Gennett says Reds want him 'long term' as trade rumors swirl
Scooter Gennett might have plenty of suitors ahead of this year's non-waiver trade deadline, but it's looking like he'll be wearing a Cincinnati Reds uniform for the foreseeable future.
Gennett told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com on Friday that he believes the Reds are aiming to sign him to an extension, and they won't deal him at what would be the height of his trade value this summer.
"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," Gennett said. "What I'm getting is (CEO Bob Castellini) wants me here for a while. When it comes to all of the trade stuff, it would be going against what I've been hearing."
Gennett has become a premier second baseman since the Reds claimed him off waivers from Milwaukee last April. After breaking out one year ago with a solid season that included a record four-homer, 10-RBI game, the 28-year-old has blossomed into an indispensable piece of Cincinnati's attack in 2018. He entered Friday leading the National League with a .326 average to go along with a .890 OPS, 15 homers, and 20 doubles.
His breakout season and controllable future (Gennett has another year of arbitration remaining) caught the eye of at least one team, as the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly talked to the Reds about him.
The Reds are in the NL Central basement, but have been hot lately and are above .500 since June 1. That stretch might end up being enough to keep Gennett in his hometown for the long haul, potentially as a piece of the next great Reds team.
"I think when you're making a trade, you're trying to make your club better no matter what trade you make," general manager Nick Krall said of Gennett's future. "If there is something out there that makes your club better going into the future and long haul, you have to explore every possibility.
"With that said, he's been one of the most productive players in the National League over the last year-and-a-half. We'd like him as part of this club."