MLBTR’s top trade candidate series is now a month old. Honestly, I’ve been surprised at how much movement the list has required. At this stage, of course, there’s still an awful lot of guesswork. It should continue to evolve with the market starting to take shape.
Remember, we’re not just ranking players by skill alone; we’re looking at overall asset value and trade likelihood. To assess trade value, we’re starting with overall on-field ability — with a premium on the capacity to make an impact in the current season — and then adjusting for contract and market factors. With contenders’ needs in relatively sharp focus, limitations such as future contract status, age, and niche role (platoon bats, relief-only pitchers) tend to have less of a drag on value — though obviously they still matter quite a bit. With regard to the likelihood of a swap, the focus is on potential selling teams’ motivation to deal, with contract status, near and long-term roster fit, and overall competitiveness all weighing heavily. Some teams simply aren’t in a position at present where it makes sense to include their top potential trade chips, but that will evolve over the coming weeks.
Here’s this week’s list:
1. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds — He’s only increasing his offensive production as the season goes on, and Cincinnati looks to be well-positioned to finally strike a deal. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Bruce is traded relatively early in the process; even if not, it’s hard to imagine him wearing a Reds cap on August 2nd.
2. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Brewers — Milwaukee is putting out vibes that an extension can’t be ruled out, and the demand side of the market suggests that an overwhelming offer might be harder to find than we had thought. Still, it’d be hard for the rebuilding club to pass on a chance to cash in such a valuable asset.
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers — Braun has taken a step back at the plate of late. While it’s nothing to be alarmed at, he may need to be at peak capacity to draw a top-notch return given his health issues and sizable contract. Plus, there continue to be some signs that the Brewers might not just take what they can get for their best assets. There certainly seems to be a better chance that he’ll stick around than there is for Lucroy.
4. Julio Teheran, SP, Braves — I’m moving Teheran up because he’s impressing and the starting pitching market is only looking tighter. Several top potential rental options are on the DL and/or are underperforming, while Sonny Gray — another quality, controllable arm that could conceivably be pried loose — still hasn’t re-established himself. It might take a perceived overpay, but Atlanta just may be positioned to get one.
5. Danny Valencia, 3B, Athletics — If teams are willing to buy in, you could argue that Valencia is the only impact infield bat available. His affordable contract and added year of control increase his appeal, but also reduce Oakland’s interest in finding a deal.
6. Fernando Rodney, RP, Padres — At some point, you can’t ignore the string of success. In the month of June, Rodney has allowed just four baserunners while fanning ten in 6 1/3 innings. That mirrors the rest of his season … and, of course, he has yet to allow an earned run. Rodney won’t be valued at the level of the very best relievers in the game, but he should draw strong interest.
7. Jon Jay, OF, Padres — Jay is a plug-and-go player who can handle a regular center field role or make for a versatile fourth outfielder. As a pure rental playing for a team that is in sell mode and has young players ready to step in for him, Jay seems like a likely piece to change hands.
8. Jake Odorizzi, SP, Rays — Odorizzi makes a big move into the top ten. It’s hardly necessary for Tampa Bay to trade him, of course, as he’ll only reach arb eligibility next year. But with the club falling back of late while dealing with numerous injuries, the appeal of cashing in a sturdy, controllable starter in a seller’s market is increasing. And if the team’s rehabbing starters remain on course, dealing from the rotation might not even be that painful. Especially if the Braves hold firm on Teheran, perhaps Tampa Bay could get a nice return for Odorizzi.
9. Sean Doolittle, RP, Athletics — Over his last nine innings, Doolittle has allowed just three hits (one of which was a solo home run) and two walks while posting 13 strikeouts. We’ve heard a lot of talk about some other top-tier power lefties, but there’s an argument that Doolittle is nearly as good while being much more available (and having an even more appealing contract). Injury questions remain a factor, but it’s easier to look past that when you need a gun now and this one is firing in the upper-nineties.
10. Arodys Vizcaino, RP, Braves — Vizcaino hasn’t always had premium strikeout numbers, but they are trending up this season. He has reeled off three straight solid outings since we last checked in, despite a few recent duds, so it’s not so much that he’s moving down the list as it is that the others are moving up.
11. Zack Cozart, SS, Reds — It’s not yet clear what kind of market Cozart will have, but he’s done nothing but increase his appeal all year. He’s still producing at the plate and would deliver a high-quality glove at short. Market demand remains a bit unclear, and Cinci may not be eager to move him, but clubs looking for a true shortstop probably won’t find a better option.
12. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies — I’m still betting that Colorado is in a selling position in the standings when the deadline comes around, though CarGo’s availability is another matter. The song remains the same: he’d draw huge interest if marketed, but Colorado’s approach remains to be seen.
13. Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Phillies — He’s a pure rental piece playing at a reasonable salary ($7MM), and is putting up the kind of solid and steady numbers that teams value at the back of the rotation. Hellickson has a 4.41 ERA and is on pace for around 185 innings, which isn’t terribly exciting. But he’s healthy, is carrying sub-4.00 xFIP and SIERA marks, and is showing indications of positive evolution as a hurler. If he can tamp down the home runs, at least, Hellickson could be an important piece for an organization that needs some stability.
14. Yunel Escobar, IF, Angels — Escobar won’t excite, but he puts the ball in play and has managed to maintain a high average (and with it, a strong on-base percentage) over the last two years. His BABIP is inflated, but that’s also possible because he rarely hits the ball in the air and doesn’t make a lot of soft contact. Defensive metrics don’t really like him any better at third than they did at short, where he has spent most of his career, but he’s at least serviceable all over the infield. That adds real positional flexibility that could come in handy. It’s not yet clear whether the Halos will want to deal him, though, even if they keep on a downward trajectory. Escobar can be kept with a $7MM option that would hold appeal for Los Angeles.
15. Jeremy Jeffress, RP, Brewers — The back of the list still seems like the right range for Jeffress, who isn’t an elite strikeout threat. (Though, to be fair, the dive in K/9 this year is offset by the fact that he has maintained an ~11% swinging strike rate and generates tons of grounders.) Given that Milwaukee isn’t under any pressure to deal him, since he won’t qualify for arbitration until next season, it’ll take a strong offer and he could well stay put.
Keep reading for more names that were considered …
Injured:
Tyson Ross & Andrew Cashner (Padres), Rich Hill & Josh Reddick (Athletics), Jake McGee (Rockies), Joe Smith (Angels), Steve Pearce (Rays)
Falling Out:
Fernando Abad (Twins) — He has hit the skids a bit recently, capped by a two-walk, three-earned outing on Saturday.
David Hernandez (Phillies) — We don’t want to get too caught up in ebbs and flows here, but Hernandez has also been roughed up lately. In his last two appearances, he has coughed up seven hits and five earned runs.
Melvin Upton (Padres) — Upton has a .250/.278/.412 batting line for the month of June. That’s still within range of a useful, near-average slash, but he’s trending down a bit.
Just Missed:
Huston Street, Hector Santiago & Fernando Salas (Angels) — Among these players, Street is probably the most interesting possible trade chip. He has long succeeded without the kind of velocity or strikeout ability we tend to expect from a closer, but a recent injury and some shaky appearances leave him with something to prove. As with Escobar, the Halos may not have much interest in dealing him even if he’s performing and it looks like the season is a lost cause.
Sonny Gray, Jed Lowrie, Ryan Madson & Billy Butler (Athletics) — We’ll see how Gray’s market progresses, but it probably won’t gain much steam if he doesn’t return to form in the coming weeks. Superficially, Madson has been a quality closer, but the peripherals tell another story and he has big bucks left on his deal. Butler has been hitting recently, but that falls against the backdrop of a lengthy run of disappointment and hefty contract.
Ender Inciarte & Nick Markakis (Braves) — The loss of Mallex Smith reduces the already-questionable likelihood of a deal involving Inciarte. Meanwhile, Markakis is not producing at his typical, slightly-above-average rate with the bat, but it’s possible to imagine a deal if Atlanta is willing to eat salary.
Will Smith & Chris Carter (Brewers) — Smith is back and the ERA is shiny, but he has yet to regain his velocity. Carter is swinging a hot stick again. Either or both could crack the list in short order.
Welington Castillo, Daniel Hudson, Brad Ziegler & Tyler Clippard (Diamondbacks) — Arizona is going to be a difficult team to gauge until we start to hear more about the team’s intentions. While it looks like a seller, the organization is obviously interested in near-term contention and hasn’t exactly hued to expectations of late. Hudson had a couple of rough outings recently, but has rebounded with three straight clean frames. He’s owed just $2.7MM this year and free agency beckons thereafter, so the power righty could make for an easy fit with any number of clubs looking to deepen their bullpen.
