3 infielders the Reds should consider trading and 4 who should be off limits

In no way is this a call for Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall to start shopping Christian Encarnacion-Strand. But if teams inquire as to what it would take to secure the slugger's services, the Reds should definitely listen.

Encarnacion-Strand is the odds-on favorite to replace Joey Votto at first base heading into next season. The former Minnesota Twins farmhand has plenty of pop from the right side and looks to be a middle-of-the-order bat that you could set your watch to.

However, if the Reds are truly looking to pursue Jeimer Candelario in free agency, it's most likely to play one of the corner infield spots. That's the exact same role that Encarnacion-Strand plays, as last year's rookie saw time at both first and third base.

The Cincinnati Reds also have Spencer Steer. Even if the rumors attached Candelario are not true or the veteran infielder signs a free agent deal elsewhere, Steer looked more than comfortable playing first base in Votto's absence during the first-half of the 2023 season.

In no way should Christian Encarnacion-Strand, or any other infielder for that matter, just be traded away in order to make room on the roster. But if trading Encarnacion-Strand was able to help secure a pitcher like Logan Gilbert or Dylan Cease, the Reds would be foolish not to consider it.