Cincinnati Reds GM Walt Jocketty tells ESPN that any trade rumors involving outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. are “a little bit premature.”   Says the GM, “I have had no trade discussions with him.”

But then the GM decided not to shut the door completelely by saying, “I’m not saying that (a trade) couldn’t happen, but it just hasn’t at this point.”

Griffey has the right to veto any trade but has recently said that if the Reds came to him about waiving his veto, he would listen.   The struggling Reds (13-20) may eventually have that meeting, as Griffey and fellow outfielder Adam Dunn represent a large chunk of the team’s payroll and moving them both would make the rebuilding process that much easier.  

Meanwhile, Griffey is now 38 years-old and his internal championship clock is certainly ticking.  A potential return to Seattle has been mentioned within the rumor circle, but nothing substantial has been reported on that front. 

I have a feeling we’ll be hearing quite a bit more this summer regarding Ken Griffey trade rumors.  Stay tuned.

Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners