We’re bringing back our annual series in the run-up to the trade deadline, drawing from our power ranking approach to pending free agents. Essentially, we’re ordering players based upon our assessment of both their trade value and likelihood of being dealt. Of course, it’s very much up in the air just how many significant deals will go down during a pandemic-shortened campaign that not only features just 60 regular-season games, but more teams dreaming of playoff berths than usual. Major League Baseball decided to add three extra playoff teams per league for 2020, and that’s obviously going to impact how clubs handle the deadline. Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said as much last Friday, telling Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times and other reporters that playoff expansion has led to “fewer” sellers than usual as Aug. 31 approaches.
Another factor that could lead to fewer trades: Players who may be dealt must consider whether they want to change teams and home cities as the coronavirus runs amok. Any player who may be on the move could decide to opt out of the season if he’s uncomfortable uprooting his life.
As a deadline unlike any we’ve seen before nears, let’s dive into our list (statistics current as of Aug. 24)…
1. Taijuan Walker, SP, Mariners: Walker is an affordable impending free agent on a clear non-contender. He’s a pure rental, but plenty of contenders are looking for rotation reinforcements. Walker has had two tough starts and three very good ones, leading to a combined 4.00 ERA with a 25-to-8 K/BB ratio in 27 innings.
2. Keone Kela, RP, Pirates: Similar to Walker in Seattle, Kela is an impending free agent and an established pitcher on MLB’s worst team. There’s no incentive for the Bucs to hang onto him, and while the return for a one-month rental of a reliever won’t be huge, it’s better than letting him walk for nothing. Kela missed the first several weeks of 2020 on the Covid-19 IL, and he was pulled from his last appearance due to forearm tightness. The Pirates called that decision “overly cautious.” So long as he’s healthy, Kela is a lock to be flipped.
3. Dylan Bundy, SP, Angels: The once-elite prospect has looked like the ace many expected him to become, and while it’s only six starts, it’s hard not to be impressed. The Angels could hang onto him for next year, but they’re buried in the standings right now and as a pitcher controllable through 2021, Bundy will have much more appeal than rentals. GM Billy Eppler could likely flip Bundy for more than the meager price he paid to acquire him this winter. Few players have raised their stock more, and the demand for rotation help far outweighs the supply.
4. Lance Lynn, SP, Rangers: Lynn’s ascension to one of the game’s best arms has come out of the blue, but there’s little denying how great he’s been since signing in Texas. He’s half through a three-year, $30MM deal and has thus far pitched to a 3.30 ERA and 3.15 FIP with 10.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 and 0.92 HR/9. Lynn rarely throws anything other than a four-seamer or cutter, but the formula works for him; he’s lasted at least five innings in 39 of his 40 Rangers starts and averaged 6 1/3 frames per outing. Signed through next season on a Rangers club that has dropped eight of nine, Lynn is arguably the most coveted arm on the trade market.
5-6. Trevor Rosenthal, Greg Holland, RPs, Royals: The Royals picked up both formerly elite closers on minor league deals this winter and have been rewarded handsomely — particularly in the case of Rosenthal, who has allowed two runs with a 15-to-5 K/BB ratio in 11 1/3 frames. They’re highly affordable and on a team that is five games below .500, they should be highly available, too. The Royals opted not to move Ian Kennedy last year, and he’s a pending free agent as well, but he’s also on a $16.5MM salary in 2020 (prorated to $5.9MM) and pitching poorly.
7. Kevin Gausman, SP, Giants: The Giants signed Gausman as a one-year rental, knowing full well they’d be in position to flip him prior to the trade deadline. He’s delivered a 42-to-6 K/BB ratio with a career-best 12.2 K/9 and a 3.10 FIP so far through 31 innings. The rental market doesn’t feature many prominent names in 2020, but Gausman is among the best performers and likeliest names to be moved.
8. Tony Watson, RP, Giants: A veteran lefty that’ll become a free agent after the 2020 season, Watson has allowed one run through 9 2/3 frames with the Giants. He has closing experience, handles righties nearly as well as lefties and is playing on an affordable one-year deal. There’s little reason for Giants to hold here, and any club in need of ’pen help would harbor some level of interest.
9. Kevin Pillar, OF, Red Sox: Seeking a steady veteran for their outfield back in February, the Red Sox inked Pillar to a one-year, $4.25MM deal after the club traded Mookie Betts. Needless to say, Pillar’s no Betts, but the former Blue Jay and Giant has been a bright spot on a bad Boston team. Pillar, 31, has batted .278/.340/.454 through 106 plate appearances, though his numbers have tumbled recently. Regardless, Pillar’s a well-regarded defender (albeit not the all-world one he used to be) who can play all three outfield positions and a passable enough hitter that he could garner interest from contenders looking to bolster outfield depth.
10. Andrelton Simmons, SS, Angels: Simmons would be higher on the list had he been healthy and productive all year, but he’s played in just seven games due to an ankle injury. The 30-year-old has been the best defender in MLB dating back to his debut and could very well change hands in the next few days. But he’s also a qualifying offer candidate, and if the offers for him don’t outweigh the value of a compensatory draft pick, the Halos could just hold.
11-12. Tommy La Stella, INF; Jason Castro, C, Angels: A pair of affordable veterans who are set to be free agents this winter, La Stella and Castro both figure to be available. La Stella’s bat has erupted with a .288/.350/.478 showing since he landed in Anaheim in 2019. Castro isn’t hitting for average, but he’s considered a premium defender with huge walk rates and some pop in his bat. That’s been the case with the Halos and will be the case wherever else he lands.
13. Derek Holland, SP/RP, Pirates: The Bucs have used Holland in the rotation (plus one relief outing), and he’s been a passable option outside a nine-run drubbing at the hands of the Tigers. A rival club might not view him as a rotation piece, but lefties are hitting .143/.143/.214 against Holland this year. The three-batter minimum limits a team’s ability to use anyone as a specialist, but Holland has a long enough track record in the Majors that someone could still drop him into the ’pen and hope to match him up against lefties more than righties.
14. Matt Barnes, RP, Red Sox: Barnes has already watched teammates Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree get shipped out, and he’s not likely to be far behind. It’s true that he’s had a pair of rough outings recently that have ballooned his ERA to 5.73, but it’s also true that he averaged better than 15 K/9 last year. Since 2016, Barnes has a 3.92 ERA and 3.38 FIP with 12.3 K/9. He’s controlled through 2021.
15. Buck Farmer, RP, Tigers: Farmer has emerged as a steady relief presence in a shaky Detroit bullpen. He’s dropped his slider usage in favor of his changeup this year, with the result being far fewer strikeouts but considerably more grounders. Farmer is controlled cheaply through 2022 and induces gobs of weak contact.
16-17. Mychal Givens, Miguel Castro, RPs, Orioles: The O’s start to the season turned some heads, but they’ve dropped seven of 10 and faded from the division picture, as most would expect. Givens, controlled through 2021, has been a rumored trade piece for years and is out to another strong start. Castro, controlled through 2022, has 21 punchouts and a career-high 54.5 percent grounder rate in 13 2/3 innings. Baltimore could shop them individually, but a package deal could hold appeal to a bullpen-needy club.
18. Christian Vazquez, C, Red Sox: Long a sterling defensive backstop, Vazquez broke out with 23 big flies last season and hit .276/.320/.477 overall. He’s not hitting as well in 2020, but Vazquez is at least an average hitter at his position with a plus glove. He’s guaranteed $6.25MM in 2021 and has a $7MM club option for 2022.
19-20. Mike Clevinger, Zach Plesac, SPs, Indians: Clevinger and Plesac have shown they’re capable of performing at high levels, and they’re each under control for multiple years. Both pitchers violated the league’s health-and-safety protocols this month, though, drawing some ire within the organization. The Indians optioned both players after that, even though they provide plenty of on-field value, and finally recalled Clevinger on Tuesday. He’s the likelier of the two to move given his mounting arbitration salary and lesser amount of team control. He’s controlled through 2022, while Plesac is controlled through 2025.
21. Matt Magill, RP, Mariners: Magill’s 2020 numbers are skewed after being rocked for five runs in one outing last week, but prior to that he looked like a terrific waiver gem for the M’s. If you’re willing to allow that all relievers are prone to the occasional implosion, Magill’s first 30 appearances with the Mariners produced a 2.67 ERA and 2.94 FIP with 11.0 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 and a hefty 14.7 percent swinging-strike rate. Magill bounced back from that brutal appearance with a perfect inning. He’s controlled through 2023 and has a 3.94 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 32 innings with the Mariners.