Drew Pomeranz, Derek Norris & Matt Kemp (Padres) — It’s still not clear how other organizations will view Pomeranz, who owns an even 3.00 ERA over 14 starts and is striking out better than ten batters per nine on the year. There’s certainly an argument that he belongs in the top 15, though I’m holding him out for now since I’m still not convinced that San Diego will receive strong enough offers to make it worth moving a controllable arm. Norris is starting to play his way back into an interesting trade chip; teams that don’t want to break the bank for Lucroy could consider him. It’s still difficult to see enough interest in Kemp to warrant any club taking a big bite of his contract.
Jeanmar Gomez & Andrew Bailey (Phillies) — Gomez has had a few hiccups of late, while Bailey looks more like a filler piece than a significant addition give his ongoing struggles with the long ball.
Logan Morrison, Erasmo Ramirez & Xavier Cedeno (Rays) — Welcome to the list, Tampa Bay! The club is now six under .500 and 8.5 out of the division lead, so they are moving into plausible seller territory. Plus, this was an organization that could conceivably have dealt from its rotation regardless.
Ervin Santana, Trevor Plouffe & Eduardo Nunez (Twins) — This trio isn’t going to generate much excitement, but all could have their place for the right contender.
Valencia isn’t #1, Whaaafjjvgggedb!”&%$$!!
Defensive liability and no extensive track record of success
Completely agree with that analysis of Valencia, but doesn’t that almost make him more tradeable? As they said, this isn’t exactly a ranking of talent, but of trade value and probability of being traded. I also am surprised that Valencia isn’t a tad higher. He’s the ultimate sort of player to deal during swapping season.
His cost and control also make him a plausible keeper for Oakland, so it cuts both ways. They are more likely, IMO, to try to put a winner on the field next year than are some of the other teams.
Certainly possible I’m over-ranking the guys with more control (Braun, Teheran).
Yes, and Bruce is an above average bat who’s technically a rental, Lucroy is the best player available, Braun is a really good player on a really bad, fitting this year’s “Hamels” figure. Teheran is the best arm available in a market where pitching is going to be sought after.
Don’t get me wrong, Valencia is a great player, but I don’t see a problem with where he’s ranked, especially because Oakland doesn’t HAVE to move him.
Valencia is not as valuable as any of the 4 guys ahead of him. especially Teheran, Lucent and Bruce in my opinion
But remember, this isn’t a ranking of pure value, but of trade likliehood.
Doesn’t he have like an .800 OPS over his last 1000 PAs? And yes he’s league average at 3B, but he can also play in the outfield and 1st base
I am seriously astounded that people think I’m somehow slighting Valencia.
I was making fun of the other guy, I guess I’m too serious…. I understand this list takes many factors into account. Bias is not one of them
Ah cool.
I’m not so sure why. We’re talking about a guy whose value can really only go down based on his track record. Selling high to a team in desperate need for a power infielder is a pretty standard viewpoint. I guess I feel that Braun and Lucroy figure to demand too high a return to be placed above Valencia. Gotta figure Billy Bean would love to cash in on Valencia at the peak of his production rather than wait for the inevitable drop off. I understand your approach, but I really feel that Valencia is the most obvious sell move in baseball right now.
It was from the last article in this series where just another fan lost his mind over an opinion.
This comment was a joke for everyone who thinks its legit.
Sarcasm is impossible to detect through written word unless noted. You referencing a post made in the previous update of this list……. .no one is going to get that.
Remember bigpapi4ever? People can detect it.
After some in here, I miss bigpapi4ever
Anyone who saw the thread the other day gets the joke.
Does it really matter where Valencia is on the list? He’s on the list. Quite honestly, I didn’t even know Valencia was even playing still. To the best of my knowledge he was a bench player last I heard. I guess the A’s are so desperate they’ve been playing him every day this year. He’s having a great year, but it’s not like people are going to be willing to give up a ton for a 31 year old with limited success who has been mainly a role player his entire career. I think this dude ranking him #5 is pretty lofty actually. Buyers generally want pitching, pitching, and more pitching at the deadline. Not 30+ year old bats who are randomly having a career year.
I don’t understand why people get so worked up about random “experts” ranking lists like this one. Go to ESPN and check in every monday on their “power rankings.” People lose their minds as if the rankings actually mean anything. It’s good entertainment.
Arodys Vizcaino has averaged right around 97 mph on his fastball this season….how much harder does one have to throw to be attributed with “premium velocity”
See response to other comment … was just a writing mistake.
