Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett made clear today that he does not anticipate being traded, as MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon reports. Rather, the first-time All-Star says he has been given indication that the team would prefer to make him a part of the long-term picture.
Indeed, Gennett’s comments seemingly suggest that there’s even some contemplation of a long-term arrangement. Sheldon writes that “no serious talks” have taken place to this point, but that “a line of communication has been opened.” Perhaps it’s possible that mid-season talks will be pursued in some earnest, but that’s not particularly clear at this time.
What is apparent is that Gennett believes he won’t be putting on a new uniform in the next few weeks. As he puts it:
“Just from the talks that I’ve had with the guys in control of all those things, I feel like they want me here. I feel like, just from what I’ve been told, they want me here for the long term. What I’m getting is [CEO Bob Castellini] wants me here for a while.”
That dovetails with what Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports hears — namely, that some “sources familiar with Reds [sic] are dubious that the team has any intent of dealing him.” The note regarding Castellini is particularly interesting, as his preferences are of obviously critical importance and have evidently come to bear directly in the recent past. Though GM Nick Krall certainly did not give anything away in his comments to Sheldon, he did emphasize how much the team values Gennett.
Gennett, of course, has thrived since landing in Cincinnati via waiver claim before the 2017 season. There was cause to doubt the sustainability of his output last year, but he has only boosted it thus far. Through 374 plate appearances this year, Gennett carries an outstanding .326/.372/.518 batting line with 15 home runs.
That being said, there’s still reason to believe some regression could be in store, as his .371 batting average on balls in play doesn’t seem sustainable. In particular, it’s tough to imagine Gennett will keep up his current pace against left-handed pitching while carrying only a 3.7% walk rate to go with a healthy .389 BABIP.
No matter precisely how one views the 28-year-old, there’s no question that he’s a valuable asset. For the Reds, both evident possibilities — trade or hold and try to extend — are surely tantalizing. Despite an injury-riddled year, infield prospect Nick Senzel still seems to be a key long-term asset, providing added impetus to the idea of making a move. Cashing in Gennett might help other areas — notably, a pitching staff that’s still in need of long-term pieces despite some promising signs of late. At the same time, a long-term deal with the Cincinnati native would no doubt prove popular with fans. With the team expressing growing confidence in its core group of talent and preparing to increase its MLB spending, perhaps Gennett will be worth more to this organization than any other.
*16 home runs
I’m far from a reds fan. He’s a Cubs killer but the reds should try to keep him. The reds will be sleepers either next year or 2020.
Many a man was told they were staying put and then got traded. The business of baseball…
Not many by the Reds though. Their front office tends to be loyal to the players, sometimes to the detriment of the team. But loyal nonetheless.
So if they keep Scooter does that mean Senzel becomes trade bait for an ace?
No way. I think they go after Wheeler.
Senzel will be an outfielder when he comes up, Duvall will be gone
I would see if you can get Syndergaard for Senzel + filler and sign Scooter to a 4 year extension. Sure it could be a mistake, but Senzel COULD be a bust as well. I wouldn’t trade Senzel for anyone other than a clearcut #1 starter, but the Reds have plenty of offense. It won’t matter how many runs they score, if they can’t pitch they aren’t going to win.
That’s a good trade
I’d only consider trading Senzel if it was straight up for Syndergaard. And then I’d still hesitate
He’s a prospect, nothing more! Gennett is the real deal. Senzel could be bust, it’s the unknown!
Then I guess you’d never get Thor. Mets aren’t going to move a known commodity with 3 more years of control after this year for an unknown prospect. Reds would have to add more to the package.
I’d like to see them go after Archer.
You’re in dream land. Syndergaard, injury risk and all, has much more value than an unproven prospect (who’s also injury prone).
Redsfan48 good luck with that idea
That I would do
You mean that kid with 0 at bats in the majors also has vertigo…for thor????
He’s a pretty good ball player, too
Reds are in no position to prospects for front of rotation starters.
There are 8 spots to fill, and Senzel is athletic enough to just about any of them. I think they’ll hold onto him.
What’s the likelihood of Nick Senzel coming up and sustaining an OPS of .890?
Better than the odds of Scooter maintaining this level of play for the next 3+ years. I like Gennett but many reasons to think he’s playing a bit over his head
In the first paragraph it says, “on the contrary”, but then goes on to say the same thing in the first sentence. Convoluted way of wording that first paragraph.
This site is for facts not Grammer. Chill out
The word is grammar, not “Grammer.” Chill out.
Bam.
If a site or publication wants to be taken seriously, there’s no excuse for the lack of editing.
This site is inclusive. Kelsey Grammer is welcome here.
Whether you like it or not, many people question the ideas expressed if the writer can’t use English properly or spell correctly.
I believe he means contrary to the notion of him being traded.
Yeah he meant to the contrary of fans’ thinking. It was awkwardly worded, but we are not in English class here, so it really doesn’t matter as long as the point is understood.
That sentence was an embarrassing mess in several regards. Edited!
Which it didn’t seem to be.
I would sign Gennett to a long term deal.you then have Senzel next year play shortstop I think the reds will trade Billy Hamilton so Jose Peraza would move to center field next season
Not a bad thought. Although I have liked the way Scott Schebler has played center field as well. You trade Billy Hamilton, keep Peraza at short, and let Schebler have center. He’s not a classic CF, but in GABP the outfield is not that large compared to others.
They will trade peraza before billy , billy is not going any wear
great idea.
My mom told me I wasn’t adopted, guess what?
Sell high ASAP. Just don’t sell to Dodgers.
IF you can get Mitchell White for him, I would do it.
Kid good fastball (65), and real good control 55.
Note, both on the 20 – 80 scale.
Not trading Peraza. He is multi positioned talented. Much better hitter then Hamilton.
Billy great fielder, great base runner, Lolly pop hitter. Trade him for a pitcher. Has one yr left before free agency. Peraza years from being free agent. Billy made great catch tonight, raising his value
What a play he made tonight
Good thing the Brewers DFA’d him.
Yeah at least they don’t have huge problems in the middle infield either.
My thought is the Reds will ask for the Moon for Gennet,Duvall, Hamilton,Harvey and Iglesias and no other Team will offer that much. So Gennett will be in the exact same boat as Zach Cozart was in when the Reds let the All Star walk without getting ANYTHING for him or God forbid a haul like they got for Aroldis Chapman !!!!!
Whoever you trade you have to keep Billy Hamilton. His defensive value can not be quantified. And when he does get on base he scores at about a 45-50% clip. Not to mention he’s the only true centerfielder on the team.
The way Winker is hitting you almost have to move an outfielder if you keep Senzel. If you keep Senzel I think he has to move to the outfield. Peraza is just getting resettled after his last position change. His bat is starting to come around. Who knows how he reacts to another position change and if he can play centerfield. Not to mention Senzel hasn’t played SS since high school so that’s not a given for him either. Maybe a platoon situation with Winker to start off with. Either Schebler or Duvall gets traded, probably Duvall.
I don’t think the Reds need to tamper with their infield. It’s set. Starting catcher set. The upgrades they need to make are mainly to their pitching staff. They could also upgrade their outfield but they don’t necessarily need to. It just depends on what’s available for how much and the fit. The bench could be better as well but again I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. Blandino, Dixon, and Herrera will improve with experience and are capable backups capable of playing multiple positions (but not long term replacements I.e. extended injuries).