Reds Finalize Shin-Soo Choo Deal and Add One More

Jun 14, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo (17) stands in the on deck circle during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

It is official! The Cincinnati Reds have finalized the deal with the Cleveland Indians, finally putting an end to their lead-off man search that began months ago.

The Reds have acquired outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and Olympian utility man Jason Donald from the Indians. In return, Cleveland picked up center fielder Drew Stubbs and short stop DiDi Gregorius from the Reds organization.

Drew Stubbs struggled last year for the Reds at the lead-off position. After only putting up a .277 on base percentage and batting .213, the team was looking for an upgrade to improve their chances going forward.

An upgrade is exactly what they got. Choo has been a very consistent offensive player. His on base percentage last year was .373 and, for his career, the outfielder possesses a .381 OBP. He also had a .283 batting average last year, compared to his.289 career average.

Drew Stubbs will be missed in the organization, especially on defense, but the Reds had many issues with scoring and stranding men on base last year. This trade will help the team to start correcting some of those issues.