What do you mean Vizcaino doesn’t have premium velocity and that it’s trending up as the season goes along? He has consistently hit 97-100 mph all year. If that isn’t premium velocity then idk what is lol.
Yeah, I wasn’t sure what that was referencing either as I thought he’s been consistently 95+.
That was mistakenly added to his write-up instead of Teheran’s. Fixed!
He’s been consistently high 90s since he was with the Cubs from the VERY little I remember seeing him. He only pitched 5 innings for the Cubs but he was a top prospect when he made his debut with the team. I remember him hitting 94-96 pretty consistently and I believe they got him from the Braves while he was recovering from TJ surgery. So 94-96 after TJ surgery…….. 97-100 pretty much ever since…… yeah. I don’t know what this clown is clowning on about. Cubs just played the Braves about a week and a half ago. When he was whipping them up there at 98-99 MPH consistently I couldn’t help but think of how awesome it would’ve been to see him in the current Cubs bullpen. Yeah he’s a righty, but when you’re flirting with 100 MPH every pitch it doesn’t matter which arm you throw it with. Strop-Vizcaino-Rondon……. mmm mmm MMMM that would’ve been sexy. In hindsight I think I could do without Tommy La Stella if it meant we still had Vizcaino. Not that La Stella is a POS, but he is just a utility player on this insanely deep Cubs team. What Vizcaino has done last year and so far this year is what I was hoping the Cubs would be enjoying when they initially traded for him when they shipped Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm to the Braves to acquire him. Oh well. It’s not like the Cubs are hurting without him. Just would be nice to have his cannon in the pen with Strop and Rondon as the 3 headed monster to wrap up games.
Can’t see why the Yankee relief duo is not on the list? Thinking in the adding while subtracting mode not waiving the white flag mindset.
Because they are 1 game under .500 and are the Yankees and it’s June. They could reel off seven wins and suddenly look like a plausible division winner. As I note in the intro, I’m basically not considering teams that don’t meet a certain threshold of likelihood of selling. NYY doesn’t get there for me right now.
Greta updates as always Jeff. So looking at your bottom of the list. Any chance you could see a deal of Kemp, Norris, and $6M for Markakis and a Braves 15-30 pitching prospect.
Braves could use some pop in the lineup next couple seasons which Kemp still provides (defense isn’t too much of a step back from Markakis) and Norris’ production tops what Braves currently have. Cash and prospects could obviously be shifted to accommodate.
I doubt either team would like that deal as both are pretty much rebuilding and trying to get younger assets and not make a lateral trade.
I suppose Markakis and Kemp + $6million just about evens out the money difference between Kemp and Markakis? Kemp is obviously the greater power threat but his ability to get on base is atrocious. I suppose this straight up trade, again, assuming the exchange in player cost is close to the same wouldn’t hurt.
As for Norris being better than what the Braves presently have, this is not correct. The Braves back up catcher is Tyler Flowers. I’d prefer to see him play the catcher spot than Pierzensky OR Norris. In light of all this, I wouldn’t see why the Braves would spend even low level prospects on these guys.
Agree to your points Hank, overlooked the OBP totally. Also, I love Flowers, would like for him to be full time next year.
Flowers > Norris?
Norris is pulling out if his poor start to the season and by August this statement will sound as ridiculous to the rest of you as it currently does to me.
There’s a reason Flowers has been a perennial back up since he was with the Sox and Norris was an All Star.
Pretty sure Norris led MLB in runners caught stealing last season as well.
I am not saying Flowers is better than Norris. I would love to acquire Norris. What I am saying is I am content with Flowers at $3M for next year rather than losing a good prospect for the $5.5M (guessing his Arbitration).
That is why I suggested him in my original comment, he could be our catcher of the future and why he would be included with taking Kemp’s major contract.
Gotcha
Fair enough
It was Hank who stated that Norris wasn’t better than what the Braves currently have.
You call batting .240 in his last 7 games him getting out of his slump? I don’t know about that. Maybe Norris is the better hitter but it’s simply not enough to justify a trade. Between this year AND last year, Norris doesn’t look like much of a bat upgrade if last year is any indication.
You want to talk defense? No..Norris didn’t lead in caught stealing. He placed 6th. Pretty good right? Flowers placed 10th last year. He did that playing 18 less games than Norris. Flowers also had the better % of batters thrown out; 995 to 993. So Flowers looks like the better defender, diminishing Norris’s better bat.
