Indians, Reds talking about Shin-Soo Choo trade

Already quite active this offseason, the Cleveland Indians are reportedly talking with the Cincinnati Reds about a potential trade involving outfielder Shin-Soo Choo according to CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler.

Readily available on the trade market due to his expiring contract at the end of the 2013 season, the report indicates that the 30-year-old Choo would likely assume Cincinnati's starting center field role going forward. In return for the All-Star outfielder, Cleveland would receive the combination of outfielder Drew Stubbs and 22-year-old shortstop Didi Gregorius.

Stubbs hit a meager .214 over 136 games this season with the Reds, but still managed to produce 14 home runs, 40 RBI and 30 stolen bases. While his batting average has declined in each of his four seasons in the big leagues, the 28-year-old Stubbs is an above average defender with elite run-producing potential on the bases. Although he appeared poised for a career year in 2011 following a 22-home run, 30-stolen base campaign, Stubbs would definitely be an intriguing option in Terry Francona's dugout aside from his propensity to swing and miss.

Gregorius, who batted .300 during a brief eight-game debut with the Reds in 2012, may not have very long to get acquainted with his new surroundings according to reports. MLB.com's Zach Meisel and WTAM 1100's Nick Camino are each indicating that the Arizona Diamondbacks could either enter into a three-team trade or swing a separate deal with the Indians for the budding shortstop.