The Cincinnati Reds are facing uncertainty at third base, and it’s clear why: their options are underwhelming, and there’s one major upgrade they should pursue through trade.
Noelvi Marte’s PED suspension has set back his development significantly. Before the ban, Marte was on fire, boasting a 16-game hitting streak and looking like the Reds’ future at third. But after his return, everything fell apart—his bat went cold, his defense faltered, and he struggled to get on base. It was a complete regression.
The alternatives don’t offer much more hope. Santiago Espinal has shown flashes, but he’s been inconsistent, especially when compared to what Marte was expected to contribute. The Reds don’t seem too keen on Jeimer Candelario manning third, and while Gavin Lux has been mentioned as a potential option, he’s never played the position at the MLB level.
There’s a scenario where Matt McLain’s shoulder is healthy, allowing him to play shortstop, and Elly De La Cruz could shift to third. However, that’s more of a hopeful thought than a concrete solution.
So, what’s the answer? A trade. The Reds have been linked to several third base options, and while some names, like Alex Bregman, are out of the question, there are a few trade targets worth considering: Alec Bohm, Luis Rengifo, Jace Jung, and Josh Smith. After weighing the cost and fit, Jace Jung stands out as the top choice.
Jung is still under team control for several years and comes with an impressive scouting report, particularly at the plate. While his defense needs some work, it’s something that Reds manager Terry Francona could help him develop. The big upside is that Jung could be a core player in the lineup for years.
You might question whether Jung is available, but here’s the key: If the Reds offer the Tigers a pitching upgrade and Detroit signs Bregman as a free agent, a deal for Jung could be within reach. Plus, Jung would likely come at a lower cost compared to someone like Bohm, whose rumored trade price includes Spencer Steer and Nick Lodolo—far too high for a player who doesn’t quite warrant that kind of package.
A trade for Jung might only require a player like Lodolo, but there’s potential for a deal centered around a prospect package led by someone like Chase Petty, which would be an exciting option.
Ultimately, trading Lodolo would be dealing from a position of strength. If the Reds could flip pitching depth for a key infield piece, they would head into spring training with a stronger roster and plenty of momentum.