The shortstop carousel has almost stopped spinning, but the Cincinnati Reds still have an opening at the position.
After losing out on several of their top targets, the Reds are continuing to explore multiple options to fill the spot. The club is interested in trading for Cleveland Indians shortstop Amed Rosario, per Mike Puma of the New York Post, and Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Rosario joined Cleveland last month as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets. While Cincinnati likes Rosario and is "hoping" to acquire him, according to Heyman, it's unclear whether the team has had any serious talks with Cleveland about him.
The Reds have also talked to the Tampa Bay Rays about trading for Willy Adames, sources told The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans. Adames was the starting shortstop for AL champion Tampa Bay, slashing .259/.332/.481 with eight homers last year. The 25-year-old won't reach free agency until 2025, but he plays the same position as prized Rays prospect Wander Franco - MLB.com's top prospect in the sport.
Cincinnati and Tampa Bay talked about Adames earlier this winter, according to Rosecrans. It's not clear if the discussions are still active.
On the free-agent market, the Reds have checked in with infielder Dee Strange-Gordon, sources told Rosecrans. It remains unknown how far any talks may have gone with the three-time stolen-base champion.
Cincinnati has been linked to multiple shortstops all winter, including Lindor before he was traded. Free agents Marcus Semien, Andrelton Simmons, and Didi Gregorius were also in play, but each signed elsewhere. Additionally, their asking prices were too high for the team's offseason budget, according to Rosecrans.
The Reds did add one shortstop option on Saturday, acquiring Kyle Holder from the Phillies for cash considerations. Holder, a Rule 5 pick in December, must be kept on Cincinnati's roster all season or be offered back to the New York Yankees.
Another internal option is prospect Jose Garcia, who made his big-league debut last summer. However, Garcia is just 22 years old, and he struggled after jumping to the majors from High-A.
