The
Reds discussed a trade for
Kris Bryant with the
Cubs, viewing him as a potential fit in center field, according to major-league sources. The Cubs would have needed to cover the nearly $7 million Bryant is owed for the rest of the season, either through a cash payment or perhaps by taking back a contract. But ultimately the Reds pushed only so hard, knowing three key offensive players – second baseman
Mike Moustakas, center fielder
Nick Senzel and right fielder
Nick Castellanos – were expected to return from the injured list.
At that point, if the Reds had acquired Bryant, he would have become less of a fit. While Kyle Farmer had a 1.147 OPS in July, the Reds’ biggest need is at shortstop, a position where Bryant has played only three innings in the majors. The team inquired about Trea Turner before the Nationals sent him to the Dodgers, but those talks did not gain traction, sources said. Bryant ended up going to the Giants, Turner and Max Scherzer to the Dodgers.
