Report: Reds interested in Phillies' Marlon Byrd
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Searching for a right-handed bat and without the services of both Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips for the next five weeks, the Cincinnati Reds have reportedly turned their attention to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd.
CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury notes that the Reds have interest in Byrd, who are not listed on the 36-year-old's no-trade list.
Cincinnati is not on Byrd’s no-trade list and the Reds do have interest in him. Sources say they also have interest in lefty reliever Bastardo. The Reds have scouted the Phillies recently.
On Sunday, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty expressed his desire to add a bat in the middle of the lineup and Byrd fits that profile.
In 96 games this season, the outfielder has 18 home runs and 54 RBI while hitting .264/.317/.476 - batting primarily fifth in the Phillies' lineup. Byrd signed a two-year, $16 million deal in November that holds an $8 million vesting option based on plate appearances for 2016.