MLB trade rumors: Reds pull back Zack Cozart from revocable trade waivers

Reds shortstop Zack Cozart was claimed on revocable trade waivers and pulled back by Cincinnati, meaning that he’ll remain with the Reds through the end of this season. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports first reported the news on Wednesday.

Cozart, 32, was one of the most intriguing candidates to potentially be moved at the non-waiver deadline, but he went on the disabled list with a quad injury on July 29. Since he’s a pending free agent, the injury might have diminished his value in a trade market that already saw plenty of infielders, including Adeiny Hechavarria, Eduardo Nunez, Tim Beckham, and Adam Rosales, find new homes.

While he’s missed a few weeks due to two separate DL stints this season, Cozart is having a career year, hitting .309/.401/.555 with 17 homers in 404 plate appearances. It should be interesting to see whether Cincinnati makes much of an effort to re-sign him this offseason. They’ve already got a deep contingent of young middle infielders that includes Scooter Gennett, Jose Peraza, and Dilson Herrera, but obviously Cozart has been a major presence in their lineup this season and could provide a similar boost going forward. Despite his age, he’ll be by far the best shortstop on the free agent market this winter, with Alcides Escobar the only other pending free agent shortstop who’s been an everyday starter for his team this season.