REPORT: Cincinnati Reds reveals club blockbuster trade for slugger fanbase has desperately hoped for
Despite making several solid moves this week, the Cincinnati Reds were reportedly close to landing a major impact player—exactly the kind of addition fans have been hoping for this offseason.
MLB’s offseason has been highly eventful, featuring record-breaking contracts and blockbuster trades. However, the Reds were largely inactive during the first two months, frustrating fans who expected big moves, especially after reports in November suggested the front office was looking to bolster the roster for new manager Terry Francona.
Recently, Cincinnati has been much more active, signing free-agent outfielder Austin Hays, adding veteran left-hander Wade Miley on a minor-league deal, and trading for lefty reliever Taylor Rogers. However, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the team was also close to acquiring a high-impact American League player.
Luis Robert’s 2024 stats: .224 AVG, .278 OBP, .379 SLG, .657 OPS, 14 HR, 35 RBI, 47 R.
The Cincinnati Reds almost traded for Luis Robert Jr.?
According to insiders, the Reds were in serious talks with the Chicago White Sox to acquire outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but negotiations ultimately fell apart over financial concerns.
“The teams did not resolve how much of Robert’s salary the White Sox would have paid,” reported The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. Cincinnati also discussed including infield prospect Edwin Arroyo—who missed all of last season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder—but in the end, the Reds weren’t comfortable with the total cost.
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Robert, a 27-year-old former All-Star, is under contract for six years at $50 million. He is set to earn $15 million next season, with $20 million club options for the following two years, each carrying a $2 million buyout. While he displayed elite power in 2023 with 38 home runs and 80 RBIs, his production dipped in 2024, possibly due to injury setbacks.