Are the Reds seeking a short-term solution? So far this offseason, the Cincinnati Reds have declined to invest in free agency. This is standard operating procedure for the Reds. On occasion, Cincinnati will venture outside of its comfort zone, but the Reds mainly seek low-cost free agent targets or acquire high-level talent through trade.
The latter could be the best method for Cincinnati to improve their squad this winter. While obtaining controllable talent who is pre-arbitration eligible or on a long-term contract provides some stability, the Reds might consider one-year rentals. This would reduce the return to the other organization while effectively maintaining the top end of the Reds farm system.
Who are some one-year rentals that the Reds should consider this offseason? The Reds should target these one-year rentals in trade talks.
Mike Yastrzemski, a San Francisco Giants outfielder
The outfield poses a dilemma. Jake Fraley had a difficult season in 2024, TJ Friedl was never healthy, and Spencer Steer appeared lost at times in left field. While another left-handed hitter isn’t quite at the top of Nick Krall’s wish list this Christmas season, Mike Yastrzemski has some tantalizing power and routinely gets on base.
Yastrzemski’s chase rate was among the greatest in baseball last season, and his home run totals might surge away from Oracle Park. According to Baseball Savant, Yastrzemski would have hit 27 home runs in 2024 if he played all of his games at Great American.
Ball park. Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks’ third baseman.
The Arizona Diamondbacks scrapped any intentions to sign Eugenio Suárez this summer, but that doesn’t mean they intend to keep him in 2025. It was a wise decision on the part of Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen to pick up Suárez’s team option, but Arizona has plenty of infield depth.
With the Reds’ lack of offense and defense at the hot corner, reuniting with Geno should still be an option this offseason. Currently, the Reds plan to start the season with either Jeimer Candelario or Noelvi Marte at third base. Neither is a great option.
Lane Thomas, Cleveland Guardians’ outfielder
Lane Thomas, centerfielder for the Cleveland Guardians, is one of the most obvious matches for Cincinnati’s outfield. The former Washington Nationals standout was moved to Cleveland last summer and may be on the move again before Opening Day.
Thomas’ defense isn’t excellent, but his right-handed swing would complement the left-handed pair of Friedl and Fraley. The Reds need to add an outfielder, and Thomas is one of the best options.
Yandy Díaz, Tampa Bay Rays’ first baseman. Some Reds supporters are confident that Christian Encarnacion-Strand will take over at first base, but the team’s unsuccessful pursuit of Josh Naylor appears to show that Cincinnati’s executive office still has concerns. CES still has minor-league options available, and exchanging for Díaz was moved last summer and has one year left in Tampa Bay before becoming free agent during the 2025-26 offseason. The 33-year-old had a poor year in 2024, but is only one season removed from hitting.330/.410/.522 with 22 home runs. Diaz seldom strikes out and could hit 30+ home runs at GABP. His contract also includes a team option for 2026.
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