22. Hanser Alberto, 2B/3B, Orioles: Alberto just hasn’t stopped hitting with the O’s. He’s batting .305/.329/.429 in 671 plate appearances dating back to 2019. Alberto almost never walks (2.9% in Baltimore), but he’s also extremely difficult to strike out (10 percent). His power output is up in 2020 thanks to a deluge of doubles, and he’s a solid glove at either second or third (and playable at short in a pinch). The O’s control him through 2022, but a contending club with infield needs could benefit immediately.
23. Brian Goodwin, OF, Angels: Claimed off release waivers from the Royals at the end of Spring Training 2019, Goodwin has batted .258/.325/.470 in 555 plate appearances with the Halos over his past 162 games. He’s controllable through 2022 and has experience at all three outfield spots, but the Halos have Jo Adell up with Brandon Marsh not far behind. Moving Goodwin could open more time for the kids while returning some decent talent. (They’re not getting out from under the Justin Upton deal anytime soon.)
24. Rick Porcello, SP, Mets: The Mets play nine games in the next six days — 2020 is weird, folks — which will largely determine their deadline approach. Porcello was absolutely clobbered in his first start (seven runs, two innings) and has pitched well since (11 runs, 23 innings, 20-to-3 K/BB ratio). If things go south for the Mets, he’ll vault up this list.
25. Brandon Kintzler, RP, Marlins: The 36-year-old looks like he usually does: low strikeout rate, excellent control, plus ground-ball rate. He has high-leverage experience, gets gobs of grounders with a bowling-ball sinker and is playing on a one-year deal with a Miami club that has admittedly surprised to this point. Maybe the Fish will feel the return doesn’t justify dealing him when they’re on the fringe of the postseason race, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see Kintzler move.
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26. Wilmer Flores, 2B/1B/3B, Giants: Like Alberto, Flores should be of interest to certain contenders. An above-average offensive player for several years, Flores has found another gear at the plate this season, having slashed .306/.337/.541 (136 wRC+) with seven home runs in 104 trips. He also boasts a career-high ISO (.235), and Flores hasn’t had to sell out to add more punch to his game (12.5 percent strikeout rate). Adding to his appeal, Flores is on a prorated $3MM salary this year, will earn another $3MM next season, and has a similarly affordable $3.5MM club option (or $250K buyout) for 2022. Shouldn’t the Giants just keep him, then? Not necessarily. If San Francisco doesn’t expect to be ready to contend during the life of Flores’ contract, it could make sense to move him now.
27. Jarrod Dyson, OF, Pirates: The 36-year-old picked a poor time to have the worst offensive showing of his career, but Dyson is still a burner on the bases with a terrific defensive track record. No one’s going to give up anything of note to acquire him, but the Bucs could save a bit of cash if a club wants to snag Dyson as a late-game pinch runner/defensive replacement. The 28-man roster makes it easier to carry this type of specialist.
28. Alex Cobb, SP, Orioles: Cobb hasn’t lived up to the four-year, $57MM deal he signed prior to the 2018 season, due largely to injuries. He underwent hip surgery in 2019 but looks healthy now, with a 3.73 ERA, 22-to-10 K/BB ratio and 58 percent grounder rate in 31 1/3 innings. There’s no way the O’s can move him without paying down the majority of his contract or swapping it out for another bad deal, though.
29. J.D. Martinez, DH, Red Sox: He’s out to a pedestrian start, but JDM is among the game’s most consistently excellent bats. The addition of the DH to the National League not only opens the field of immediate suitors for him but also should lead to greatly increased offseason interest if he starts hitting and opts out of his deal at season’s end. Martinez is owed $38.75MM from 2021-22, so there’s some risk if a club acquires him and he continues producing at a below-average level. If he were producing anywhere near his typical levels, he’d feel like a slam dunk to be traded.
30. Johnny Cueto, SP, Giants: The 34-year-old Cueto could well be moved this month, but it’s tough to buy the notion that he’ll be a coveted arm. Cueto is owed the balance of a $21MM salary in 2020 (about $4.3MM through season’s end), plus another $21MM in 2021 and a $5MM buyout of a 2022 option. Since returning from Tommy John surgery last September, he has a 4.60 ERA and a 4.61 FIP to match. His velocity in 2020 is sitting about where it was when he returned in ’19. Cueto was clearly a top-shelf arm at his peak, but the Giants are going to have to absorb the overwhelming majority of the contract just to find a taker for a pitcher who looks more like a fourth starter now.
31. Mike Minor, SP, Rangers: Minor was a high-end workhorse a season ago, but the southpaw’s production has careened off a cliff this year. Six starts in, he owns a 6.75 ERA with a similarly uninspiring 5.28 FIP. Minor has also seen his swinging-strike and velocity drop in comparison to 2020, while his walks have slightly increased. Plus, considering Minor’s a pending free agent with a 10-team no-trade clause, Texas isn’t going to get back any kind of haul for him.
32. Robbie Ray, SP. Diamondbacks: Losers of six straight and four games under .500, the Diamondbacks may have to seriously consider selling in the next week. Even if they do, though, they’re unlikely to get much for Ray, whose production has been abysmal this season. The normally solid Ray has begun his season with 27 innings of 8.59 ERA/7.76 FIP pitching. While he’s still fanning a lot of hitters (11.67 per nine), his strikeout percentage has dropped roughly about 5 points compared to the prior three seasons. Worsening matters, while Ray has never been any kind of control specialist, his BB/9 is up to an untenable 8.33. Despite the 28-year-old’s past success, no team’s going to pay a high price via trade for him now – especially considering he’s due to become a free agent at season’s end. But the D-backs surely don’t want to make him a qualifying offer, which puts them in an odd position with Ray.
33. Franklin Barreto, 2B, Athletics: As someone who was a ballyhooed prospect, Barreto was key in the return the Athletics received from the Blue Jays for superstar Josh Donaldson in 2014. To this point, though, Barreto has taken just 216 plate appearances (including seven this year) in Oakland across four seasons. This looked like the year he would get a real chance, but the club has instead turned to Tony Kemp as its second baseman. Granted, Barreto hasn’t helped his cause with a .183/.213/.365 line in the majors, but as a 24-year-old with a strong Triple-A track record, he could interest some second base-needy team as a change-of-scenery candidate. Clearly, the A’s aren’t keen on giving him a chance.
34-35. Clint Frazier, OF; Miguel Andujar, 3B/1B/OF, Yankees: Frazier is mashing his way back into the good graces of Yankee fans right now, but this pair of promising youngsters can’t seem to find regular reps in the lineup when it’s at full strength. The outfield scene is particularly crowded. The Yankees clearly value having depth of this quality around and probably won’t aggressively shop either player. But they’ll also be looking for pitching, and teams could ask about either of these MLB-ready bats. With Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu possibly departing this winter, the Yanks might just hold on both, however.
36-37. JaCoby Jones, OF; Niko Goodrum, INF/OF, Tigers: Detroit has dropped nine straight games, and despite promoting a cavalcade of prospects, the rebuild clearly isn’t over yet. Both Jones and Goodrum are controlled through 2023, so there’s no urgency to move them. Jones had a great stretch at the plate early last summer and is back to that form again. The track record is limited, but the tools are intriguing. Goodrum, meanwhile, can play all over the diamond and has a strong glove at shortstop. He’s struggled in 91 PAs this year, but Goodrum is a switch-hitter who was a league-average bat with decent power and speed numbers from 2018-19. Paired with his defensive versatility, he’s the type of player that frequently plays an underrated role on winning clubs.
38-39. Trevor Williams, Chad Kuhl, SPs, Pirates: No one is going to mistake either righty for a frontline starter, but plenty of teams would be happy to add a cheap, controllable fourth starter. Williams had an awful 2019 but has an overall 4.11 ERA and 4.30 FIP in 491 innings since 2017. Kuhl has just 332 career innings thanks largely to injuries (most notably 2018 Tommy John surgery), and he has similar marks in ERA (4.28) and FIP (4.34). He’ll miss a few more bats than his teammate but has shakier control. Both are controlled through 2022.
