The Cincinnati Reds are now 26-30 and 3 games behind first place in the National League Central. However, the Reds’ shortstop Zack Cozart has continued his strong season to date in 2017 as he is averaging .348 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs.
On Sunday, Cozart hit a triple, a pair of home runs and knocked in 5 runs. His season stats are unbelievable for any player but add to it that he is a strong defender at shortstop and that makes him a high commodity.
Since the Reds are going through a rebuilding period and not likely a contender during 2017, and Cozart becoming a free agent following the season, he will likely be a trading chip when the season entering July gets closer to the trade deadline.
The second might be tougher to overcome. Two teams are involved in every trade, and the big question is what team will want or need a top defensive shortstop that can hit the cover off the ball, who might only play three months for them.
Baltimore’s shortstop is J.J. Hardy who is 34 and has played poorly. The problems the Orioles have however are pitching.
Tampa Bay has Tim Beckham at short and he has been respectable thus far.
Detroit if they look to buy would not start at shortstop.
Washington would not look for a shortstop that might only be with them a few months as Trea Turner has played solid ball at short.
Colorado has Trevor Story who has played poorly thus far. The Rockies look like contenders and might want to have Cozart there for a playoff run, but that is no certainty.
Arizona is also contending out west and its shortstop Nick Ahmed is not playing bad, but helping its starting rotation as well as the bullpen would be much higher priorities.
Other contenders for postseason play have one or more shortstops on the roster that are solid players. There could be only a few or not any teams interested at the trade deadline for Cozart, but it will be interesting as the deadline gets closer if any team bids for the Reds shortstop if he continues his hot bat.
