MLBTR’s top trade candidate series hits its third week as we reach the middle of June, and we’re beginning to expand the list as the market gains shape. The James Shields trade hasn’t worked out yet for the White Sox, but Chicago still profiles as an early buyer. Might other teams join them in seeking reinforcements sooner than later?
As for this list, 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 value — with a premium on an ability 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.
Injuries again had an impact; here’s this week’s list:
1. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Brewers — Still good, still available … at a steep cost. MLBTR’s Mark Polishuk recently looked at the potential suitors for a player who might be not only the best, but also the most interesting trade chip on this summer’s market.
2. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers — With Rich Hill hitting the DL and falling off of this list for the time being, Braun moves into the second slot. Some may quibble with this placement, citing the big contract — not to mention the fact that GM David Stearns says “there is no motivation for us to move … an elite-level player.” But reports suggest there’s been at least some chatter involving Braun, who could be the highest-performing hitter available.
3. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds — The division-rival Brewers are giving signs that they’ll wait to see how the market develops with their best chips, but one wonders whether Cincinnati could act more quickly with Bruce’s value on the ascent. Defensive limitations remain a concern, but teams in need of a boost on offense will take a hard look at the 29-year-old.
4. Danny Valencia, 3B, Athletics — This placement feels high, and maybe it is. But Valencia has carried a 1.000+ OPS in both May and June. And he brings a serviceable (albeit below-average) glove at both third base and the corner outfield. With just $3.15MM owed to Valencia in his second-to-last season of arbitration eligibility, he’s a pretty nice piece who could fit on a lot of contending clubs.
5. Arodys Vizcaino, RP, Braves — Vizcaino has shown some cracks in his most recent work. In 3 1/3 innings over four appearances since June 7th, he has surrendered three earned runs on four hits and five walks while recording four strikeouts. That’s not enough to set off any alarm bells, but it’s worth watching how he bounces back.
6. Fernando Abad, RP, Twins — Abad just keeps humming along, and could see some save opportunities as Minnesota struggles to find reliable late-inning relief work. He’s as cheap as they come ($1.25MM) after signing a minor league deal, and can be controlled for another season via arbitration.
7. Julio Teheran, SP, Braves — With Teheran now laying down an impressive run of results, the focus is less on his ability than it is on the market. Atlanta won’t just settle for the best offer for the righty, who is cheap and controllable for years to come, but will set a high price and see if it’s met. As the rest of this list shows, there isn’t much in the way of quality starting pitching available; a club with a present need and future interest could conceivably be enticed to meet the ask.
8. Fernando Rodney, RP, Padres — Though he hasn’t pitched much of late, it’s no longer possible to ignore Rodney’s brilliance thus far. The walks (4.0 BB/9) are still a concern, but Rodney is inducing grounders at a career-best 61.2% rate and is generating swinging strikes at a solid 11.6% rate. The fastball still averages better than 95 mph. Plus, he’s owed just $1.6MM this year — though incentives will drive that up — and can be kept for 2017 at a floating rate that could be quite reasonable if things continue in this direction.
9. Sean Doolittle, RP, Athletics — After some struggles early, Doolittle has regained his fastball velocity, with the results catching up as batters can’t. He is controllable through 2020 on a fairly meager guarantee, so he’s no certainty to be dealt, but the A’s could choose to cash in on the 29-year-old, who now owns a 2.45 ERA with 11.9 K/9 against 2.8 BB/9 on the year. Those are the kinds of numbers that could motivate a contender to part with some serious value, though health remains a long-term concern.
10. Zack Cozart, SS, Reds — After three straight seasons of defensive excellence and subpar hitting, Cozart has run up a .271/.312/.475 batting line with 18 home runs in 437 plate appearances over the last two seasons. He’s earning less than $3MM in 2016 and will be eligible for a final trip through arbitration next year, so Cinci doesn’t need to make a move. But with Jose Peraza returning to the majors, it’s possible to imagine the Reds looking to get something out of the player who might end up being the most appealing shortstop available at the deadline.
11. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies — The Rox have gone on a nice little run in the last week, reducing their trade likelihood for the time being. Gonzalez would look like a clearer trade piece for most organizations, but it’s still all but impossible to gauge Colorado’s willingness to move the big-swinging 30-year-old.
12. David Hernandez, RP, Phillies — Signed to a $3.9MM deal after dealing with injuries in recent years, Hernandez has made good on the Phillies’ hopes. Over 30 1/3 frames, he owns a 2.37 ERA with 11.9 K/9 against 3.3 BB/9. His 14.2% swinging strike rate is in line with his career-best 2012 season. You could argue for Jeanmar Gomez, Hector Neris, or Andrew Bailey to represent a surprising Phils’ pen on this list, and all are also plausible candidates in their own right, but Hernandez has the best mix of performance and likelihood of being dealt. (Gomez and especially Neris come with future control, while Bailey hasn’t been as good as the others.)
13. Jon Jay, OF, Padres — Seems like every time we talk about a team with an outfield need, Jay is one of the first names mentioned. He’s something like this trade season’s Gerardo Parra. Jay is a quality left-handed hitter who has never carried much of a platoon split, is capable of providing solid defense up the middle or in the corners, and is owed a reasonably $6.85MM this year before hitting the open market.
