With the calendar flipping to July, trade season has officially arrived. We’ve already seen a couple early deals. The Angels swung a pair of late-June moves for stopgap veteran help on the infield. The Rangers closed out that month with the acquisition of Aroldis Chapman, arguably the top rental reliever available and a player who was ranked fifth on an early draft of this list.
As we do every summer, MLBTR will look at the top deadline candidates. This is not a strict ranking of players’ trade value, nor is it solely about likelihood of being moved. We’re trying to balance both of those things, which inherently involves subjectivity. A player in the top ten might have significantly less appeal than someone at the bottom of the list, but if they’re far more likely to be dealt for a return of some note, they’ll be higher on this kind of ranking.
With that brief methodology aside, let’s get to the list:
1. Lucas Giolito, SP, White Sox
The #4 player on our recent Free Agent Power Rankings, Giolito is the only member of our top six free agents who has much of a chance to move at the deadline. That makes him a natural fit to top this list.
The White Sox got off to a slow start and have never pulled themselves out. They’re vaguely kept afloat by an AL Central in which no team has consistently been better than .500, but they’re 7 1/2 games back with a -59 run differential. It’s division or bust, and they’re only alive in the division because of the other clubs’ mediocrity.
Giolito isn’t quite an ace, but he has put last year’s struggles behind him and again looks like a #2 arm on a contender. He has been durable, pounds the strike zone, and misses bats at an above-average clip. Over 18 starts, the 6’6″ righty has a 3.50 ERA with a quality 25.6% strikeout rate and 7.1% walk percentage. He’s a clear playoff-caliber starter on a market that might not have many of those.
The White Sox could make him a qualifying offer if they hold onto him for the stretch run. That’s theoretically possible given the divisional context, but they’d get much more future value if they traded him this summer. Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote in May that the Sox were unlikely to try to retain Giolito past the 2023 campaign.
2. Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Nationals
Candelario is a virtual lock to move within the next few weeks. Washington signed the third baseman to a $5MM deal after he was non-tendered by the Tigers. The move has worked out beautifully, as the switch-hitting infielder has posted a .261/.338/.477 line with strong defensive metrics.
Nats’ GM Mike Rizzo told Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic last week he was setting a high asking price on Candelario early in deadline season. That’s understandable with a month to go, but the club eventually figures to pull the trigger on the best offer available. Candelario would be a fringe qualifying offer candidate, so Washington’s best chance to recoup future value is by moving him this summer.
3. Scott Barlow, RP, Royals
The Royals already moved Chapman. Barlow seems likely to follow him out of Kansas City. There’s a little less urgency on Barlow, since K.C. can control him via arbitration for 2024. They don’t have a shot at competing this season, though, and Barlow’s appeal would drop next winter or at the ’24 deadline (when an acquiring team would only have his services for one playoff push).
Barlow posted a sub 2.50 ERA over exactly 74 1/3 innings in both seasons between 2021-22. He hasn’t been quite as effective this year, carrying a 4.06 mark over 31 frames. His walks are up and his average fastball velocity is down a couple ticks from where it sat two years ago. Regardless, he has proven himself capable of handling the ninth inning and continues to miss bats in droves. He’s picking up swinging strikes on over 14% of his offerings for a third consecutive season and is striking out just under a third of opposing hitters. With a season and a half of club control, he’s the most valuable realistic trade candidate on the Royals’ roster.
4. Jordan Montgomery, SP, Cardinals
5. Jack Flaherty, SP, Cardinals
The Cardinals are among a handful of National League teams amidst very disappointing seasons. St. Louis has gone from first to last in the NL Central. The division is weak enough it’s still vaguely in sight, but the Cards haven’t gotten on the run necessary to pull themselves back into the mix. They’re a long shot to make the playoffs at this point, so their top impending free agents are strong trade candidates.
Montgomery is one of the better starters on next year’s free agent market. The left-hander is a capable #3 arm, a mid-3.00s ERA type. He has allowed 3.28 runs per nine this season, backing that up with solid underlying marks across the board. He’d almost certainly receive and reject a qualifying offer, so the Cardinals could keep him and get back a draft choice if he signs elsewhere. They should be able to bring in a more valuable prospect package in trade, though.