Thanks! I’m not sure I see this kind of deal happening … if ATL likes Norris, they could pursue him, but I’m not real sure why they’d have much interest in Kemp. He has pop, yes, but the OBP is just in the can. Also, I think SDP would be better served holding onto those guys and hoping they show something. They are higher-ceiling players.
Good call by all above. I just hear a lot of Braves fans wanting more pop, but pursuing the $25-30M guys. But truly is a lateral move.
Rusney Castillo for Matt Kemp. What team says no. Also will Padres fans see Wil Myers in the All Star game and Home Run Derby?
Rusney Castillo and for Matt Kemp? Who says no and why?
I can’t see the Braves dealing Teheran unless they get a return like they did in the Shelby Miller trade. He’s only 25, is pitching the best ball of his career, and has an extremely team friendly contract through 2020 in a market that is pitching starved.
Watching Teheran consistently go out and dominate is causing me some consternation. Is he an ace or not? It’s a tough call.
I have seen plenty of concerns raised with his FIP but this stat seems peculiar to me when applied to Teheran. All four full seasons he has pitched, he has out pitched his FIP. If he out pitched it on good years such as 2014 and 2013 but was relatively even with it in 2015 I would agree, but this isn’t the case.
If Teheran consistently out pitches his FIP, we have to consider the possibility that FIP doesn’t measure Teheran very well. After four years of doing just that it seems like he is making a good case of that. Or maybe it’s all just waiting to come crashing down around him.
I think I have moved into the keep him camp.
He is definitely a great asset. Unless they somehow get fleeced themselves, I don’t see a case where the Braves lose trade or keep.
I think you have to look at multiple stats and trends when evaluating players. Never should we judge a player by just one stat (and I realize you weren’t, but some appear to from their posts).
As far as Teheran goes, I don’t think that the braves deal him except for a very serious haul.
Completely agree. I am in the keep him camp but that isnt to say he is untradable. If Texas were to start a conversation with Joey Gallo (despite rumors that Texas is not interested in Teheran), I say we would have the start of a trade package.
Agreed to both points gentlemen.
Surprised Ryan Buchter of the Padres isn’t mentioned on this list. With contenders generally always wanting more bullpen help, and specifically left handed relievers, Buchter should at least be in the top 5 of LH relievers made available. It’s no secret the Padres are sellers as they have shown their hand already. Why not trade a guy with a 1.7something ERA, a WHIP around 1, and I think he is striking out about 12-13 guys per 9 IP. Those are Andrew Miller-like numbers but will cost a team a fraction of the price in a trade. Just my two sense. As a Cub fan I am getting to know all the left handed relievers worth a damn so far this year seeing as one of them will be on the Cubs within a month and a half. IMO….. I hope they go after Doolittle. He’ll be way cheaper than Miller or Chapman IMO. BUT, since Chapman would only be a rental, that drags his asking price down. Further down than any Yankee fan cares to admit. Ask a Yankee fan and they think both Miller and Chapman are worth about 2 Mike Trouts. Which is hilarious. Look what SD got for Kimbrel from Boston. A top prospect in Margot….. and then 3 minor leaguers to varying degrees of talent….. .none of which are too impressive IMO. Javier Guerra is a high prospect for the Padres…… granted he’s young, but his numbers in the minors aren’t exactly inspiring (in 1,000+ ABs he’s a .250 hitter, .315 OBP, and .698 OPS…….. yawn). Logan Allen is a super young A ball pitcher. Expect to get at most half that for Chapman, and at most that for Miller. A top prospect…… and 3 minor leaguers. Personally, I think if the Cubs wanted Miller all they’d have to give up for him is Vogelbach and Pierce Johnson. Both are pretty much ML ready. Vogelbach is INSANELY underrated IMO. I think people are still skeptical over him because of his body shape. In both facial appearance and size (and swing) he looks like he could be Kyle Schwarber’s brother. He’s listed at 250 lbs, but IMO he looks no bigger than Schwarber, and DEFINITELY no bigger than David Ortiz….. who is laughably listed at 230 lbs….. no WAY is Ortiz 230 lbs. One of his chins or neck rolls alone has to be 10 lbs. I mean seriously. Look at this picture and tell me which one is Kyle Schwarber and which is Dan Vogelbach? suntimesmedia.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/doppelga…
Vogelbach and Johnson wouldn’t get the Cubs Chapman, never mind Miller. The Red Sox gave up two top 50ish prospects, an org top 10 and and an org top 20 who is near MLB ready for Kimbrel. Miller is better than Kimbrel and $10-12 million cheaper. The Cubs would have to offer prospects such as Torres and Happ just to get the conversation started. Also, Vogelbach isn’t underrated. His value is held down by the fact that he is a 20 runner and a 30 fielder at 1B. DH only prospects don’t have much value.
