MLB Trade Rumors: Reds Finding Right Fit For Second Baseman Scooter Gennett

Second baseman Scooter Gennett is still with the Cincinnati Reds, but this could change soon. A team may soon step forward to absorb the 28-year-old’s contract and take the risk of losing him next season.

Gennett is actually part of the strong position players for the Reds alongside Joey Votto and Eugenio Suarez. According to CBS Sports, the second baseman hit .310/.357/.490 (124 OPS+) with 23 home runs in 2018. And while there are a lot of second base options in the free agent market, Bennet is seen to be a slightly better option to the field.

So with someone like him, why are the Reds looking to deal him off? One reason is that both sides are nowhere close a contract extension and the fact that he is due to make $10.7 million next season through arbitration, MLB Trade Rumors reported.

While that is a lot of money to go by, it is also considered a big discount compared to the available talent in the free agent market. A good example would be Jed Lowrie and DJ LeMahieu, players who stand to receive multi-year contracts translating to eight figures annually.

And while Gennett is a natural second baseman who can also play third base and the corner outfields, the questions surrounding his future with the teams is what perhaps worries general manager Dick Williams. Also, by dealing him off, this opens the position to top prospect Nick Senzel and open doors to possibly sign someone like Josh Harrison, The Athletic reported.

There are several potential landing spots for Gennett. The list includes the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals.

The Yankees top the list mainly because they do need a midfielder. He would be a big help, giving the Yankees a boost in the position with Didi Gregorius recovering from Tommy John surgery and Ronald Torreyes exiting.

Second on the list is the Brewers, ironically a team he played for two years ago. Gennett was released on waivers, a decision that Milwaukee may have regretted. With the 28-year-old enjoying a successful run, he could be a vital piece for the team which is contending right now.

If not the Yankees or the Brewers, the Nationals could take Gennett in. They do have an opening for a second baseman, making him a perfect fit. It all depends on whether general manager Mike Rizzo finds a way to make it happen, meaning he will need to find the right mix of resources to land Gennett.