Flaherty is unlikely to receive a QO. He wouldn’t bring back a Montgomery return in trade, but he’d still have some appeal on the market. The right-hander is no longer the Cy Young caliber arm he showed in 2019, as various injuries have limited him over the past few seasons. He has had an up-and-down 2023 campaign, walking over 12% of opponents and posting a 4.60 ERA through 16 starts. Flaherty has decent strikeout and grounder marks, but he’s more of a high-variance rotation add than a lock to start a playoff game at this point.
6. Marcus Stroman, SP, Cubs
Stroman has had an excellent second season in Chicago. The right-hander carries a personal-low 2.76 ERA across 107 2/3 innings with peripherals that closely match his best days in Toronto. He’s inducing grounders on almost three-fifths of batted balls and has consistently prevented home runs at an elite clip. It’s more of a contact management profile than an overpowering one, but his 21.3% strikeout rate isn’t far off the 22% league average for starting pitchers.
Despite a +24 run differential, the Cubs are five games under .500 and six games back in the Wild Card race. It’s not impossible, but they’d need a strong run over these next few weeks to play off the selling bubble.
Stroman isn’t a true rental, as his contract contains a $21MM player option for next season. That’s pure downside for an acquiring team — he’d only exercise it if he has a disastrous second half or suffers a serious injury — but the likeliest scenario is that Stroman continues pitching well and decides to test the open market. Stroman has publicly angled for an extension with the Cubs. The team has seemingly not shown the same interest. Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of the Athletic wrote over the weekend they were unlikely to explore a long-team deal before the trade deadline.
The Cubs can’t issue Stroman a qualifying offer, since he has already received one in his career and players can’t be tagged with a QO twice under the CBA. A trade would be the only way to land compensation if he declines the player option and the team is not interested in a new contract.
7. David Robertson, RP, Mets
With Chapman off the market, Robertson now appears the top rental reliever available. It’s the second straight season in which the veteran righty could be a coveted deadline piece. The Cubs brought back pitching prospect Ben Brown from Philadelphia last summer; the Mets could do something similar this year.
Robertson signed a $10MM free agent deal and was pushed into the ninth inning by Edwin Díaz’s catastrophic knee injury. The Mets have had a disastrous season, but that’s no fault of Robertson. He has a 1.88 ERA over 35 appearances, striking out 30% of batters faced. It’s rare to find relievers with the consistency and playoff experience Robertson brings to the table. He’ll be in demand, and Mets’ owner Steve Cohen admitted last week the team wasn’t close enough to contention to buy. Perhaps an ongoing four-game win streak can kickstart the season and prevent a sell-off, but New York is still 6 1/2 games out of the Wild Card with five teams to pass.
8. Shane Bieber, SP, Guardians
Bieber’s trade candidacy rests more on the Guardians’ pitching depth than their competitive window. While Cleveland has underperformed, they’re still very much a postseason contender. The Guardians are two games back of the Twins in the AL Central. They were in a similar spot at this point last year before getting hot in September to run away with the division.
Trading Bieber strictly for prospects seems unlikely, but Cleveland could shop him in an effort to inject some life into the offense. Adding controllable outfield talent could be particularly welcome. It’s a script Cleveland has followed on a few occasions in the past. Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger have all been shipped off as the organization’s pitching development pipeline churns out similarly productive and less expensive young pitchers. Gavin Williams, Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee have all gotten to the big leagues this season.
Bieber hasn’t been as dominant as he was a few years back. His velocity hasn’t been the same since a 2021 shoulder injury and this year’s 19.3% strikeout rate is the first below-average mark of his career. Even if he’s no longer a Cy Young caliber hurler, Bieber looks the part of an effective #3 type. He’s sixth in the majors with 110 2/3 innings pitched and sports a 3.66 ERA with plus control and a solid 46.3% grounder rate. The right-hander is making a hair over $10MM this season and is eligible for arbitration once more before hitting free agency.
9. Michael Lorenzen, SP, Tigers
The Tigers are still within shouting distance in the AL Central. Perhaps they play well enough over the next few weeks to hold off a teardown. 11 games under .500 with a -86 run differential, they don’t look like a playoff team and would be more or less buried if they played in any other division. This was always likely to be an evaluation year for a new front office regime, one which saw them deal short-term veterans at the deadline.