14. Melvin Upton, OF, Padres — Though he’s scuffled a bit in the month of June, Upton still looks like a useful fourth outfielder who can play any position on the grass. His wheels and defense are an asset for a contending team, and San Diego has good reason both to open a roster spot for younger options and to offload some of its remaining obligations to Upton.
15. Jeremy Jeffress, RP, Brewers — Jeffress is in the mist of a third straight season of sub-3.00 ERA work, so perhaps he was too slow to make this list and rates too low on it. But while he’s still generating a good swinging strike rate (11.6%) that’s in line with his work last year, Jeffress isn’t even striking out seven batters per nine and has never been elite in that department. He does have an impressive and consistent groundball percentage that sits just under 60%, but that arguably makes him more of a very good setup man than a shut-down closer. If the market views him as the former rather than the latter, Milwaukee may not be sufficiently motivated to deal him with three years of control remaining.
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) … true, a 15-day placement isn’t the same as a long-term injury, but we’ll operate under the premise that if you’re on the DL, you probably won’t be dealt
Just Missed:
Sonny Gray, Jed Lowrie, Ryan Madson & Billy Butler (Athletics) — Gray’s value isn’t at its peak given his injuries, and it’s tough to imagine Oakland selling low. Lowrie can be controlled cheaply for two seasons beyond this one, so there isn’t exactly a rush to deal him. It’s tough to imagine a team taking on the remainder of Butler’s deal, but the A’s would probably love to shed the contract.
Ender Inciarte & Nick Markakis (Braves) — Like Butler, Markakis is hardly teeming with value given his .239/.328/.321 batting line and two years remaining on his deal beyond this season. Inciarte has been hurt and ineffective for much of the season but is hitting much better lately.
Will Smith & Chris Carter (Brewers) — Smith’s semi-improbable return to health following a spring LCL injury could have teams inquiring if he proves healthy and effective, while Carter’s power and cheap price tag once again make him a potentially appealing summer asset. Milwaukee can control Smith through 2019 and Carter through 2018.
Jeremy Hellickson, Gomez & Bailey (Phillies) — Hellickson arguably deserves a place on the list now, but he was bombed in his last outing and still has something to prove.
Welington Castillo, Daniel Hudson, Brad Ziegler & Tyler Clippard (Diamondbacks) — It’s just not clear whether Arizona will have any interest in dealing Castillo. Among the relievers, Hudson may be most likely to be dealt. He’s benefiting from a .172 BABIP right now, but he’s got a mid-nineties heater, double-digit swinging strike rate, and cheap rental rate ($2.7MM salary).
Derek Norris & Matt Kemp (Padres) — Neither Padres slugger is performing all that well. Kemp’s bat has come to life somewhat in the past three weeks or so, but he’s still walked just five times all season and is sporting a .259 OBP. With his contract, that’s a tough sell. Norris’ bat has picked up recently, too, and considering his position and much more affordable salary, it’s easier to see him building up some meaningful trade value than Kemp.
Ervin Santana, Trevor Plouffe & Eduardo Nunez (Twins) — Neither Santana nor Plouffe are playing terribly well, and neither is terribly cheap, but they are the type of sturdy veterans that often change hands at the deadline. As for Nunez, teams won’t completely buy into the hot hitting, but he had a solid batting line last year as well and delivers loads of positional flexibility. That he’s controlled through 2017 is an added plus.
Yunel Escobar, Huston Street, Hector Santiago & Fernando Salas (Angels) — Yes, I’m now considering the Angels among the plausible sellers. But that doesn’t mean they are placing anyone on the list. Escobar and Street are valuable enough to rate, but I still don’t expect the Halos to actually cut bait on what increasingly seems to be a hopeless season until the very last minute. Even then, I remain unconvinced they’ll actually sell Street, Escobar or Santiago, as all three could play important roles in 2017. Salas, though, certainly seems a candidate to find a new home if the Halos’ woes continue.
Valencia has a .305/.356/.534 slash line with an .890 OPS over his last 555 PAs – the guy is an all-star, wake up.
Still seems crazy to me that the jays simply let him go last year.
I’ve never seen a guy with 170 PAs and an .800+ OPS get DFA’d before either.
And even when he struggled against righties, always mashed lefties
Even though he was atrocious in left field, id still rather have him than revere. And he was hitting over .300 with like 12 homers at the time of the dfa to
None of which serves as any kind of indicator that he won’t be a candidate to be traded this summer.
“This placement feels high, and maybe it is.”
It’s not. At all.
I don’t find it disrespectful to Valencia or strange to point out that some may raise an eyebrow toward seeing him placed higher than someone with Carlos Gonzalez’s track record or someone with Julio Teheran’s contract..
Jeff put him fourth on the list, and followed that sentence by explaining how excellent Valencia has been. We’ve talked about his past calendar year in multiple posts on this site. He’s been outstanding. Nonetheless, a year ago he was perceived mostly as a journeyman on a hot streak. Regarding him in this light is fairly new.
Beyond all of that, though, your short and condescending tone toward everything you perceive to be a slight against the Athletics is tired. I’ve asked you before and will do so again: try to be more respectful when interacting with people in these comment threads.
I agree with you – Danny does not have a career track record pointing to the potential of putting up these types of numbers, which is why the Blue Jays thought they were correct in evaluating his talent by DFAing him. Perhaps Danny is a late bloomer and the A’s are much better at spotting talent, but Jeff’s reasoning is spot-on: the A’s do like to find (and polish) diamonds in the rough, trade them at peak value and move on. It’s pretty much Beane’s M.O. in keeping his club competitive.
