The Cincinnati Reds are in a spot that’s all too familiar for teams on the cusp: they need offense, specifically a reliable bat that won’t break the bank. The problem?
Productive, affordable hitters don’t exactly grow on trees - especially not ones that teams are eager to part with. Most are still under team control, and in today’s MLB, that kind of asset is gold.
So what’s the move? Instead of chasing another buy-low veteran or trying to fix the lineup with a misfit piece, the Reds might want to think a little bigger - and a little younger.
There’s a potential opportunity brewing out west, thanks to a recent blockbuster trade involving the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals.
Nolan Arenado is heading to the desert, and that move may have created a logjam that could benefit Cincinnati.
Jordan Lawlar: The Odd Man Out in Arizona
Jordan Lawlar isn’t just another prospect. He’s 23, a former top-15 guy on MLB Pipeline’s top-100 list, and one of the most hyped infielders in recent memory.
But despite all that talent, he’s stuck in neutral. The Diamondbacks have no clear place to play him - and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Arizona recently made it clear that Ketel Marte isn’t going anywhere. He’s off the trade block and under contract through 2030.
At shortstop, Geraldo Perdomo just posted a staggering 7.1 fWAR season and is locked in through 2029. And now with Arenado in the fold at third, the infield is set for the foreseeable future.
That leaves Lawlar in a tough spot. Since 2024, he’s appeared in just 42 MLB games, logging 108 plate appearances and struggling to a .165/.241/.237 slash line.
That’s not the kind of production you expect from a top prospect, but the sporadic playing time hasn’t helped. He’s been used mostly as an injury fill-in, and that kind of role doesn’t allow a young player to find his rhythm.
But in the minors? Lawlar’s numbers tell a different story.
In 63 games for Triple-A Reno last season, he slashed .313/.403/.564 with 11 homers and 20 stolen bases. That’s the kind of all-around production - power, speed, plate discipline - that makes scouts salivate.
The tools are clearly there. What he needs is a chance to show it consistently at the big-league level.
Why the Reds Could Be a Perfect Fit
This is where Cincinnati comes in. The Reds have a clear need for more offensive firepower, and while Lawlar doesn’t fit perfectly into their current infield alignment, his upside might be too good to pass up.
Even after moving Gavin Lux, the Reds still have a crowded infield picture. But talent like Lawlar’s is worth making room for.
One intriguing idea? Slide Elly De La Cruz to the outfield - a move that’s been floated before - and let Lawlar take over at shortstop.
It’s bold, sure, but the Reds aren’t in a position to play it safe. Another option would be to use Lawlar as a versatile super-utility guy, rotating him through second, short, third, and designated hitter.
The key is getting his bat in the lineup and giving him a chance to grow.
What Arizona Needs - and What the Reds Can Offer
Arizona’s all-in move for Arenado signals they’re serious about contending in 2026. But if they’re going to make a deep run, they’ll need to shore up their rotation - especially with ace Corbin Burnes likely out for the year after Tommy John surgery.
Merrill Kelly is still steady, but he’s 37. Ryne Nelson has promise but only one full season of real production.
The rest of the rotation - Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka - all carry question marks, whether it’s performance, health, or both.
That’s where the Reds can make this deal interesting. Cincinnati has a surplus of controllable starting pitching - a hot commodity in today’s trade market.
We’ve already seen flawed arms like Ryan Weathers fetch strong returns. That sets the stage for someone like Brady Singer or Nick Lodolo to headline a potential deal.
Singer, while on an expiring contract, could be a short-term fix. But if Arizona wants a long-term arm to anchor their rotation, Lodolo is the more appealing piece.
He’s young, under control, and has shown flashes of being a frontline starter when healthy. That kind of arm doesn’t come cheap, but Lawlar could be the kind of return that makes it worthwhile for both sides.
A Win-Win Trade Blueprint
This is the kind of deal that makes sense for both clubs. Arizona gets help for a shaky rotation without compromising their current infield core. Cincinnati gets a high-upside bat who could be part of their next great lineup - a long-term piece who brings athleticism, power, and versatility.
Yes, there would be some positional juggling involved. But the Reds’ priority right now should be adding offensive talent, not worrying about where everyone lines up on the field in January. Lawlar has the kind of ceiling that makes you rethink your depth chart.
And if he hits like he did in Triple-A, the Reds might just find themselves with a cornerstone player - the kind of move that turns a promising team into a real contender.