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Report: Reds pushing for SS upgrade, targets include Story, Lindor, Semien

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Cincinnati Reds are prioritizing an upgrade at shortstop this winter, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

Cincinnati is pursuing two big names - Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies slugger Trevor Story - in trade talks, Morosi reports. It's unclear how advanced discussions are with either team.

The Reds are also interested in free-agent shortstops Marcus Semien, Andrelton Simmons, and Didi Gregorius, according to Morosi.

Cincinnati shortstops combined for 0.1 WAR last season, the league's fourth-worst total at the position, per FanGraphs. Veteran Freddy Galvis, the team's regular shortstop in 2020, posted an 86 OPS+ over just 159 plate appearances.

The Reds' predominantly left-handed lineup would benefit from adding Story, who hits from the right side, or the switch-hitting Lindor. Of the shortstops they're reportedly interested in, only Gregorius hits from the left side.

Cleveland appears likely to trade Lindor - who is one year shy of free agency - before Opening Day. The four-time All-Star is reportedly drawing interest from an array of teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Story will also reach free agency after 2021. The 28-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the Rockies, is a two-time Silver Slugger winner with a pair of 30-homer, 20-steal seasons on his resume. He led the NL with four triples and 15 stolen bases last season while recording a .874 OPS, 11 homers, and 28 RBIs.

Despite Semien's slight downturn during the shortened 2020 campaign, he's turned into a consistent hitter with the Oakland Athletics and was an AL MVP finalist in 2019. Gregorius - who made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2012 - turned in a solid comeback season for the Philadelphia Phillies following elbow surgery, blasting 10 homers with a 119 OPS+ over 60 games.

Although Simmons struggled at the plate while playing in only 30 games for the Los Angeles Angels this past season, the 31-year-old owns four Gold Gloves and is regarded as one of the best defensive players in the sport.

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