And yet I put him there … so …
Oh sure, single me out for tone when a guy below literally calls you “baked”. Hypocritical much?
I responded to your short, condescending post with one of my own but you feel the need to call me out, but when Yankees fans call you childish names its all kosher? Awesome. Totally not hypocritical or anything.
Grow up, Steve.
Thank you for showing me the light. If anything, I’m probably out on a limb here on Valencia as against other outlets.
Here’s what I noted in last week’s list, btw: “it’s hard to ignore that the 31-year-old has hit at a .291/.336/.492 clip over nearly 1,000 plate appearances dating back to 2013.” So, I’m aware. We’re all aware.
Things that don’t show up in the box scores oftentimes determine whether a player is a front line player or not. When was the last time Valencia played on a winning team?? It is a lot easier to be productive when your team is a dozen games out of first, than producing when you team is fighting for a playoff birth. Same with relief pitchers that dominate the middle innings but don’t have the guts to pitch the ninth. Beware of a player who’s closet looks like the warehouse at Dick’s sporting goods because of the number of teams he has been with. Huge Red Flag!!!
And yet you feel the need to imply that this all-star level player is overrated.
I didn’t imply any such thing. Not remotely. You’re finding boogeymen in strange places.
It was me saying “hmm this feels high,” but then rating him there anyway, in recognition of his track record. It’s the exact opposite of the way you read it, really.
You are correct, All Star level player on a last place team.
Best thread in a while.
Qu’elle surprise! “Just Another Fan” totally putting words in a writer’s mouth to make the writer look bad and create a strawman JAF can score points against to boost his ego like an insecure little nerd.
What a hilariously entertaining little geek JAF is – thin-skinned, contrarian, argumentative, etc. I love watching him throw his hysterical hissyfits when someone disagrees with him and/or he feels like he’s being persecuted by the big bad writers/administrators of this site. His tantrums are funny beyond belief. Thanks for being you JAF.
Nice updates to the list Jeff. Makes me wonder how the list would go of some teams, like the White Sox do decide to reverse course and possibly sell.
That’s what will make this fun, I think. Never tried it before, of course, so I’m interested to see how it shifts over time.
I think a lot of fans both of White Sox and not, Yankees and not, and the other fringe contenders are curious what on their roster will be put on block if they reverse course.
What about alexi ramierez? Hes got a useful .250/.286/.336 line, is on a rental contract, and could serve as depth for a contender. Plus, probably cost a lot less then cozart.
In what world is that slash line useful? Alexi is old, lost all semblance of power, never had any patience, and even his fielding metrics are down. A useful player he is not.
In a world where Alexi Ramierez would be a reserve off the bench to give guys days off rather than being a starter.
Looking at the Giants depth chart they currently have no back up SS
Orioles could use an upgrade over Paul Janish and his .167/.258/.468 line.
Mariners could use an upgrade over Luis Sardines, which I could see a Sardines for Ramirez swap since he was with Texas when Preller was there, but he’s batting .190/.215/.501, and O’Malley has .163/.82/.414
Tigers could use an upgrade over Austin Romine and his .162/.279/.495 line.
So yeah 3 teams could benefit from Ramierez’s .250/.286/.336 line as a reserve off the bench.
Austin romine is a catcher for the Yankees, and each of those teams have better, younger options in the minors. Regardless, even if Alexi has better numbers than those mentioned, none of them qualify as “useful,” as per the intention of my response.
Austin? You must mean his brother, Andrew…
Andrew not austin. Sorry mix those two up sometimes. And how is a .250/.286/.336 batting line not useful for a reserve infield player coming off the bench every 3 or 4 days to give your starter a rest or hitting for your pitcher? What do you expect your reserve ss/2B/3B to actually be batting to be useful?
You seem to be stuck on his production, not what role he would be playing which alters his batting line. For a starter its not useful production. For a reserve bench piece to hit for a pitcher or give guys days off its useful. You will find guys with better number but not by much and who arent being traded by other teams.
Doesn’t really matter. The Padres have no viable replacement at SS, and the value of whatever they would receive for such a bench piece isn’t worth resorting to trading him off.
In what world is that slash line useful?
He could end up on the watch list but I doubt he’ll crack the top-[whatever]. Certainly a trade candidate.
You MLBTR guys are baked…where are Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Beltran on this list? The Yankees are going to be sellers, they’d be crazy not to trade one of their relievers to a team like the Nationals who have strong prospects on the farm and are desperately in need of some help at the back end of their bullpen (especially with Papelbon being out).
Ya chapman should defiantly be on this list, hell imo, he’s the most likely guy to be traded in this entire list
The Yankees are only 3 games back (in the loss column) for the second AL WC slot. I do agree that Chapman and Beltran will likely be moved (Miller I’m not as sure about), but to call them definitive sellers at this point is a bit early. They’ve been disappointing so far as a team, but they’re largely the same team as last year that made the playoffs (albeit a year older), and they have the ability to absorb some money to facilitate a trade if they choose, so I wouldn’t mark them down as sellers just yet
The Yankees are three games out of the Wild Card, and everything pertaining to Chapman/Miller that’s been written to this point has said they won’t make that call until later on in the summer. Jeff only just pushed the Angels up into the “possible seller” category. The way in which teams have traditionally acted at the deadline is a factor here, and the Yankees don’t exactly have a long history of selling in July. — let alone June.