40. Marco Gonzales, SP, Mariners: As the Mariners’ No. 1 starter and someone who’s under affordable control through 2024, the M’s certainly aren’t actively looking to jettison Gonzales. They’ll likely get calls on the southpaw (if they haven’t already), though, and he’d unquestionably bring back a sizable return. The 28-year-old entered 2020 off two very solid seasons and has been even better across his first five starts this season. Gonzales has averaged just under six frames per start (he’s at 29 2/3) and pitched to a career-best 3.34 ERA/3.64 FIP. Plus, with a personal-high 7.89 K/9 and a sterling 0.91 BB/9, he ranks near the top of the majors in K/BB ratio (8.67).
41. Austin Nola, C/1B/2B/3B, Mariners: Nola didn’t crack the majors until 2019 as a 29-year-old, but the longtime minor leaguer has improbably turned into a highly useful big leaguer. Not only does have double-digit games of experience at three positions (catcher, first and second), but he has turned in well-above-average offense (120 wRC+) over 357 plate appearances. He’s also on a league-minimum salary and isn’t slated to reach arbitration until after 2022. All of those are valid reasons for the Mariners to keep him, though there’s a case they should sell high now. After all, they’re not contending this year and probably won’t next season, when Nola will be 31.
42. Mike Yastrzemski, OF, Giants: Yaz burst on the scene last year and has only gotten better – far better – in the second season of his career. He’s already at 2.2 fWAR through 133 plate appearances, owing largely to an eye-popping 184 wRC+, and has proven he’s capable of handling all three outfield positions. So why in the world would the Giants deal him? They probably won’t, but considering he’s set to turn 30 on Aug. 23, maybe the rebuilding Giants would consider parting with the potential MVP candidate for a huge offer.
43-44. Matthew Boyd, SP; Joe Jimenez, RP, Tigers: Boyd was a prime candidate to move at last year’s trade deadline, but the Tigers held out for a Godfather offer they never received. Boyd had three-plus years control remaining and was amid what looked like a breakout season at the time, so Detroit didn’t feel an urgency to move him. In hindsight, though, that looks like a mistake. Boyd faltered in the second half last season and has continued to struggle in 2020, during which he has yielded four-plus earned runs in four of five starts and hasn’t lasted more than five innings in a single appearances. Jimenez has an extra year of control over Boyd but is an otherwise similar tale; he’s allowed a dozen runs in 8 2/3 innings in 2020 — seven in his past two outings (two-thirds of an inning).
45-47. Josh Bell, 1B; Adam Frazier, 2B; Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates: It makes sense to follow Boyd and Jimenez with another trio of should-be trade candidates who’ve floundered their way off the market. Each of Bell, Frazier and Polanco would be a clear trade piece were they playing up to their capabilities, but their collective faceplant in 2020 is among the many reasons that the team has been as bad as it has. Polanco leads this pack with a 74 wRC+. He’s homered in consecutive games, so maybe he’ll catch fire and catch another club’s eye, but it’s hard to see another team surrendering any value for a trio that’s underperformed to this extent.
48. Mitch Moreland, 1B, Red Sox: The 34-year-old Moreland has typically offered league-average offensive production throughout his career, but he has been one of the absolute best hitters in the game so far this season. Perhaps the Red Sox will be interested in selling Moreland as a result (he could encounter a wider market with the addition of the DH to the NL); if not, they’ll be able to control Moreland next season by way of a reasonable $3MM club option.
49. Trevor Bauer, SP, Reds: Selling Bauer is a long shot for a Cincinnati club that has playoff hopes, though the Reds have disappointed so far and entered Tuesday with the NL’s second-worst record (11-16). That hasn’t been Bauer’s fault, as the soon-to-be free agent has given the Reds otherworldly production through the first month of the season. Teams are likely to come calling, then, but the Reds may have to completely flop over the next several days in order to abandon hope on a postseason bid and part with the ace. And it’s not a must-trade situation for Cincy, which will have the option of handing Bauer a qualifying offer after the season and receiving draft-pick compensation if he exits on the open market.
50. Josh Hader, RP, Brewers: The chances of a Hader trade range from slim to none, but the Brewers are at least willing to consider moving him if a team bowls them over with an offer. It’s going to take an enormous proposal for anyone to pry the eminently valuable Hader from Milwaukee, however, especially considering the all-world lefty’s under team control through 2023. Odds are high that he’ll still be a Brewer on Sept. 1.
Would-Be Trade Candidates on the Injured List
Cam Bedrosian, RP, Angels; Ken Giles, RP, Blue Jays; Joe Musgrove, SP, Pirates; Drew Smyly & Jeff Samardzija, SP, Giants; Kendall Graveman, SP, Mariners; Jose Iglesias, SS, Orioles; Merrill Kelly, SP, D-backs
This list is flawed.
No way is walker better than Lynn or bundy.
1. Lynn
2. Bundy
Both pitching like aces this year.
I think it’s based on who is most likely to be traded taken into account.
“Essentially, we’re ordering players based upon our assessment of both their trade value and likelihood of being dealt.”
Yeah but walkers trade value still is lower than that of Lynn or bundy. The list needs to be one or the other. In terms of talent bundy and Lynn are at the top. In terms of who’s likely to be delt it could be anyone in the top 40 of the list. Just base the list on talent.
Simmer
Walker is a free agent after the season and will only cost a fraction of what Bundy and Lynn would.
Bundy and Lynn come with an affordable extra year of control.
Walker is more likely to be de deal considering the asking prices the Angels and Rangers have on Bundy and Lynn respectively.
Bundy and Lynn are the only 2 in the top 10 who aren’t free agents at the end of the season.
It’s almost like YOU should’ve been the one who wrote the article! :^O
“needs to be.” No, no it doesn’t. Sorry you can’t handle complex thinking.
Also, trade value is not the same as talent. Trade value is based at least as much on years of control and salary costs (contract, expected arb, etc.) as on talent. This list should definitely not just be based on talent.
I’m going to say it’s not the list’s fault that you don’t get it.
Lol… No
Imindless getting triggered by a list order
Just base the list on talent.
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The list is comprised of players most likely to be traded. While Bogaerts is far, far better than Workman, he is far, far less likely to be traded.
If you want a list based on talent, just put Trout #1, even if it is a 1:1000 chance of him being traded.
Trade value and talent is two different things.
His salary plays a major role in his value. Walker is making a prorated amount of 2m.
The surprise for me was Austin Nola. His value might be higher than Walker’s.
Walker is more likely to be traded, though.
Walker isn’t better than either of them. He’s just a more likely trade candidate.
Walker is a lot, and I mean a lot more likely to get traded than Lynn. I think Bundy is going to stay. Walker is probably the most likely player in baseball to be traded. That’s why he’s 1
Lynn looking kind of like David Wells in the midsection in that picture.
I always wonder how many people actually read the articles before popping down here to grace us
Two reasons for Walker more likely to be traded than Lynn. First is the expected return will be far less, making him available to more teams and second is the Trader Jerry factor.
Lol… You have zero clue how to read!
TRIGGERED!!!
I really hope the Red Sox make some good moves in this deadline.
Don’t worry they will. They’re definitely not running this group back next year. I assure you that. Next on my wishlist is Matt Barnes the walk machine. Too bad his era is 6.0 or else they could get a little more for him.
Barnes should have been traded last off season along with Bennie when the return would have been greater. Too bad in both cases. Bennie’s swing when he’s on is a thing of beauty. To watch him swing and miss though is simply ugly. Barnes now is relying too much on his curve and now it’s two pitches he can’t control…
Next on my wishlist is Matt Barnes the walk machine. Too bad his era is 6.0 or else they could get a little more for him.
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Shut up. I’ve been saying the same thing for almost a month, but shut up anyway. After Workman got traded, I figured that, if we got one good week out of the closer’s role, there would be some GM that would convince themselves that they were going to rob us of our future closer.
I’d suggest that we had 6 days left for him to get 1-2 more saves, but that would require us to have 1-2 more wins.
I read Aaron Nola the first time lol
could Bundy get NYY or ATL to cough up their top or 2nd pitching prospect?
If you consider Bryse Wilson ATL’s 2nd best P prospect (which MLB Pipeline does), then yes. He’s one of the few they’re interested in moving in a good ole “change of scenery” (aka you’ve worn out your welcome). I don’t think they’ll move Wright for Bundy.
Either Wright or Wilson should be available in the proper package. Neither has grabbed the opportunity to take the ball regularly and both have gotten it. Change of scenery candidates?
