MLB trade rumors: Cincinnati Reds predicted to sign $10.2 million New York Yankees; Brady Singer key trade asset?

The Cincinnati Reds are being mentioned in offseason trade talk that would immediately change how their lineup looks in 2026. The idea is simple: add another fast, aggressive player to a young core that already plays with pace. Jazz Chisholm Jr. fits that profile.Putting Jazz Chisholm Jr. next to Elly De La Cruz would give the Reds a middle infield built on speed, range, and pressure. The move is only a proposal, but it has gained attention because it lines up with where both teams are headed. Cincinnati wants to compete now. The New York Yankees are weighing cost, control, and roster balance.The proposed deal sends Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the New York Yankees to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, New York would get right-handed starter Brady Singer and infielder Matt McLain.Chisholm is 27 and entering the final year of his contract, set to earn $10.2 million. That makes him a one-year piece unless Cincinnati chooses to extend him. The Reds would take on the full salary, but they would also keep the option to trade him again at the deadline if needed.From Cincinnati’ Reds' side, the move is about impact. Chisholm can play second base or the outfield and brings power and speed right away. Losing Singer and McLain would hurt depth, but the Reds would be betting that Chisholm helps them win now.For the Yankees, the return is about stability and control. Singer gives them a reliable starter, while McLain offers long-term upside if he returns to form after injury. Small cash adjustments or minor pieces could be added to even things out.The Cincinnati Reds would add a proven bat to a lineup that can be inconsistent. Chisholm and De La Cruz together would force defenses to rush throws and adjust positioning. It also gives Cincinnati another base-stealing threat at the top of the order.The Yankees would fill rotation innings with Singer, who posted strong numbers in 2025, and take a chance on McLain, who hit .290 during his rookie season before shoulder problems slowed him down.Chisholm already produced in New York and could see his numbers rise in Cincinnati’s smaller park.This trade favors Cincinnati in the short term. The Reds would get a player who changes games without waiting for development. The Yankees get safer pieces but lose a player who brings speed and range every night. Whether it works long-term depends on McLain’s health, but for 2026, the Reds would be the ones pushing forward.