There are 6-7 weeks before the non-waiver deadline. If the Yankees drop further out of the picture as Aug. 1 approaches,, I’m sure each will find himself on the list.
I think the Yankees will wait as long as possible to see if they fall out of the race. Remember, the way they are set up in the bullpen, they only need the starters to give them all of six decent innings to keep them in every game. If the starters aside from Sabathia and Tanaka start to round in form doing this, they will view themselves as good enough contenders.
Meaning the onus is now on Pineda, Eovaldi, Nova and possibly Severino (when recalled) to “save” the season.
Thing about the Yankees is even if they do sell, it will be rentals only. They have a nice young core and a ton of money coming off the books- between the end of this season and next, Beltran, Texeira, Sabbathia, and ARod free up close to $100mm. And they’re likely to spend a big chunk of it.
I can see them moving free agent to be Chapman, but Miller and Betances aren’t as likely. Not without an outlandish return.
I am not ready to put them as likely sellers, but those players will be considered if and when I am.
Papelbon being out doesn’t really increase the Nats’ need for a late-inning reliever, fwiw, though I do think it might help nudge them toward replacing him.
But you put Cargo from the Rockies on that list. The Rockies are 31-33 and 3.5GB from the Wild Card. The Yankees are 31-33 and 3.5GB from the Wild Card???
Right, so it appears I’m not just looking at record alone. You’re talking about the game’s deepest pockets/biggest market on the one hand, and a tapped out Rockies org on the other. And the AL (and AL East) are more wide open. And I don’t like the Rockies’ chances of staying in contention.
Great idea to make a childish insult towards the writers of this site, they have better things to do, like single me out for my tone.
Pathetic. How can you say any of this to me when there’s literally hundreds of garbage posters on here.
Don’t want to sound insulting, but a lot of your opinions/thoughts are controversial. It gets tiring
Bad thing is there are a few that walk that line.
100% true
Ha! Chill brah 😀
Douch
I totally agree. that Beltran. Miller, Chapman. Betances
should be on the trade list. The Yankees are 3 under 500, and are an old. expensive, bad team going nowhere.
The new york media and fans are putting pressure on them, what are they going to do keep Chapman and get a QO draft choice that might not even exist with the new CBA.
They made a bad mistake in 2013 not trading Cano and Robertson when they weren’t contenders , and they need young high upside controllable talent , which the Rangers, Nationals, Cubs who all need relievers can provide
I agree with this list in the sense that it’s the best players that are likely to be traded, however I think that it might be better to leave guys like Car-Go off the list (because they aren’t being shopped) than put them lower on the list. Maybe that’s just me. Other than that I completely agree with the list.
I’ve tried to balance it out – quality and likelihood of a trade. I still expect the Rox to fall off enough that he’s a plausible trade chip, but I’m still not convinced they’ll deal him. If it was clear he was available, he’d easily be in the top 3. As it is, he still rates for me but toward the bottom.
That could change as the club’s record fluctuates, of course.
I don’t see the Braves trading Inciarte. The return that the Braves would be looking for (more prospects) wouldn’t match the current prospect the Ender is – and lets be realy, if the Braves had a 25 MLB caliber players, Inciarte would still be in AAA
He doesn’t make the top 15, and some of that reasoning explains why. Also, he’s been pretty poor this year.
He’s easily the best glove on the team, by his career marks. Unless you’re talking about a rehab assignment, there’s nothing this year that is an accurate gauge by his standards and speaks of the struggles from injury and being on a new team. ATL would be silly to send Ender down even hitting .200 if not but because of his glove. I mean, how long do we endure JHey while being consoled by his great glove? Why is Ender any different?
Only difference I can see is Heyward was established with the bat and regressed, but everyone was still in love with his defense. Ender I think will have that same respect after his next great full season.
Chris Sale will be in Boston or Pittsburgh by the end of the season.
If a Chris Sale trade happens, it won’t be this season. The team is built on a 2-4 year window. The core of Abreu-Quintana-Sale CAN be on the South Side together through the 2019 season. Abreu is signed through 2020; Quintana is signed through 2018 with a $10.5 million club option for 2019 and 2020; Sale is signed through 2017 with a $12.5 million club option in 2018 and a 2019 club option for a million more. I highly doubt they will pass those team-friendly options up unless the team inches towards last place. While they have been playing horrible, the team is too talented to continue their current slide. Will they make the playoffs? That’s questionable. Are they a World Series contender? Probably not.. However, with Anderson up, Fulmer most likely getting into the rotation sometime next season at at least $48.795 million coming off the books next year, the White Sox have the time and resources to re-tool into a team better suited to contend within the next couple of seasons. If the current team with any corresponding moves this season still fails to make the playoffs, they won’t blow this team up.
Besides, K-Will and Jerry Reinsdorf won’t allow it.
The Reds will probably make RHP Dan Straily available, he’s been a very successful starter since being claimed off waivers in spring training. The lack of available starting pitchers probably make it more likely that he gets moved.
Unlike Bruce and Cozart, they don’t have any particular need to move Straily, though. Bruce and Cozart will go to the highest bidder(s), while Straily comes with years of team control and would need an appealing return.
