On June 10, 2015, vs. the Phillies, Cozart tore both the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee when he slipped on first base running out a ground ball. The injury required season-ending surgery that stopped the makings of a breakout year. Cozart was able to not only resume his career in 2016, but he has showed even more improvement at the plate.
If Cozart is dealt, it would open the door for the Reds to play prospect Jose Peraza regularly at shortstop. Peraza has been on the big league club for a month, but he has played sparingly.