Wandy Rodriguez for Yonder Alonso?

Word broke earlier in the week, as per Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown that the Reds are willing to trade top prospect 1B/OF, Yonder Alonso, for a #2 starter or a closer. Alonso was originally selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round of the 2005 draft, but chose to attend college at the University of Miami. That gamble paid off as he was selected with the 7th overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2008 MLB draft. Since being drafted by the Reds, Alonso has been on an offensive tear. Throughout his time in the minors, he has put up an impressive .296/.374/.486 line and has hammered 36 home runs while driving in 179 runs.

If I’m the Astros, as soon as the GM situation is settled, I am calling the Cincinnati Reds immediately to gauge their interest in a Wandy Rodriguez for Yonder Alonso deal. Yonder Alonso could be a very special player. LEXthePEX and I have discussed possible trades for Wandy throughout the offseason but any deal involving Wandy for Alonso would clearly be the best trade we could have hoped for. Alonso is a power hitting first baseman who plays good defense and has great strike zone discipline. Once the switch to the AL is completed in 2013, Alonso could shift between first base and DH when he needs a day off from playing the field. If and when Jonathan Singleton and George Springer make it to the big leagues, we could be looking at a deadly middle of the order lineup with those three.

If this deal is to happen, both sides will likely want more than just one player, although I think a Wandy for Alonso deal straight up is more than fair for both sides. The Astros would get a first baseman and centerpiece to build their club around while the Reds would get the #2 starter they have been seeking to make another run at the playoffs. However, the Astros will see it as a trade of their best player and will likely want more. The Reds will see it as a trade of their top prospect and may not want to give up more if Wandy is the only player they are receiving. I would be willing to add more to the deal in order to obtain Alonso, but I would not add any of our top prospects. Its a definite catch 22 situation for the Astros as they have said that they are looking to build their minor league system up without trading any of their top prospects away. However, when a player of Alonso’s caliber becomes available, all bets are off.