To part with an “appealing return,” a contending team would have to believe that Dan Straily undoubtedly upgrades their starting rotation. Given that he is still Dan Straily, and that his peripherals don’t come close to supporting his admittedly stellar 3.15 ERA (higher than career average walk rate, .226 BABIP against), I don’t believe that that happens. Bruce, Cozart, and even Duvall (depending on the return) seem much more likely IMHO
The Reds once traded Alfredo Simon to a (nominal) contender (Tigers), despite less-than-stellar peripherals… for Eugenio Suarez. Surely there’s another team out there like the Tigers…
Several contenders have guys who are doing worse than Straily in their rotations. Orioles, Red Sox, Royals to name a few.
That’s a fair point with Simon. The difference for me is that he was at least coming off a 200 inning season, while Straily hasn’t eclipsed 100 since 2013. I don’t think it’s out of the equation that they could pull in a utility type infielder for Straily, but I’m not sure that counts as “appealing”
They not only got Suarez, but also the Tigers #1 prospect at the time in Jonathan Crawford. Granted Crawford would not have been the #1 prospect in most systems, but he was still the best they had at the time.
And by ‘appealing return’, that pretty much means a bat. Reds are loaded with pitching prospects, both in and on the verge of making the majors, and in the upper minors. Straily’s days in the rotation are numbered, he’s eventually sure to lose his rotation spot to younger guys like Cody Reed and Robert Stephenson.
I think they’ll trade Straily for the best hitting prospect they can get in return rather than hold onto him for the next few years as a long reliever.
Fair enough, I misinterpreted “appealing” I guess. He can probably pull in a future major leaguer, but I wouldn’t imagine that he brings anything more than a semi-useful role player in return
I think you are looking at a similar prospect like Mella, who they aquired last year from the Giants in the Marlon Byrd trade. He is only at Advanced A but has some upside. It will take a couple years before he sniffs the majors.
I agree that that Reds will not get a promising prospect from the AA-AAA level for Straily. If they do happen to get a prospect who is say a year away from the majors I think it would be a bullpen guy. Strailey is still to much of an unknown. Is he a guy who just took a while to come into his own or is this a flash in the pan? Teams aren’t going to give up to much just incase it is the latter.
They got Mella in the Mike Leake trade, not the Byrd trade.
Just trade him to Arizona- you could probably get Socrates Brito and a Comp pick for 2017
Why would the Reds move Straily? He’s exactly the type of player you want on a rebuilding team. He has 4.5 years of control. There’s a decent chance he’s still around when the Reds are good again. I also feel like the narrative of defensive liabilities for Bruce are overstated. He’s been pretty average, and the advanced statistics like him less since Hamilton has become a regular (he catches many balls other CFs don’t get to — taking chances away from Bruce.)
Straily is a useful guy for Cinci, but not b/c he’s likely to be a piece when they are good again, IMO. I think he’ll mostly turn back into a serviceable swingman type. They should trade him if another team falls in love, but that probably won’t happen.
As for Bruce, there’s no narrative, it’s simply looking at his abysmal ratings. Now, there could well be a reason not to put too much stock in that, and I’m open to considering it, but I’m not sure the Hamilton thing covers it. Mostly that’s because I’m not sure how that’s accounted for, but beyond that, Billy hasn’t received stellar range ratings thus far this year.
I still like one of my trade I put out there it could happen
If you’re the old Braves fan with the 15 players on each side bring traded, then no, sir, I don’t think it could happen. Maybe you can come close on approximate value (I can’t read them since you don’t believe in punctuation), but trades of that magnitude don’t happen in today’s MLB. Sorry
Trades of that magnitude never happened in any MLB era. Even the major trade when Houston and San Diego basically traded entire teams only included 15 players TOTAL.
Which trade was it again?
Same one as always, has just been deleted.
16 player trade where both sides have to agree on the value of 10 prospects(which will never happen)
Man I wouldn’t mind seeing Rodney in Dodger Blue. Or even Jeffress for that matter. Anything is better than what they have now
How about Viz to DET? Burrows and Stewart? Or would that not be enough? Maybe Teheran to CLE. Benson, Aiken and Sheffield.
That’s a pretty steep overpay for Cleveland
I’ve pondered the idea of the Braves packaging Viz and Julio together. I just don’t know (a) what the asking price would be, (b) how much they would be asking for in return and (c) which team have/be willing to make that deal, assuming the Braves would want a pretty package for them together.
This is why I love trade season.
Love trade season as well. Love refreshing this site so much that time to see more and more pop up. I think asking prices almost negate packaging those two. But packaging them might make the receiving GM let go of who he didn’t want to for just Julio.
Agreed with the former part of the comment. I could discuss baseball until the Cubs win the World Series (zing). The possibility of them being involved in the same deal definitely shrinks the amount of teams interested. If you take all the teams that want Viz and all the teams that want Julio and have the means to obtain either, that list shrinks exponentially based on the amount of teams who want both and have the means to get both.
Agreed sir, it certainly narrows the list. But as you mention the Cubs, the needs and assets of each match up. Would think it would start with Baez and Contreras I would think. Granted there would probably end up being no less than 6 players exchanged, but those two match up for sure.