@californiaangels- the Yankees aren’t doing that. And the Braves aren’t either.
That would be Schmidt or Garcia and I definitely don’t see them doing that. Especially since the Yankees have spent the last few years knocking his pitches all over (and out of) the park.
Pirates trade K.Kela and S.Brault to Rockies for Ben Bowden and T.Nevin. Or K.Kela and C.Stratton for B.Bowden and T.Nevin. Rockies get a rental in Kela and get Brault or Stratton for cheap for the next 3 years too. Pirates get bullpen help w/ Bowden and a flier w/ T.Nevin.
As a Rockies fan, not a horrible idea. The Rox clearly need bullpen help, but I have to wonder if Kela is the answer. His volatile personality might not be a good fit in a fairly laid back Rockies clubhouse. I am not thrilled with the idea of giving up Bowden, but have no problem with Nevin going I;d rather part with someone like Jeff Hoffman, who could give Pittsburgh at least 3 seasons after this and has a good prospect pedigree.
I don’t know if anyone would want Hoffman..he’s not a prospect anymore. He hasn’t been on a prospect list since 2016..lol..He’s 28 years old. I don’t think he has any trade value. I could be wrong though. Colorado always has a caveat with Pitchers, pitching in Mile High.
No, he is not a prospect technically, but he does have the pedigree. And if Colorado could sell someone on the idea that Coors was the only reason he has been unsuccessful, someone could bite on a former top 10 pick.
Of course, in reality, he is pretty much Carson Fulmer. Although the Pirates just took a chance on him too, so maybe. They should collect as many former top 10 picks as thy can. Surely one of them could turn it around and then it is a win.
If I was the Pirates GM, I’d say take Josh Bell, K.Kela and S.Brault. Send back M.Toglia, C.Welker, Ben Bowden and T.Nevin.
If I was the Rockies GM, I might be inclined to accept that deal. I have always liked Bell and wanted him to be a Rockie since before he debuted. Losing Toglia wouldn’t hurt that bad because the Rox have a surplus of 1B prospects. Grant Lavigne is pretty much the same player. Welker is blocked by Arenado. Nevin has no place either. Although I seriously doubt the Pirates would want all 3 corner infielders in the same deal.
Lol..deal..lol..we have no 1st base prospects besides M.Martin who is like our 20th ranked prospect and acouple years away if he ever even makes it. At 3rd base just K.Hayes who should be up already. I think the NL DH will stay so I’d be alright with the positions. We are loaded at Middle Infield and ok with Starting Pitching(although you can never have enough they say). I would be ok with T.Nevin/Will Craig at 1st until Toglia is ready. And K.Hayes at 3rd base and Welker at DH. And the NL keeping the DH would also be huge for Josh Bell’s value. A switch-hitting power DH b/ween Arenado and Blackmon is dangerous. With T.Story batting 2nd. That’s dangerous.
Ya, if it was me, I would love a top 100 prospect back for Josh Bell but I think Toglia and C.Welker would do.
Hoffman’s road numbers are very close to Trevor Williams, who’s your #3. Hoffman would be a great addition to your team. That part where you say “I could be wrong though”, you are.
Getting out of Coors did wonders for Chatwood!
If you want a top 100 prospect don’t sell him now. Wait until next year
Getting out of Coors helped Mike Hampton, Darryl Kile and others. Wonder how many SP pitched better in Colorado than on the road during the entire career. Not just for 1 season.
@stymeedone- lol. Somebody on here suggested the Yankees get him and use him as a starter. I wonder why the Cubs would trade him faster then roadrunner? smh
Jorge de la Rosa is the best example. He always performed better at Coors than on the road.
Dodgers should trade for hader, givens and Castro. Do whatever it takes to get hader without giving up May. Just go all out this year and win it for once. Stop messing around with the bullpen.
I totally want to see the Dodgers win it this season, because despite me not liking them, I’d love to see them win it all with an asterisk next to it lol.
There won’t be an asterisk for whoever wins. If a group of fans wants to say that fine by them but no one cares.
IMO, I actually agree with you. I think a good team, despite circumstances, should be able to win no matter the situation. But it is not a full 162, so there will still be doubts by onlookers.
Meh. It’ll all be virtually forgotten in a few years after normalcy returns. The 1981 season was considered in the exact same way when it happened, but by the mid 80s no one really cared and the Dodgers still have the flag flying.
Agreed.
Whoever wins the World Series will have had to win 4 consecutive post-season series against winning teams (maybe one sub-500 team). That’s more than any past World Series winner. So no asterisk for that.
There will be an asterisk next to any individual season record breaking stats, if any — e.g., batting average, ERA, etc. — because the shorter season makes those a lot easier to maintain.
There’s also 1942-45 when the rosters were gutted by World War II, and nobody thinks any less of those championship clubs.
Then there’s the 1919 Reds who were a very good team who did nothing wrong and just happened to benefit from their World Series opponents letting them win.
Disagree. Because of the way life has changed, winners of all sports will be remembered differently but especially baseball which changed rules. Seven inning doubleheaders is simply not MLB baseball. How a team built their roster has always been important. I understand the need to increase roster size but don’t change the fabric of the game. Since home runs, strikeouts and walks have become the norm, what’s next, no longer the need to run bases?
A three game first series? Teams were built on a 162 game season with traditional playoffs. Some teams were hurt by COVID, others injuries in part brought by the start, stop and start again of the preseason and still others by players opting out. We also don’t know who will be affected by any of the aforementioned going forward. Reward the winner with a special trophy like a World Cup or Olympic but no WS rings or WS banners. By the winning team displaying a different type of banner, that will be the needed asterisk for generations to come to learn in a small way how the Virus affected America.
Excellent point Lanidrac.
Teams were built on 154 game seasons and only a WS before expansion.
There is no need for an asterisk. As bad as this season has been, the season has started and everyone started at the same finish line.
Bullpen is not their biggest weakness this year. Its the bottom of their rotation.
Doubt the Dodgers give up what it takes to get Hader.
Lux, Gray, and Ruiz is what the Brewers are going to ask for.
Even if they settle for Gray and Ruiz as the main pieces it will take at least 3 more well regarded players/prospects to acquire his 3 more years of team control.
Not happening, and not close. How many closers have ever gotten that type of return?
Brodie on line 1…
Its a big package, but considering that RPs have never been more valuable, Hader is probably the best one in baseball and you’d have to overpay given that the Brewers are in contention for playoffs…I wouldn’t be shocked if Lux was the big piece they asked for
How many? How many times have teams given up two top 100 prospects or parted with an elite prospect to get an elite closer?
Edwin Diaz traded to the Mets
Craig Kimbrel the 2nd time to the Red Sox
Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs (elite prospect)
Brad Hand (elite-ish prospect)
Andrew Miller (had 36 saves for the Yanks back in 2015) traded in 2016 to Cleveland.
I count 4 in recent memory.
Brewers are going to ask for all 3. Dodgers should say no. But it will cost either Lux OR Gray and Ruiz as the headliners.
Dodgers aren’t getting Hader.
Lux Ruiz could net you just about anyone in the game. Thats a vast overpay for hader.
The #2 overall and two other top 100s for a RELIEF pitcher. Jeez.
Yeah, Brewers should just give him away and let the Dodgers keep their best prospects. Good business plan.
What the Brewers will ask for: Lux, Gray, and Ruiz.
What is realistic: Gray and Ruiz plus 2-3 well regarded prospects.
What is unrealistic: Dodgers keeping everyone in their top 4.
The ask was Lux all last year and this year and the Dodgers walked away every time-
They might get Lux White Cartaya max but Im still saying No if Im LAD
If this is your way of saying the Brewers aren’t interested in trading Hader, then fine, but no team would give that for him
Couldn’t agree more. We regularly see teams like the Yankees, Astros, and Red Sox overloading when they have big leads at the deadline. Dodgers really don’t need or even have room at the positions except maybe at C, but they need to make themselves overwhelming in either the rotation or bullpen. Does anyone really have faith in Joe Kelly when he returns? I’d steer clear of Kela, but Barnes and/or Watson would make that a formidable pen for sure.
Couldn’t agree more about Hader. Although a WS title this year may require an asterisk, a championship is still a championship. To wit, you get to fly that flag forever.
If Jansen holds up and Treinan remains solid, Hader could be what Andrew Miller was with the Indians a few years back. That is, bring him in when you really need to get outs, and if that’s the sixth inning, so be it.