FYI you left out Carlos Asuaje from the Kimbrel deal which is no small omission.
24 yr old IF in AAA hitting:
.324 .387 .479
Asuaje was the org top 20 who is near MLB ready I was referencing and I agree, he was a nice piece in that deal. After looking at the deals for Kimbrel, Giles and McGee this offseason, it’s amazing how many Cubs fans think they’ll be able to get someone like Miller without including any highly rated prospects.
All of the Cubs prospects are highly rated, just ask their fans about it and they will let you know.
Hope the SD padres can keep their core Players and try to get more impact player to build a solid baseball team for 2017… Pitching and Pitching they need .. plus a player that spark the offense, they have pieces.. Myers, Kemp, Upton Jay , Solarte , Norris, that can’t hit the baseball but they need more speed and more time hitting and pitching bullpen have been awful some times .. starting pitching too.. hope they don’t trade a lot of the SD padre core players …
What would a possible package for Odorizzi be?
A lot. Too much. There’s a reason cheap reliable good starting pitchers don’t usually get traded. They’re worth more than teams are willing to give up.
On the last one I had some criticism, and I think I figured out what could possibly done. If each player could have a grading system for the factors. Things like trade-ability, keep-ability, talent would be nice. They could be out of 5 or like 10. That way the rankings could be more accounted for. Good article nonetheless.
That’s basically how I approached making the list. I try to explain some of the factors for each guy, but I also feel okay assuming our readers are familiar with some elements (and don’t want to write a book for each guy).
As I said in the first one of these, it’s obviously highly subjective and debatable. And it’s far from a science of any kind — just for fun, really.
Just wait until the rumors really pick up! It’s going to be a bloodbath, no doubt.
especially considering this season has extremes. extreme sellers, and extreme buyers. For the most part, the top teams all have juicy farm systems to trade away to get the pieces they covet. This might be the best year in terms of big name trades. The deadline does seem so close, yet oh so far. As mentioned in one of your articles, bullpen arms are a surplus, corner outfield bats are surplus. I think each contender has 1-3 spots on their 25 man that could come via the trade. NL teams like the Cubs, Nats, Giants, Cardinals, Mets, Marlins, Dodgers, will be buying an assortment of talent this summer. AL teams like the RedSox, Blue Jays, Rangers, Mariners, even Stros, whitesox, will be fishing. We could see a record number of trades. I will even predict 1 (or multiple) big name player on a middling team will get traded whether it is due to overwhelming offer or the team sells, I’m looking at you Pittsburgh, Yankees, Mets,. Andrew Mccutchen, all three yankee relievers, Matt Harvey.
Not sure I share your optimism about an explosive trade season. Most analysts don’t agree either. Problem is not on the demand side. There are only a half dozen or so teams clearly selling, and most of them have already sold their veteran assets with value. What’s left is pretty much what’s on this list, and not all of them will be traded. Suspect it will be an active trade season but mostly involving lesser names and C prospects. Lots of PTBNL and the like.
Seriously need to consider these guys as trade candidates and they would make the list.
Mark Melancon- best closer available, period.
John Jaso- love to see him to Oakland for Doolittle.
David Freese – maybe best infielder available.
Matt Joyce- best pure pinch hitter available.
Bucs look like sellers to me.
Bucs fan? Best pure pinch hitter? I can see how that is useful, 6-8 added wins helps everyone, but what do you give up for a PH?
Will give you Melancon at this point, but Ramos or Britton may become available.
And if David Freese is best available, that is saying something about the market.
If they really fall off, I’ll consider those guys. But I am not sure we’re going to see eye to eye on your assessments.
i agree. They might continue slide and trade Freese, Cutch, Melancon, Cole. They also could go on a tear and win 15 of their next 18 and become major buyers. Definitely a wild card though at this point. How about the Marlins? I see them being one of the most active teams this trade deadline. At worst, they trade away big names and press the reset button in the offseason.
Valencia > Freese
The Rays look like they’ll be sellers, so Steve Pearce, Matt Moore and Drew Smyly could all be options for your upcoming lists.