Given the way Hendricks and Hammel have pitched, I would be shocked if Theo trades for a starter given that’s such a position of strength for them. Not only that, who would they exile from the rotation? Given what I’ve heard (living in the Chi), they’re in the market for OF depth and LH relief pitching. I don’t think they trade for a starter unless the package they’re giving up is minimal.
You are probably right, the rotation has been great, who would you displace?
Gun to my head, it’s Hammel due to his well-documented second half struggles (3.90 career ERA in first half, 5.15 ERA in second half). However, I think it would be a lateral move to give up prospects for a starter unless it’s a dark horse candidate that is clearly better than any of the names that have been popping up like Gray or Teheran. Hammel has given up 3 ER or more only three times in 13 starts. this season. He’s pitching well. If they do end up trading for a starter, it will be post All-Star breaks where they can evaluate how he does in those first few weeks of the month before the deadline. Throughout his entire career, July is statistically his worst month (career 5.37 career July ERA).
All that being said, I doubt they deal for a starter based on information that is currently available.
Cleveland wouldn’t get Teheran with that package. 1. The Braves value Teheran more then the rest of the market does. 2. Even if they didn’t, they could get more than two prospects that just barely scratch the top 100. 3. The Braves are less interested in prospect packages these days so if you try to buy Teheran with prospects the price will be more inflated than you might think.
While I agree Lucroy is clearly the #1 talent available, I wonder now if his talent and ridiculously cheap option next year don’t make him harder to deal in-season vs this off-season. How many teams have a need, the farm system to make a deal happen AND have the position of C as their only need for the playoff push?
Mets and Houston come to mind immediately. Tampa if they end up being buyers. Dodgers could use an upgrade if they give up on Grandal and his sub .200 average. Gomes hasn’t exaclty been killing it in Cleveland (although I doubt they give up on his season). There are definitely teams out there that will want his services.
You also forgot Texas. They might need an upgrade at catcher, though their current ones are producing offensively.
I left Texas off on purpose. They have been getting surprising production from all 3 of their catchers and all the rumors between them and Milwaukee seems to have fizzled out. Still a decent fit and a possibility since Lucroy could help them make a run this year and next, but for some reason it just feels like that ship has sailed….
Any thoughts to creating a list that ranks players not just based on talent but their position, their contract situation, how likely/motivated their team is to selling and in general the likelihood/ease of a deal involving that player can be done?
In that scenario Jay Bruce is prob #1 now and players like Kemp, Upton and Braun go down because of contract is too large, long or simply just bad (value).
Also maybe a ranking of buyers based and their actual ability to buy, payroll flexibility, farm system from which to deal and a need(s). Red Sox and Orioles are a game apart and couldn’t be more opposite as to how they operate at the trade deadline.
Um, that’s what this is. Check the intro paragraphs for more. Certainly not a ranking by talent alone.
Then I guess I am quibbling about the rankings. Brewers are sellers but so are the Reds and in particularly Bruce due to his 2016 salary, The hypothetical market for Bruce (OF/DH) is probably larger than either Brewer player given he’s basically a pure rental unless an acquiring team see’s value in his $13M option. This is a classic deadline deal unless he get’s injured and is not an “if” but a “when”.
A lot more x-factor to Lucroy and Braun due to their respective contracts. The former’s for it’s affordability this year & next, the latter for the length & size and that’s without factoring no trade provisions, Braun’s list is everyone except 5 teams, Just saying
True, Bruce is a more obvious trade piece, which is the only reason he’s up that high. I don’t think he’s nearly as good as the other two players.
I think I wrote in one of the first two iterations of this series that he might be the most likely player in all of baseball to be traded. But after two straight years of poor hitting and major questions about his glove, I see some limits on his value.
You’re kidding yourself if you think Bruce is #1 over Lucroy. Lucroy has the added year and is performing the Best at the Catcher Position. Not Bruce who you said is a Rental Owed more money this year as Lucroy is for both! What Lucroy does vs what Bruce does for their respective positions is in Lucroy’s favor and it’s not even close. Lucroy will come with a QO following 2017 too. If Bruce is a Rental, you can’t get a QO.
According to ESPN, Bruce has a .4WAR on the Season and is 61st among OFs with 150+PAs
Lucroy is 2nd to Salvador Perez at 2.2WAR. And with Perez and Posey not in any possible trade forthcoming, Derek Norris is the 2nd best Catcher at 1.2WAR.
He is the #1 on this list for a reason.
Yankees next 11 games are against the Rockies and Twins. If they can make a run, they won’t be sellers. July gets a lot tougher though with Red Sox, Orioles, Giants, Indians. If sellers, Beltran, Chapman will go a ways towards restocking their farm system.
Well considering the Rox just swept the two game series, they aren’t exactly off to the best start.
I know the A’s and Giants never trade with each other, but it would be pretty sweet if Bobby Evans could pull off a package deal for Valencia and Doolittle.
Where would Valencia play?
Ya I agree Joey Pankake
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Mariners kick the tires on Braun. Left field has been a black hole in terms of production so far this year, and they shouldn’t be afraid of adding future payroll for a talent like Braun.
I agree that he’d be a decent fit in their lineup, but the Brewers have said they want a pretty decent return and the Mariners farm system is pretty barren. Guys like O’Neil and Neidert would have some interest to Milwaukee so it probably could be done, but they don’t seem to line up as the most likely trade partners.