LA can not afford to be a bridesmaid again. 1988 was 32 years ago.
One guy I think might get traded, but wasn’t on the list due to his contract was Kyle Seager. I could see Seattle selling high on him, but they would have to eat that contract.
Nola and Moreland seem very likely to me too.
Question: Who on this list could fetch the biggest return?
Seager would be a good trade target except for the fact he is owed so much money and most teams won’t want to commit to larger payroll.. Lynn would require a package of very good prospects to pry him away from Texas.
Lance Lynn. He is in the running for the Cy Young and he is pitching amazing
I dunno. Clevinger would probably get a haul as well. I’d probably give up more for Clevinger right now. Lynn has been great, but he also had several years where he looked like nothing better than a #5 starter. Clevinger has never had that. I have to wonder whether Lynn has truly turned a corner or whether it is just smoke and mirrors.
Yeah I understand that. He did have a very good year last year too. Cow infer is younger too. That helps
Clevinger
Cow infer is an awesome autocorrect. There really needs to be a running list somewhere for funniest or weirdest autocorrects.
@stars14- yes, that’s why he needs to stay right where he is now. lol
still cant believe they added that trade clause
I see it a little differently.
Seager *might* get traded if another team were willing to absorb all or most of his salary. Easy to see Atlanta being interested in a package with Taijuan, though the return would be light without salary relief involved.
But it’s more likely he stays in Seattle. They have one more year of him. They could even exercise the ’22 option if they feel Marte needs another year of development and/or prefer to use utility players, such as Nola or Moore, elsewhere.
Would like to see Cleveland make a deal for jacoby Jones, more likely to see a pillar trade though. I wonder if they get creative with Alberto, use Reyes in right and rotate the infield thru dh with Alberto.
Weak market. This sucks for teams like the Braves
Braves getting Gausman. Book it.
Houston will get KG Ive been callin it for weeks-
Atl just let him go
Took me 10 seconds to realize that KG wasn’t Kevin Garnett
Anything is possible…
the same Gausman that overstayed his welcome there last year?
Don’t expect much action or any major returns unless the player moving is a stud with years of control left. Owners aren’t going to give up much to win in a short season with a 16 team playoff field, and so much uncertainty for this year and next. Look for minor moves for cash, ptbnl, and low end/high ceiling prospects.
@JaysForDays – I don’t think they can trade PTBNL this year nor are there very many low end/high ceiling prospects. Only players on 60 man roster can be traded. Have to be either on Major League roster or currently at alternate training site.
there have already been plenty of ptbnl traded this year
No Trevor Cahill? So far he’s given the Giants 11 innings of 1.64 era (3.68 FIP), 11.5 k/9 but 5.7 bb/9.
Still, he’s cheap and could be used as depth and/or a pen piece.
Where is Whit Merrifield?
Royals ownership wants WAY too much.
Royals care more about “having a homegrown star for fans to root for” than their long-term outlook.
Got another one: Todd Frazier. Cheap, hits well against lefties, and is a rental. Could be a move like what the Nats did last season.
Pillar and Barnes are plenty good, but how is Eovaldi not even mentioned? I mean, Red Sox FO did say they’re willing to eat part of his contract.
1. Can’t stay healthy.
2. Sucks this year… era 5
3. Big contract
It’s like the worst possible year to move a big contract too. With teams crying poor I think they would pretty much have to take bad contract back to even out the money and then it’s like what’s the point.
Might as well just hold him and hope he improves so you’re not selling him when his value is at an all-time low.
The Angels always need pitching. If Bundy has been good, why not keep him and if he keeps it up, extend him?
Because the Angels always break pitching. They can never have nice things on the mound.
Angels just might be the worst run franchise in all of MLB. They spend big bucks, but in the end, they hover around .500 each year and go home when the playoffs begin. This year? Won’t even sniff .500.
Got Bundy for a song. Keep him and maybe he pitches well again in 2021.
Because the Angels suck, need to stop spending money on older players, rebuild, and get younger. Resigning a 30 year old pitcher because “I think he figured it out” is just another step in the wrong direction.
Because 1. There’s no guarantee that he keeps it up and 2. There’s no guarantee that he signs an extension
Daniel Murphy or Matt Kemp? Rockies would be smart to sell unless they go 5-1 or something in the coming days. Which of course means they’ll go 2-4 but think they have a chance and waste the opportunity to get something for these expiring assets.
The Rockies are currently the #8 seed. I don’t understand your logic. Nor do I understand your logic that Matt Kemp is an asset.
Unfortunately, the A’s has been contending for the last 4-5 years so there were little to no chance to try Franklin Barreto at 2nd, where his chances really are or even at short – though Semien is there is – the way he deserves it, the talent is there and he is in his prime as a baseball player.
I expected to see JBJ on the list. He’s a better player than Pillar. And even if he is more expensive, we’re talking one month of salary.
Also, unless I missed it, the DH has not been decided for 2021 or 2022. If it hasn’t been, how can any NL team take a chance on acquiring him. I expect to see the DH, but it doesn’t take much to set off either PA or the owners.
You take a chance on JDM cause hes an elite bat.
Could be just me, if JDM is traded he will opt out.
Could be just me, if JDM is traded he will opt out.
————————————————-
Opt out and retire? He has a .699 OPS. makes $19M, and is 33 year’s old.
He’s closer to getting benched than to retiring.
“Could be just me, if JDM is traded he will opt out.”
Nope.
Martinez did really well for Arizona when he was there. He might not be an elite outfielder by any stretch, but putting him in a smaller outfield next to a great CF could mitigate his defensive issues.
That’s my only real hope on the NL side. They still have a chance, they have a weak offense, and he’s impressed them before.
Unfortunately, just like with Barnes, it would be nice if showed a little production to get people interested.
Shocked Joc Pederson isn’t on this list
Teams don’t usually give up production when they are competing unless they have to.
With Grandal signed long term, James McCann is definitely on the block if it nets the Sox a No. 3 starter or a power bullpen arm.
It wont. It will get them a 40 FV prospect.
Isn’t he on an expiring contract? You won’t get quite that much for him. Maybe a AA power bullpen arm later in the year. Like Alex Speas from the Rangers, but don’t expect Mccann to get traded for much.
With the relationship that Giolio has with McCann, after tonight’s no-hitter, I don’t see the Sox trading McCann this year, even though his expiring contract would otherwise be a reason to try to get something for him in a trade.
McCann was also college teammates with Keuchel and has a good relationship with him, too. Not worth it to break up the team chemistry at this point for little in return. Not to mention the value of catcher depth and the ability to give Grandal more breaks from catching with McCann on the roster.
At most you get cash for McCann. Not too many teams need a backup catcher
No way.
McCann is Giolito’s personal catcher.
Sox will re-sign McCann. Reinsdorf is loyal to his players.
Grandal can go though.
still don’t understand why he was regarded so highly in free agency last year.
Clevinger,Lindor to Padres,Perez,Hand,Plesac to Yankees and Mejia or Hedges,Flazier,Green and so on to Indians who says no. Tatis would have to move to 2B. Perez becomes Sanchez backup.
Whoever answers the phone in Cleveland dies of asphyxiation from laughing so hard at that deal.
So Padres give up Mejia or Hedges and get Lindor and Clevinger..ok, sure..lol.. good luck. And Yankees give up C.Frazier and Chad Green and get back Plesac, Hand and Perez..?? Lol?? What? Are u smoking crack..why would Cleveland give up Lindor, Clevinger, Plesac, Hand, and Perez for Mejia, Frazier and Chad Green..lol..so crazy.
It is against the law to drink and drive. It also should be against the law to drink and propose trades on MLBTR>
More would be going to Indians and Indians needs a Perez replacement down the line or even backup.
Unless “and so on” includes Tatis, I seriously doubt Cleveland would ever answer the phone again.
Yankees – Plesac….Indians – Frazier….Padres – Lindor.
More or Less…..
Yankees – Lindor, Gabriel Arias (from Padres) , Ethan Hankins (Indians)
Indians – (from Yankees) Frazier, Dominguez, Florial, and Nelson plus (from Padres) Trammel, Morejon, Miller, and Ona
Padres – Plesac , Miguel Yajure (Yankees) , Scott Moss (Indians)
Doubt a 3 team trade happens at all, but it will take a substantial amount of talent moving for each team to feel like they came away better as all 3 are playoff contenders. Moving Plesac and Lindor would require a lot of talent going back to the Indians, mostly mlb ready or near ready talent
I wouldn’t be interested in that trade if I’m the Padres. Plesac isn’t a good enough pitcher to justify giving up Trammel and Morejon.
