interested in trading reliever Amir Garrett, who's under team control for the next four seasons. If the Reds are willing to part with both Puig and Garrett, it could help them land a strong package from the Indians, that could include top prospect Triston McKenzie. A move like that would fit the Indians' goal of contending in 2019, while building for the future, even if it meant parting with one of their top prospects.
Puig may stay put, but if the Reds decide to deal him, the Indians are one of the many teams who should be interested.