Matt Shoemaker is emerging as the most valuable trade piece for the Angels
Yeah but with all the control left and uncertainty in the rotation, I don’t really see him being marketed too heavily if at all.
I will say that articles on the site are usually well written and extensive. Although this on is extensive, I just feel this list is too wishy washy at the moment. The longish wait until deadline might be the reason as some contenders are still alive theoretically in the division race. Personally, I would push more people up the list. I can’t tell if this is supposed to be a list of top 15 trade candidates or top 15 most likely trade candidates…
I’m not sure I understand your critique. The approach is laid out in the intro paragraphs. It’s a combination of trade value and likelihood of being dealt, and then I’m basically not considering players from teams that I don’t believe look to be likely sellers.
It’s time to burn it to the ground for the Angels. I would be selling off every piece possible for high ceiling/high risk prospects in the low minors. Take some big risks when moving Street, Escobar, Santiago, Salas, etc. They need to stock their farm system with upside talent. They have virtually nothing in the pipeline that projects to be anything better than just a meh player.
Doug Fister could eventually become the most valuable rental on the market if the astros fall out.
I would like to see the O’s trade for Abad
Seems as if Abad would fit right into Cubs plans.
O bye the way for all of you who think I don’t know any think about today’s baseball . This shows how young and idiots you are baseball is baseball it doesn’t matter when time in history . Second today on mlb central it was brought up that indians are looking for more help and that the gm doesn’t think there’s any prospect in there system is going help them win this year and he open in talking about any prospect . That of ,3b,c, rp and possible sp that they can go to high on salaries but they are looking for a deal that could help win this season and my trade would help them win this season and next and would help Braves where they need outfield ,c 1b ( if they trade freeman this off season , it,s not crazy it make since . So you all get it here it is again I’m going to say again here the trade that I think will make since
Indians get
sp julio Tehran
Rp Jim Johnson
Lp Ian Krol
Of nick markakis
Of Enders inciate
Braves send 12 million to help off set some of markakis contract
Prospects
Manny baunelaus
1b Juan yepez
Rf Conner lien
Braves get
Sp Trevor Bauer
Of Bradley Zimmerman
Of Clint Frazier
Lp Justus Sheffield
1b bobby Bradley
C Francisco mejia
2 player to be name later (Logan ice -Stephen tarpley maybe
International pool money
You don’t know any think about baseball . It does matter when time in history…
There it is, was waiting for that one to reappear. The comments to follow, which I see there are 2-3 will provide me further entertainment later. Thank you and have a great morning all.
You’re beating a dead horse dude…
And don’t call us idiots, you are the troll here after all
Lol, hey man, get it right. Clearly, you, me, and everyone else (including the mods who keep taking down his insane proposal), are the idiots. He’s a visionary…
Nothing else entertainment value.
Why don’t the Braves and Indians just swap 40-man rosters!? 😀
I was with you on entertainment value until he called me an idiot for thinking that “it does matter when time in history,” whatever that means. That said, I do look forward to seeing the next trade proposal he’ll propose in a few weeks haha
That is probably the worst trade proposal I have ever seen. The Indians have 6 good starters they have no need for Tehran. And why would they trade away their whole farm system for two not very good out fielders and unreliable relievers. If they call up either zimmer or Frazier they would produce more than markakis and inciarte combined
Ha Cleveland fans I want to ask you something . Let just say this for argument sake . The your cavs loss to the Warriors again . Your indians have chance and if indians make the play offs they really would be dangers . But with problem you have in outfield c bullpen and little with starts and when it come to outfield you need help with Bradley going done again and fact is you need help with not just in left field with his injure history but with Byrd one year out and fact you need help in center. And rather you like it or not bring up two outfield rookie to help you win is not going to happen never in the history of. Baseball did 3 rookies lead a team to World Series ex specially two outfield that came up in August it just won’t happen . And for you to trade for back up catcher 3b. 2 bullpen reliever and 2 outfields will cost you a lot more then what my trade will cost you so are you all tied off come up short and not have champion professional team to root for and be proud of or are you fine only rooting for college football team in Ohio state . Because if that what you want then fine but if I was from Cleveland and most likely
the cavs and Lebron James , Kyle Irvin and Kevin love and rest of the cavs are going to leave you dreams next year most likely you will win tomorrow night , but there now way in hell warriors will lose 2 games at home in same series and two in a row and in finals that never going to happen sorry but that the truth. So you have chance my trade give you best chance to win a World Series And for the rest of you think about this World Series
Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Indians which team will when World Series for Cubs not since 1908s vs Indians since 48 and city haven’t won any champion chip since 1964 now that would be World Series that any one would want to watch the only won would been more watch would have been if Red Sox hadn’t won World Series 2004 a day it would have been. Cubs ( 08 and red sox (18) but since red sox won the World Series in 2004 there goes that . I would love Cubs vs indians I not fan of neither team My grand dad was Cubs fan though well indians fans do you want to see that World Series or do you want to what next season or maybe in 2018 or 19 when Zimmerman , and Frazier Bradley mejia Sheffield
And rest will be ready to help you win but bye the. Carrasco , Salazar , Bradley , Kluber , kipnas , chinshall , Allen , Gomes , Santana , Bauer , Tomlin , most of rest of your team will have been free agents and most likely will be else where and not indians . Sorry that facts of baseball
And I’m not slamming any one in though ing out that facts . So fans of Cleveland Indians do you want to win al central , al title and maybe World Series and see Cubs vs Indians World Series ?