So the Indians trade:
Clevinger, Lindor, and Plesac.
for
Hedges (.608 OPS), Flazier (career minor leaguer), and Green (good RP).
Based on last year’s bWAR, they give up 14.9 WAR and they get back a negatve 0.1.
That’s how trades usually work. Major leaguers are traded for prospects or near prospects. Using WAR to determine a good trade is useless.
Yeah using WAR might not be the greatest tool but 2/3 of the guys proposed to be traded were major leaguers, ace.
And the third was a non elite corner OF “prospect”
You don’t need to use anything to know how stupid that was.
I’m not advocating that trade at all.
The Yankees are getting the short end of that trade as well. Trading Dominguez, among other players, but mostly about Dominguez for a year of Lindor and Plesac. I want nothing to do with Plesac. Can you imagine the meltdown he’ll have in NY considering how he handled the demotion for COVID protocols?
None of them actually still qualify as a prospect. Frazier is closest, and he will be 26 next week.
Dodgers going all in is a great idea. I don’t think anyone in the NL can compete with them now that Atlanta lost Sorka. Trade Ruiz, J.Gray, Gonsolin, E.Rios for Hader. That should do it. If Milwaukee wouldn’t take 4 good pieces back for a lefty closer, that’s crazy. He’s gonna get big money in arbitration next year too. If someone would have offered the Pirates that for F.Vasquez 2 years ago, no way the Pirates wouldn’t have jumped on that. 4 good, young controllable pieces for 1, lefty closer. Dodgers have the prospects to do it too. And Especially being so close the last couple years. Go all-in this year..I agree.
Fuck take Josh Bell, K.Kela and R.Rodriguez and give the Pirates those 4.
I think that might be just a bit much for a closer.
I think it’s a lot too.. I would think Ruiz, J.Gray, Edwin Rios get it done for Hader..if I was the Dodgers I would be ok with it for a WS ring. And not giving up May, Lux or Will Smith.
Wrote this in last thread before seeing this, so I’ll just repost basically
I do agree that is the type of move to really put them above even the healthy Yankees. Ala Cubs/Chapman
I’m sure I’ll get flack, but Friedman has a long track record of not trading his best prospects. I don’t think he trades Lux or May for anyone. I think he would strongly prefer to not trade Ruiz too
Fried also has a track record of using assets he gets in a trade to flip to another team. I wonder if he uses someone like Joc or Pollock to get trade capital. Whether in a 3 way or 2 separate deals, it would follow his MO. Using Gray would follow this path as well
At the very least, I don’t think Friedman is just sitting at home doing nothing for the deadline. With this great of a team, I think he’s still active on the phones. It would be real exciting to see Hader inLA though
Any three of Friedman’s top 15 prospects. for Hader. Sox got Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong for Mookie, one of the top 3 position players in Baseball. Verdugo looks pretty good so far. It will be a while before he’s looking for $30 M.
Barnes would go back to being set-up on most teams.
Moreland ,good D, decent power, batting .315. Good pick for a top 10 team.
Hader isnt just a closer. he’s basically whatever you want out of the pen. he can close, throw multiple innings, come in in a sticky situation. not ssying he
*not saying he’s worth that package but he’s worth more then a traditional closer at his age and contract situation.
Ill chime in as a Dodger fan and say thats a lot but Hader is def worth it with all those years of control
I dont think they do it though b/c of the Hader background/tweets/etc etc. This is a very quite/reserved org and I dont think they like “that type of attention”…especially at these times out here in LA – Probably makes a lot more sense to throw a lotta money at Liam Hendricks this offseason for them
If the baggage didnt come I could def see a Ruiz Gray Rios Stripling type return…I think they would try and keep Gonzos yrs over Strips (You could just turn around and deal Strip elsewhere though)….. Id do that with No bagge if I was Lad …
Plenty of shoppers for Hader though, the return will be nice as long as they dont try and attach Cain or something- Personally Id hold him though, Mil is built around 5 inn starters and relying on the pen… Haders the best in Biz especially getting 4-6 outs-
Very valid points HRD. The tweets very well could be enough to curb their interest
It’ll be interesting. I do agree in general Hader is staying put. With that said, I think Mil knows he’s one of their best trade assets they’ve had in a long time, and if someone is willing to fill 3 long term holes… you consider it. The fact he’s been mentioned last 2 years makes me think there is “a price”. How reasonable is that price of course is anyone’s guess. Lol
Because of the control the return would have to be at least multiple top 100 guys and then some. So without moving Lux, you’d pretty much have to include Ruiz and Gray plus another useful piece or two.
With how good LAD’s bullpen already is I just don’t see them wanting to pay that price and I don’t know if it makes sense to include talent already on the MLB roster right now.
Cn, and that may be another question. If they go for Hader, do Dennis Santana/Gonsolin even May(doubt the last one) get put on the table? Stripling? Who knows
Clint Frazier is “mashing”? Take away 2 games and he’s 3 for 20.
Huascar Ynoa and Nathan Eovaldi were lit up by everyone even Clint Frazier could hit them.
Good Lord this site sucks.
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
Geez, I hope you’re a fan of the other Bob Gibson.
and take away two different ones and he’s 9 for 21. your point?
He’s 2-16 in his last five games. It is impossible to claim someone is mashing because they had two good games.
JBJ has 2 HRs in his last three games, with a 1.326 OPS. As a RS fan, I hope he is traded, but I doubt I doubt any GM is going to his boss and saying ‘JBJ is really mashing the ball over his last 3 games’.
Darkside and Connor Burnes and Steve Adams don’t believe in small sample sizes for Yankees.
In this case, it is ridiculous. I don’t mind extrapolating based history. I know what to expect from JBJ, and it isn’t what he’s shown in his last three games (though he is incredibly streaky),
Frazier doesn’t have the history to think he is anything other than what we’ve seen. Except for Stanton & Judge going down at the same time, he would still be a 26 year old in the minors.
If you have a player without a long history of success, and he has 3 good games, followed by 5 bad games, you ignore both. But if you want to describe it as ‘mashing’ or ‘slumping’, the most recent stretch takes precedent.
What does it take for the Cubs to get a closer like Rosenthal?
Rosenthal is a FA. So he would be a rental. Just for the last 30 games. Plus play-offs. I wouldn’t think a top 10 prospect. Maybe a 12-20th ranked prospect. And I doubt any super young prospect. I would say someone like Chris Clarke would do it. Maybe even less.
Cubs have a notoriously weak farm system. It’s going to take more than a 24 year old who hasn’t pitched above low A.
The Royals are a team who have acquired ML ready prospects who lost some of their shine in the past. (Phillips, Jorge Lopez, Franchy Cordero etc. )Dayton Moore doesn’t think his team is far away from being competitive.
Dayton Moore is in for a rude awakening then.
Don’t disagree with that. Think it’s likely he targets prospects who are already in the MLB or very close though. That’s the way he operates.
I don’t see why teams would give up anything of relevance for the majority of these guys, mostly all one year wonders or guys who are too good to be dealt unless something odd happens. Why would anyone want Walker or Kela honestly?
‘Relevance’, quite literally, is a relevant term. If I were TO, Walker might put me in the playoffs. That worth something.
And one or two GMs might get fired if they don’t make the playoffs. I think Klentak, for example, is toast unless he makes the playoffs, and they could use a #5+ SP.. Is he going to hold back on a #150 prospect and get fired for his efforts?
To improve their team now, for an affordable price. They may be one year wonders, but if this is the year, that works. Even when the Cubs paid top dollar for Chapman, it got them what they needed.
Henry (catcher) and Ashby of the Brewers for Frazier that a perfect trade for both teams
Isn’t Daniel Norris a viable trade candidate? He has former top prospect pedigree, is in his second good year, can give a team some 4+ innings as a LHP and will be under control for next year. The Tigers have some pitching prospects coming up, do not have good playoff odds anymore and should be willing to deal him for a 50FV prospect.
Gruß,
BSHH
i hope the angels hold onto simmons and bundy! there are essential if they want to contend in ’21.
