BTV actually gives Arias plus Abreu a surplus value of $96mill and De La Cruz a surplus value of $93mill on his own.
Now does Cincy’s settle for “equal value” here? Not likely. But what do they really need? They really are loaded with pitching, especially if Hunter Greene is ever healthy. Their lineup is fairly weak after De La Cruz (SS), Stewart (1b), Stephenson (C), and maybe Bleday (LF/RF). Not sure how they feel about Ke’Bryan Hayes, but if nothing else, they certainly have weaker options in CF, RF, and 2b assuming at some point they realize Matt McLain is just not working out.
Arias and Abreu does make sense. But what else would they want? Doubtful Mikey Romero maked their belly button pucker and unpucker with glee..