Reds could land a massive Elly De La Cruz trade haul without helping the Dodgers

Blog Red Machine's Drew Koch argues that the Cincinnati Reds should consider trading superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz to the Seattle Mariners rather than the Los Angeles Dodgers. While acknowledging the Dodgers are a popular destination, Koch suggests the Mariners possess a superior prospect pipeline that could offer a stronger return package without further boosting Los Angeles.

The piece notes that former Reds star Joey Votto suggested a trade involving Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula, while the Boston Red Sox reportedly had an inquiry rejected before the August 3 trade deadline. Koch highlights Seattle's top-100 prospects, including pitcher Kade Anderson, arguing that De La Cruz's trade value is currently at its peak.