With what starting pitching? It’s not like they’ll have much money available to spend on pitching upgrades while still needing to pay Pujols for one more year in addition to Rendon, Trout, and Upton, not to mention the general financial situation of the game thanks to COVID-19 and the MLBPA’s insistence on getting fully prorated salaries this year.
37% of their salaries.
Simmons is a FA this offseason…
JimTheGoat.
We’ve gone back and forth on this. We just seem to disagree.
The Angels cannot afford to lose Simmons. I can’t see him turning down a qualifying offer and that is the worse case scenario.
The Angels don’t have anyone who can play an adequate second base in 2021. And Fletcher is much better at second than he is at short.
The best move the Angels can make for their pitching and their team is to lock up Simmons.
There is no agreeing or disagreeing with the cold hard facts and the cold hard facts are that Simmons is a free agent this offseason.
And you still haven’t addressed the fact that trading him doesn’t mean they can’t sign him.
Yes, the Angels should trade La Stella, then Pujols will get more playing time to rack up counting stats for his career totals. Other than that and watching Trout be Trout, it’s not like the Angels have much else to play for this year (and probably next year, as well).
Far more likely Gausman gets traded than QO’d
La Stella is a free agent after this season and needs to go. He’s a terrible defender and a terrible baserunner. He’s not a good player.
The Angels need to retain Simmons and Bundy.
List so off on GIants. Watson and Cahill will go, Gausman will be offered QO. Everyone else will stay. Trading Yaz right now would be downright negligent.
Gausmans getting 18 mill next year for a team rebuilding?
If Gausman gets a QO he’s 100% going to accept it, cash that ~$18M check and continue throwing 4+ ERA ball for the Giants next year.
Odorizzi last year was better than Gausman is this year and he accepted his QO, so why on earth in this market would Gausman decline it if presented with one? If he hits the FA market Gausman is not going to get an AAV anywhere near $18M.
My writings bad, was suppose to be sarcasm …hes never getting the QO
Zaidi didn’t sign guys like Gausman to give him a QO in the offseason. He signed him and Smyly to flip them on Monday for more minor league help. Gausman, Cueto, Watson, and Cahill, and perhaps more will be gone next week. The real unknown is that the Giants are doing a replay of ’19 by playing their way into contention just before the deadline.
Tommy Milone will likely be traded. He’s been pretty good. He’s cheap and he won’t cost much of anything in a trade. Didn’t work out so well the first time but a team like the Mets who have purged a ton of prospects in recent years make sense to pick a guy like that up. Without Thor and Stroman they aren’t serious contenders but i can’t imagine BVW is going to pack it in.
Reds might as well start shopping Bauer. They are terrible
Very poorly run, imo. They traded Gray and Downs for one season of Puig and a bad contract of Kemp. Then traded Puig and Trammell (who I don’t really care for) for one year of Bauer.
Downs + Gray + Trammell + many, many millions = Bauer?
For those three prospects, and the money spent on Puig, Kemp, Wood, and Bauer, they could’ve landed Betts and extended him.
So according to this article, practically everyone on the Giants is for sale. Reality check: the Giants are currently in a playoff spot. Not merely contenders looking to improve for a run, but actually currently in a playoff spot despite being below .500. Why would they sell? They already have a 2014 world championship banner from being a 2nd wild card team that didn’t belong in the playoffs, and even if they lose in the first series it’ll still play well with the fan base and TV ratings and next year’s ticket sales and help fans stay less frustrated in the coming years until they develop an actually good team.
They’re not going to give up good prospects to buy rentals, but they’re not sellers either if they have the slightest business sense.
Yup. Milone is a lefty with a changeup with like a 50% swing and miss rate at a prorated mil this year, FA end of season straight rental. He’s the most likely Oriole to be traded.
I’d erase Alberto from this list. His bat is too integral for this rebuild. Now Severino on the other hand, dude’s hitting, hitting for power, a lot of contenders need a catcher, Cisco’s shown he can handle 50% of the workload, and Rutschman is on paper for 2022.
Trading Castro and Givens out of the pen is a safe call, a dark horse here is Tanner Scott. Scott is a special arm (borderline a poor man’s Josh Hader) and could bring a small ransom between how successful he is, his electric stuff, the demand at the position, his age and his 5 years of control.
Great points on Cobb but I’d erase him off of this list. It’s just not the O’s style to eat salary to dump a player or to trade one poor contract for another. And I agree the only way he’s being moved is one of these two scenarios. The previous GM pulled off the bad contract swap with the Padres, Ulbaldo for BJ Upton, it was vetoed by the owner.
100% with you on Cobb. Way too much owed. Tommy Milone has arguably been better than him. Makes it a much easier path to acquire Milone.
I disagree on Alberto and Scott though. I know there’s no replacement in the minors for Alberto near the majors at this point but he’s going into arb 2 and i don’t think he’s a long term piece. He may not be dealt this year because he’ll be pretty affordable. ~5 Mil salary next year. But I highly doubt they’re going to want to keep him around for arb 3 where he could make somewhere in the ballpark of what Villar is currently.
Think they dump him if someone is willing to give up a real prospect. I don’t think Tanner Scott has the track record to bring back that massive haul yet. I think he’s a guy whose value would sky rocket if he’s able to sustain this kind of success for a year plus. If the team isn’t competitive next July and he’s humming along they may explore a package then. But I think it’s more likely than not he’s an Oriole through the rebuild.
And I 100% agree with you on Scott. But with that demand, that’s why I say dark horse.
With Alberto, agreed, not for the future just a placeholder, but I want his bat in the lineup for when we graduate Bauman, Lowther, Kreamer, Zimmerman, but I totally get it, his bat, salary, success against lefties, control, we’d get something in return. And yea, the Villar arb salary comparisons are pretty comparable, it makes sense for a rebuilding team to move salary but then again his increase is offset by trading Givens and Castro. I’d keep this placeholder, but you make a great case.
I don’t think anyone is going to take Polanco on the contract he’s on.
But I read on the forums that it’s always a bargain to sign a young player to a long term deal, because they always get better. Polanco didn’t.
holecamles.
Why do some people create strawmen to make a point. Maybe it’s because you don’t have a point.
No one that I know of thinks all young players will get better. Most of the time, they are worth the gamble. But no one is saying they are worth it all of the time.
Brian Cashman Will Need To Trade Miguel Andujar,Clint Frazier,Albert Abreu & Domingo Acevedo To The New York Mets For Jacob DeGrom & Then Trade Estevan Florial,Luis Gil,Everson Pereira & Luis Medina To The Kansas City Royals For Josh Staumont & Then Trade Alexander Vizcaino,Zack Granite,Adonis Rosa & Rosell Herrera To The Milwaukee Brewers For Josh Hader,To Give My New York Yankees Another Starter & 2 More Arms In The Bullpen & It Would Cause Jacob DeGrom To Waive His No Trade Clause To Go To The Yankees,For A Chance At More Run Support.
So many capitalized words in this post. Yeesh.
Completely unreadable gibberish. Learn the capitalization rules that the rest of us learned at age 7 please.
Some People just don’t get it. For one thing, BVW trading Degrom to NYY is probably the fastest way for him to become an agent again.
But you know just for arguments sake. Getting a guy like Degrom is going to empty your farm. It’s going to hurt a lot. Frazier and Andujar have moderate value. The value to be a 3rd and 4Th piece in a trade for a guy like Degrom. Hypothetically, but in reality the Mets don’t need any more corner players. That’s all that they have.
It’d take a huge package. Something like Dominguez, Schmidt, Gil, Seigler + depending on what BVW wants. He’s a true ace and that doesn’t come on the market very often. Especially for half the salary of an ace like Gerrit Cole.
Brian Cashman Will Need To Trade Miguel Andujar,Clint Frazier,Albert Abreu & Domingo Acevedo To The New York Mets For Jacob DeGrom
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This time of the season always reminds me of the trades we proposed when we were 8 year’s old. List as many guys as possible, and then expect the other team’s best player in return.
None of the guys mentioned on the Yankee side would make the NYMs team, and that’s saying a lot.
Or. put another way, none of the Yankee guys mentioned are playing for the Yankees either.
Or put another way and Yahoo fantasy league you join Joe
The Mets don’t need those yankee players plus would never trade Degrom especially to the yanks lol
I am surprised solano isn’t on the list – he is the epitome of a sell high candidate – I doubt he will get a return near what he will get this year even with the shortened season
I like how you leave out Gausman’s ERA
Kela and Holland are almost sure to go. Neither will rake in much. some MiLB depth that have an off chance and/or some bonus pool or cash.
