Cincinnati has reportedly shown interest in landing a Cleveland All-Star outfielder, Lane Thomas, as the Guardians quietly shop him this offseason. Thomas, a right-handed power bat, appears to be on the trade block—especially now that Cleveland has moved Josh Naylor and Andres Giménez

Guardians management is known for shedding players before they hit free agency—like Naylor, who was shifted to Arizona back in December . With depth emerging in their system, pushing out Thomas now would follow that blueprint.

For the Reds, Thomas checks a lot of boxes. They’re in the market for a right-handed slugger, particularly one who can hit left‑handed pitching. Thomas’ lefty splits (.247/.313/.428 career slash with a 107 OPS+) and ability to play both center and right field make him an intriguing fit

Team president Nick Krall conceded Cincinnati is open to all possibilities—adding, “We’d talk to anybody and everybody about players and trades and free agents.” That stance keeps the door wide open as trade talks pick up

The plot could thicken: alongside Thomas, Cleveland has also engaged in talks around ace Shane Bieber, who’s in the final year of his contract. The Reds and Cubs have both been mentioned as suitor.