Only 37 grammatical errors, I’m kinda impressed you didn’t have more. Still don’t agree with any of your logic though.
Former juicer you want talk grammar ! Well dum ass , I hate to smart you up , but unless you have iq higher then 148 then you need to shut the f up . About grammar , you now how many times , I go on line , and see spelling mistakes and grammar , it’s crazy . But I never point any one mistakes . Because it,s call respect for my fellow Americans ,and sports fans .So you need to go and check your self if your perfect in anything you do. Which no one’s perfect. Sorry to inform you.
IQ of 148? Yet, you can’t spell dumb, have iq higher should be have an* iq higher, how do you use it’s then put it,s later on? How did a , become an ‘ ?
More to the point though, you wanna call out people’s intelligence better make sure your poop doesn’t stink dude. Nobody is going to take you seriously if you insult their intelligence and then go making grammatical and spelling errors people in 8th grade know not to do.
lol 148, enjoy that Government check, I’ve worked hard to contribute to it 😉
This has seriously been the best comment section in a while.
Grammatical errors from cjh815 are as follows:
Former juicer (1, 2)) you want talk grammar(3,4) ! Well dum(5) ass(6) , I hate to smart you up (7?) , but unless you have(8) iq(9) higher then 148 (10)then you need to shut the f up . About grammar , you now (11) how many times (12), (13)I go on line(14) ,(15) and see spelling mistakes and grammar (16,17) , it’s crazy . But(18) I never point any one (19) mistakes . Because(20) it,s call (21) respect for my fellow Americans ,(22, 23)and sports fans .So you need to go and check your self if your perfect in anything you do(24?). Which no one’s perfect. (25, 26)Sorry to inform you.
1) His name on this website is formerjuicer, not Former juicer.
2) A comma should have been placed after his name.
3) You asked a question. A question mark should have been here.
4) The exclamation point should come right after the final character in the sentence; no space is needed between the two.
5) The word is spelled ‘dumb.’
6) The comma should come right after the final character; no space is needed between the two.
7) “I hate to smart you up” is not proper English.
8) Unless you have ‘a higher IQ.”
9) ‘IQ’ should be capitalized.
10) A comma should be placed here.
11) ‘Know” is the word you are looking for.
12) Unnecessary comma.
13) Improper sentence spacing.
14) Unnecessary comma.
15) Improper sentence spacing.
16) You asked a question. A question mark should have been here.
17) A new sentence should start here.
18) Proper sentence structure frowns upon starting with the word ‘but.’
19) ‘Any one’ is wrong. It should be ‘anyone’s’ because the mistakes are possessive.
20) Proper sentence structure also frowns upon starting with the word ‘because.’
21) ‘Called,’ not call.
22) Unnecessary comma.
23) Improper sentence spacing.
24) This sentence makes no sense.
25) ‘Which no one’s perfect’ is bad English.
26) These statements should be separated by a comma (with proper spacing). Two separate sentences are not necessary her.
Whew, that was exhausting. I broke a sweat trying to decipher this near-unbreakable code.
I’m usually not one to point out grammatical errors on the internet, but this was a special case.
Anyways… baseball!!!
I guessed to high, that was an amazing comment though, I’m glad I finally made an account after 6 years lol
I forgive you, haha. Same here, I just made an account this week and I’ve been using this website since like 2009. Shame it didn’t happen sooner. Also, bad grammar is annoying, haha.
“Facts” just because you love your own ideas it doesn’t make them facts.
Your trade won’t happen
No. As an Indians fan, I would much rather us keep just about all of our top prospects. You’re right, in that the Indians could still use some help. But we don’t need Teheran, who would slot in as our 5 starter (yes, I’d put Tomlin above him). We don’t need two outfielders who are vastly inferior to our two top prospects, who could probably come up now and play just on par with Inciarte and Markakis. Our catching situation could use some help. BUT, we should get Perez back soon (who might be the best back-up in the league), and Gomes has a strong track record, and should bounce back.. At worst, his glove and arm have still been exceptional, and his BABIP is .180. The only major addition the Indians need to make, is a lefty reliever, and a set-up man. Brantley will come back at some point and be Michael Brantley, Almonte should be back soon, and Ramirez, Davis and Chisenhall in the OF haven’t been bad.
I’m having problems understanding the thought process in ranking Abad and Vizcaino ahead of Teheran, Cozart, and Cargo. I know the Kimbrel trade yielded a lot last summer, yet he had a large track record of complete dominance. Starting pitchers and quality starting position players hold a lot more value than almost every relief pitcher. Contractual obligations play a role but for rebuilding sellers, they typically just eat any of the excess themselves and net full return in prospects. Really… top to bottom this list needs to be rethought.
Relievers generally do not cost as much as young starters. So their likelihood put them ahead on the list I believe.
I guess its hard to compile a list that ranks both the likelihood of being traded and the value of the player and have people agree and understand it without putting a complete breakdown of the two values separately and how they resulted in the above list. Its just seems hastily thrown together with not much thought.
Yeah, think these guys have done the best you could do for speculation.
I don’t know how to really search stats but would Colorado be interested in Teheran? I know the Braves would love to have a right handed bat like LeMahieu in their lineup. Would a trade of Teheran prospects for LeMahieu work?