Miami Marlins: Responding to a Jesus Sanchez-to-the-Reds Mock Trade

The Miami Marlins most recent firesale seems to be nearing its end. Now that Jesus Luzardo is officially off the roster, the big-league club has few proven players left on its depth chart.

Perhaps a trade involving Sandy Alcantara is coming soon. However, a recent mock trade by Fansided's Blog Red Machine suggested that outfielder Jesus Sanchez could be an ideal target for the Cincinnati Reds.

Could a trade that sends Jesus Sanchez to Cincinnati make sense for both clubs?

The trade makes sense from the Reds' perspective. The club has legitimate postseason hopes with veteran manager Terry Francona taking the helm of a roster that features superstar Elly De La Cruz. However, they are currently projected to start both Jake Fraley and Will Benson in their two corner outfield spots. Both are solid major leaguers. But both are better suited as platoon options or bench bats.

Adding a player like Sanchez, whose best attribute is his stellar power, would be a great fit in Cincy. Great American Ballpark currently ranks as the third offense-friendliest park in MLB. Sanchez, who hit a career-high 18 home runs last season, could easily see that number spike to 20-25 in Cincinnati.

On paper, a deal also makes sense from the Marlin's perspective. President Peter Bendix has shown the resolve to exchange every established MLB talent for prospect capital. The club has already parted ways with infield slugger Jake Burger. A deal involving Sanchez could be next.

Miami could expect a similar return for Sanchez. Burger landed them three prospects, only one of whom ranked in Texas' top 30. One prospect in the 20-30 range, and perhaps one additional sweetener would likely be enough to get both sides to the negotiating table.

A pitcher like Ty Floyd (#18), Tristan Smith (#20 in Cincy's system), Zach Maxwell (#21), or Adam Serwinowski (#24), would be a great place to start. The Reds could choose whether they prefer to part with a player with closer proximity to the major leagues or move a younger more volatile piece.

Blog Red Machine is one to something clever. A Jesus Sanchez between the Marlins and Reds makes sense for both clubs.