Cubs Rumors: Possible trade destinations for Travis Wood

Mar 31, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of the Cincinnati Reds grounds keepers preparing the field prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds:

With the 60th pick of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft, the Cincinnati Reds selected Travis Wood.  He became a notable pitching prospect for the Reds over time, and made his MLB debut in the summer of 2010 – making his first appearance on July 1 against his current team, the Cubs.  Just two starts after his debut, he threw eight perfect innings and had a very respectable rookie campaign overall finishing 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA.  It would make sense the Reds would welcome him back as they are more than familiar with Wood after grooming him for half a decade in their system — not to mention being a part of the National League Central and facing him during his stint with the Cubs.  It’s always tricky trading within the division, so consider this one a long shot.  Still, their current pitching rotation projects to be very thin with a glaring hole in the fifth starter spot — newly acquired pitching prospect Anthony DeSclafani is currently penciled in as the fourth guy in the rotation, and he only has five career starts to his résumé.  Tony Cingrani is another option, but he failed to secure a rotation spot last year as he shuffled between rotation and the bullpen while dealing with injuries.  With Homer Bailey still recovering from flexor tendon surgery, the Reds could stand to add more rotation depth.

Next: Down to Atlanta?