[Kc61]

This is very interesting because it semi confirms what I have previously read from various sources. If the Reds exercise Dunn's option, he gains no-trade rights under his deal. Apparently full no-trade until next 6/15 and then he can only be dealt to 10 clubs of his choosing.

So here's the deal -- if the Reds pay Dunn his $13.5 for next year, they have a very limited ability to trade him then. At that point they have to negotiate a longer term deal; trade him to a team of his choosing; or let him walk.

If they trade Dunn this year, they can deal with any team. However, their ability to make a deal is still limited since he can walk after this year if traded. The new club gets no option and this likely would affect the return in the trade.

So the Dunn contract really has the Reds boxed in. If they exercise, not only do they get the pleasure of paying him $13.5 next year, but their ability then to trade him is limited.

It seems to me that they must either decide to spend a lot of dough on this player or trade him, probably for less than full value due to these provisions. Not an ideal situation.

If it were me, as others have said, I would see if I could enter into a more reasonable long-term deal with Dunn. If not, I'm looking for a team with a particular need for this type of player and get what I could.