The Cincinnati Reds are heading into the offseason with a clear objective: bolster the outfield depth and give center fielder TJ Friedl a bit more breathing room. Manager Terry Francona made it known early on that managing Friedl’s workload is a priority, and now there may be a compelling trade target emerging out of Houston - Jake Meyers.
The Astros are reportedly open to dealing Meyers, according to insiders, and they’re looking for something the Reds have in spades: controllable starting pitching. It’s a classic case of matching needs - and it just might make too much sense to ignore.
Jake Meyers: A Glove-First Center Fielder Coming Off a Breakout Year
Meyers turned heads in 2025, not just with the bat but especially with the glove. Offensively, he posted a .292/.354/.373 slash line - solid contact numbers, even if the power wasn’t eye-popping.
But where he really made his mark was defensively. In just over 100 games, he was worth 9 Outs Above Average (OAA), putting him among the elite defensive outfielders in the game.
That kind of glove plays anywhere, but it’s especially valuable on a Reds team that leaned heavily into defense last season. Adding Meyers would give Francona the flexibility to shift Friedl - whose skillset profiles better in left field - or even rotate the two in a center field platoon to keep both fresh and effective.
A Refined Approach at the Plate
One of the most encouraging signs from Meyers’ 2025 campaign was his plate discipline. Known earlier in his career as a free-swinger, Meyers made noticeable strides in cutting down his strikeouts.
His K-rate, whiff rate, and chase rate all ranked in the top 30% of the league, per Baseball Savant. That kind of growth is hard to ignore - it suggests he’s not just a glove-first guy anymore, but a more complete player who’s still trending up.
Financially, he’s also a fit. Meyers is entering the second year of arbitration and is projected to earn just $3.5 million in 2026. He’s under team control through the 2027 season, giving the Reds multiple years of value if they choose to make a move.
What Would It Take to Get Meyers?
This is where things get interesting. Houston wants a starting pitcher with multiple years of team control. That’s a big ask, and it’s fair to wonder how much the Reds should be willing to give up for Meyers, especially considering his track record before 2025 wasn’t exactly stellar.
Prior to his breakout, Meyers carried a .229/.292/.371 career slash line - numbers that suggest 2025 might’ve been more outlier than trend. That should absolutely factor into any trade calculus. It’s unlikely Cincinnati would part with a top-tier arm like Nick Lodolo or even promising rookie Rhett Lowder for a player with one strong season under his belt.
But there’s a middle ground here. Someone like Chase Petty - an MLB-ready pitching prospect with upside and years of control - could be the kind of piece that gets Houston’s attention without gutting Cincinnati’s rotation depth.
Why This Trade Makes Sense
This is the kind of move that checks a lot of boxes for both sides. The Reds need outfield depth and defensive stability.
The Astros need arms and are willing to move from a position of relative strength. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the type of savvy, roster-balancing deal that can quietly pay big dividends over a 162-game season.
Sure, the Reds could dip into free agency, but trades like this offer more control and often better value. If Cincinnati can land Meyers without touching their frontline starters, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move that strengthens the outfield and gives Francona the flexibility he’s looking for.
Bottom line: if the price is right, Jake Meyers could be a smart addition to a Reds team looking to take the next step.