Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from NL Central
By Cody Rickman
Cincinnati Reds
Cody Reed, LHP Pitcher
Cody Reed, the 26-year-old (27 in April) former Royals prospect, struggled with a knee injury during 2019 season and made all of his appearances out of the bullpen.
Reed had a 1.42 ERA, 1.105 WHIP, and 7 Ks in 6.1 innings (three appearances) at the MLB level and a 2.61 ERA, 1.016 WHIP, and 25 Ks in 20.2 innings at AAA. Reed has seen more success as a bullpen role lowering his walk rate and increasing his groundball rate.
Reed throws his combines a plus fastball (94-mph some ride movement) and plus slider (89-mph) from his adjusted more deceptive arm slot to dominate against lefties. Reed has been about average in his performance against right handed hitters.
The Reds have built an impressive starting rotation and bullpen, which could leave Reed, who is running out of options, as the odd man out. Reed will need to rehab his injured knee and there is no guarantee he finds his form.
Cody Reed has a chance to be an effective middle reliever with a slight chance to return to a number five type starting pitching role.
Possible trade offer: Cash Considerations or player to be named later