One trade, one signing Reds should make

After barely missing out on the postseason in 2023, the Cincinnati Reds are primed to be a contender in the National League Central for years to come with their influx of young talent that blossomed last season. The Reds will need to add depth to a pitching staff that was devastated by injuries in 2024 if they want to take advantage of having this young core of offensive threats. 

Here's one trade and one signing the Reds should make this offseason. 

Trade: Deal second baseman Jonathan India to Mariners for pitcher Bryan Woo

While their general manager has come out and said they are not shopping the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, he is the one infielder that makes the most sense to trade in hopes of finding more starting pitching help in 2024. 

With Elly De La Cruz penciled in at shortstop and Matt McLain likely taking the duties at second base, India also finds himself battling with backup shortstop Noelvi Marte for playing time in the crowded Reds infield as well. 

Add in their recent disagreements in arbitration and it doesn't bode well for India's long-term future with the Reds.

India could be dealt to a team like the Seattle Mariners who have plenty of young pitching and need a second baseman. Pitcher Bryan Woo could be the perfect target. 

Making his debut last season, the 23-year-old held his own, posting a 4-5 record with a 4.21 ERA including 93 strikeouts in 87.2 innings pitched for the Mariners.

Woo would give the Reds another quality arm to add to a rotation that has been riddled with injuries and he would have a potent, young offense backing him up when he took the mound.

Signing: Bring back power-hitting outfielder Adam Duvall 

While pitching will always be needed when you play in a place like Great American Ballpark, adding a veteran outfielder like Adam Duvall could have a positive impact on the younger players he would be sharing the field with. 

A streaky hitter at the plate, Duvall provides serious pop and has already proven to be able to produce in Cincinnati after his tenure with the team from 2015 to 2018 where he had two of his best seasons in the MLB. 

He is coming off a season where his playing time was limited due to injuries but the 35-year-old was still able to slash .247/.303/.531 with 47 extra-base hits and 58 RBI in 92 games. 

That type of production would be welcome on almost any team and with his ability to play all three outfield positions he would be able to rotate where needed to piece together the lineup throughout the season. 

With a 2021 season that saw him set career highs with 38 home runs and 113 RBI not too far behind him, he would be a fairly cheap option to add to the outfield that could help the club make a postseason run in 2024 or be a trade piece to flip at the trade deadline.