Throughout the offseason, we'll be taking a look at the top news and rumors from the Hot Stove League.
RUMOR: The Indians and Reds are discussing a trade involving third baseman Todd Frazier.
REPORTED BY: USA Today's Bob Nightengale
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THE DETAILS: After finishing last in the National League Central last season, Cincinnati seems to be on the verge of a fire sale. Starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake were dealt in July and Aroldis Chapman is set to go to the Dodgers pending MLB officials looking into his background. Now, it appears the Reds are considering trading away All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier. The Indians have a plethora of young pitching talent to send the other way, so expect at least one of Danny Salazar, Carlos Carrasco or Trevor Bauer to be involved.
LAST SEASON: Frazier, 29, had a .255/.309/.498 slash line with 35 home runs and 89 RBIs. He also won the Home Run Derby this summer in Cincinnati. After struggling to consistently hit major league pitching during his first three seasons, Frazier has blossomed into one of the most dangerous third basemen in baseball. He's also under team control for two more seasons. Salazar and Bauer are both 25 or younger, so they would make the most sense for a Reds team that's clearly trying to rebuild.
OUR TAKE: Cleveland has been everyone's trendy pick for the last three seasons, but just hasn't been able to put everything together. The addition of Frazier would give Terry Francona a great clubhouse presence and reliable bat in the middle of the order, which is something the Indians desperately need. It may be hard for Cleveland to part with one of its three young starters, but acquiring a steady bat is more important at this point.