IMO keep williams but if you do let’m go, a mid range prospect would be a good starting point.
Kuhl, about the same as Williams but a bit less.
Bell: ideally the perfect time to trade due to universal DH but pretty much played him out of consideration. Any offer will be way too low and with the contract you hold.
Frazier, about the same. hang on to them.
Polanco is interesting though… is getting his bat back around Could be a candidate. But with his injury history and contract won’t bring around as much as one would hope. But if someone is remotely interested… jump on it but expect to eat some of next years salary.
Other wise keep everyone else with 2+ years left and resign archer for two years control on a much cheaper sub 5m/year deal. (as the CBA is now). He’s a good inning eater if nothing else and if someone better comes along fair trade bait our release/buy out.
They could hold just everyone but kela and holland and when the others end up with better numbers at the end of the season re-evaluate and that makes more sense to me.
As a Rockies fan… I’d trade Jon Gray. Yes, we’re in the #8 seed. But we finally have the ability to.
Right now, starters Marquez, Freeland, Senzatela, and Castellani have all been pitching quality innings. Coming soon are Ryan Rolison & Peter Lambert.
This market demands pitchers, and Jon Gray would net us some quality players to at least rebuild the farm a little bit.
So what would be my plan? Trade Jon Gray to a team that needs starting pitcher help, and then see if we can acquire a rental starter elsewhere. Or, use Jon Gray as a big piece for a better pitcher, that works too.
That… doesn’t make any sense. If you want to make the playoffs (and go far in the playoffs), why not just keep the high-upside, homegrown starter that you already have in-house?
because said starter has only one more year until he hits free agency, might as well sell on him now while there’s a huge demand for pitching
But then you talk about trading for a rental starter. If you trade Gray then that would be counterproductive. Especially when it’s a seller’s market for pitchers.
Because certain rental starters on this market cost much less than what would be gained from a Jon Gray trade
They’d cost less because they aren’t as good. If you are actually trying to contend you keep the better starter.
Also, JDM has zero chance of opting out and August 23rd (Yaz’s birthday) has already passed
I have read so many articles from the idiotic Boston writers.
First it was that JDM was opting opt, and the RS were going to have to give him something to stay.
Then it was ‘JDM’ was a prized trading chip.
Then it was ‘JDM’s salary will be an obstacle.
By this time next week, it will be ‘should JDM be benched in favor of Dalbec?’.
People keep saying that the Red Sox are hoping JDM opts out or that the opt out will make it easier to trade him because the acquiring team might get out from under his contract after the season. You NEVER see a player opting out when his team wants him to. Scenarios like AJ Burnett with the Phillies are the exception, not the rule.
1-Players rarely opt out.
2-Players that do opt out, usually go straight downhill on their next contract.
That’s why I don’t mind opt outs in a contract. Most FA contracts are worth the costs. Very, very few FA contracts are worth the costs halfway thru the contracts. I think CC and Tanaka both had one year added to their contracts, and Upton opted out, and the proceeded to ruin LAA.
I’m not sure there is a single contract out there where the team regretted it, because the player left and did great.
Opt outs are terrible for teams. The player opts out if and only if he is providing surplus value on his contract. That means if it weren’t for the opt out, the team could either keep the superstar they have signed for below market value or, if they are worried about him declining, trade him for a haul of prospects. But with the opt out their options are either overpay him to stay or lose him for nothing.
Most notable recent case of a player opting out, signing elsewhere and then playing well is Zack Greinke. Him opting out was a disaster for LAD.
Then in the cases of CC and Upton, the opt out hurts the team because they have to pay the player more money to stay.
If you sign a 6-year contract, with a three-year opt out, you will almost always be better off if the player leaves. The Upton opt-out only hurt because LAA didn’t let him walk.
It wasn’t even an egregious amount they added either. They replaced 4 years remaining at $88.5M, with a new contract of $106M/5. That’s an extra $17.5M/1. That said, they should’ve walked and QO’d him. The opt-out only hurt because they chased.
“If you sign a 6-year contract, with a three-year opt out, you will almost always be better off if the player leaves.”
You’re dead wrong JoeBrady! In practice, if the player is producing at a level where you’d be better off if he leaves, he’s not going to leave. Look at the players who opted out for proof of that. I used Zack Greinke as an example. Him opting out was TERRIBLE for LAD. His contract had all kinds of surplus value which just evaporated right before their eyes. Same for all the other players that opted out. If LAD was worried about him declining (which they weren’t) and he didn’t have an opt out, they could have traded him during his would-be opt out offseason for a king’s ransom of prospects.
“The Upton opt-out only hurt because LAA didn’t let him walk.”
If he didn’t have an opt-out, they would have had to make that choice. They could have stuck to the original contract or traded him to someone else.
“That said, they should’ve walked and QO’d him.”
Couldn’t receive a QO because 1. He had been traded midseason and 2. He had already received a QO from the Padres 2 years prior.
“The opt-out only hurt because they chased.”
Actually it hurt because they lost the surplus value they had from Upton’s original contract. Surplus value that could have been actualized either through keeping him and using him or through trading him for more prospects had he not opted out.
Bottom line, the only way Justin Upton’s opt-out could have benefited the Angels was if he opted out and signed for less $ than he left on the table when he opted out. If he gets more, then that means the Angels could have traded him for prospects if not for the opt out. Which beats the nothing they would have got if he opted out. How he plays post-opt-out has no bearing whatsoever on the matter.
No JT Realmuto?
Klentak is all in for 2020. He traded too much to get Realmuto, only to sell him. And will get fired if he misses the playoffs.
The first Realmuto trade is a sunk cost. Sixto and Alfaro aren’t coming back. As a GM, your job is to make the smartest decision based on the reality in front of you. For Klentak, that decision would be to trade JT.
Realmuto is not going anywhere with the money this guy makes for the year and the Phillies are still alive in a dreadful national league wild card race with a lot of those teams are below .500
Not a single team in baseball would not be willing to pay Realmuto the money he is making this season.
Sunk cost has nothing to do with it. If this was a LAD, maybe, but if a GM trades two good young players, and allows that player to walk, it is a bad look. If Klentak misses the playoffs, he likely gets fired.
In a Utopian world, maybe JT gets traded, Klentak gets fired, and the next GM benefits from Klentak’s selfless actions, but I’d bet that JT does not get traded.
Whether or not JT walks doesn’t change how the trade looks. Once the offseason starts he’s just another free agent. The Phillies paying him top dollar to stay won’t justify the trade. Unless there is some kind of tangible evidence that JT wouldn’t have signed if they hadn’t traded for him first, all other things equal.
As a Cardinal fan I see nobody on this list that would be worth paying a significant price for.
Where’s Lindor at because the Indians would need to trade him now to get a quantity of good players for him, if they wait one more year the less they will get in return
I mean they have the current 4th highest win percentage in the American League, .5 game out of first place….but yea trade your star player, that makes a whole lot of sense
Indians would literally make the playoffs if the season ended today. Trading Lindor simply isn’t an option at this point. Unless they decide that prospects are worth more than championships.
A lot of this list (almost all of it) is complete garbage players.
More than 1/2 makes the playoffs, so 2/3 at least think they can compete right now? There’s not many teams out of the picture
Add in most of those teams are really really bad… where are these good players you want? That’s why many expect the deadline to be quiet
Would love the Braves to get Bundy and Lynn. But I just don’t see the Braves forking out what the market will value those guys at this year. They are good pitchers and in any normal market, a few middle to upper tier prospects in our farm system likely gets them. This years market though… I hate to say it but it may take a Drew Waters type prospect to get them especially sense we desperately need them. If we got both, dare I say we’d lose both Pache and Waters. If trades happen, you’re gonna see some really expensive (in terms of prospects) for guys that normally wouldn’t be worth it. And look, Lynn and Bundy… both killing it.
The Mets need a Catcher for the next couple of years they should check in on Christian Vazquez from the Red Sox and maybe Sp Eovaldi since this year they can only rely on deGrom,Porcello and Peterson.
Or with all the $$ coming off the books in Cespedes,Stroman,Wacha,Ramos,Porcello and I’m sure others and sign Realmuto and a couple of pitchers (Bauer, Robbie Ray) and another rp or 2 and put Matz in the bullpen.