Reds Explore Trade Options for Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas

The Cincinnati Reds have shown interest in trading for Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians, according to a report by Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Although the Guardians are open to offers for either player, there is no indication that a deal with the Reds or any other team is imminent. Wittenmyer's phrasing suggests that the Reds' inquiry may have been more of an initial exploration rather than a serious pursuit.


Cincinnati is actively seeking outfield reinforcements, as confirmed by president of baseball operations Nick Krall, who recently stated that any new addition to the roster is likely to be an outfielder. Lane Thomas, with his right-handed bat, could provide a complementary option to left-handed hitters Jake Fraley or TJ Friedl in right or center field. However, Thomas' projected $8.3 million arbitration salary may be too high for a part-time role given the Reds' budget constraints.


Thomas' performance in 2024 was mixed; he posted better numbers with the Nationals, hitting .253/.331/.407 over 341 plate appearances, compared to .209/.267/.390 in 187 plate appearances with the Guardians. His combined stats resulted in a slightly subpar 99 wRC+. Defensively, Thomas struggled in right field and was only average at best in center field, contributing to his overall value of 1.3 fWAR in 130 games.


The Reds' infield situation is both crowded and unsettled. Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte are the primary candidates for the corner infield and designated hitter spots. However, all three players struggled at the plate in 2024. Additionally, Encarnacion-Strand missed most of the season due to wrist surgery, and Marte served a suspension for PED use in the first half of the season.


Given these uncertainties, the Reds' interest in Naylor and Thomas makes sense as they look to bolster their roster. Whether these exploratory trade talks will lead to an actual deal remains to be seen.