Lorenzen is probably the most appealing of the rental players on the roster. The athletic right-hander is playing on an $8.5MM free agent deal. Over 14 starts entering this afternoon’s outing, he carries a 4.28 ERA. He’s missing bats at a career-low rate but throwing plenty more strikes than he has in years past. Lorenzen looks like a stable #5 starter, a player contenders can bring in to fortify their rotation depth and kick to the bullpen (where he’s had success in prior seasons) come playoff time. The return wouldn’t be huge, but this is more or less what the Tigers envisioned when they signed him last December.
10. Tommy Pham, LF, Mets
Pham started the season ice cold, but he has somewhat quietly been one of the sport’s best hitters since the calendar turned to May. He’s up to a .286/.355/.510 line through 217 plate appearances overall. At his best, Pham has combined stellar plate discipline with huge exit velocities and solid contact skills. He hits a few too many grounders to be a prototypical power threat, but he’s a well-rounded offensive player who can hit left and right-handed pitching alike.
The 35-year-old is a fringe corner outfield defender at this stage of his career. He’s an affordable bat a contender could feel comfortable plugging into the middle of a lineup for the stretch run. Pham is playing this season on a $6MM salary, and Cohen already showed a willingness to pay down money on Eduardo Escobar to facilitate a better trade return. New York could do the same on Pham, who acknowledged to Bill Ladson of MLB.com last week that the club’s surprising struggles make him a viable trade candidate.
11. Cody Bellinger, CF/1B, Cubs
Bellinger signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $17MM free agent guarantee after being non-tendered by the Dodgers. The buy-low flier initially looked like an excellent move. The former MVP hit .271/.343/.493 through 163 plate appearances while playing plus center field defense through mid-May. His exit velocities were still nowhere close to peak levels, but he’d dramatically sliced his strikeout rate to put together a well above-average overall batting line.
A left knee contusion interrupted that hot start and cost Bellinger nearly a month of action. He’s hitting .317 in 62 plate appearances since returning but has walked just four times and doesn’t have a home run in 17 games. After easing him back to action at first base, the Cubs returned him to center field last week.
Bellinger isn’t back to his MVP form, but he’s amidst easily his best season since 2020. It’s rare to find plus defensive center fielders with any kind of offensive upside. Bellinger can impact the game on both sides of the ball, even if it’s now more of a contact-first profile than an all-around impact bat. He’ll return to free agency next winter, likely by declining his end of a mutual option, making him a straightforward rental trade candidate. Unlike Stroman, Bellinger is eligible to receive a qualifying offer. The Cubs could land draft pick compensation, but they’d probably do better than that in trade.
12. Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Tigers
Rodriguez just returned from a finger injury yesterday. He got lit up by the A’s, but he carried a 2.13 ERA through 11 starts before landing on the shelf. The veteran southpaw has punched out over a quarter of opponents and shown his typically strong control. After his first season in Detroit was marred by injuries and personal issues, Rodriguez looks like the mid-rotation arm the Tigers expected when they signed him to a five-year, $77MM guarantee two offseasons back.
Few pitchers who could be available in trade have performed as well as Rodriguez has through the season’s first half. Were he a pure rental, he might be at the top of this list. His contract makes a trade far trickier to execute. Rodriguez can opt out of the final three years and $49MM on his deal at season’s end. He’s ineligible for a qualifying offer on a non-competitive team. If the Tigers hold onto him past the deadline, there’s a strong chance they lose him next winter for nothing.
On the other hand, the remaining money represents rather significant downside for a potential acquiring club. If Rodriguez suffers another injury or sees his performance tail off, the team could be saddled with a contract that looked like a landmine just a few months ago. It’s a more extreme version of the downside present with Stroman, thereby pushing him down the list a few spots.
13. Lance Lynn, SP, White Sox
Lynn has had a rough 2023 campaign. He owns a 6.47 ERA over 96 innings, a figure almost entirely attributable to an MLB-worst 22 home runs allowed. That’ll be tough for a number of fans and some front offices to look past. Still, there’s some amount of appeal for teams that feel Lynn can get the longball under control — either via natural regression or with a move to a more favorable home park for pitchers.
The veteran righty is striking out just under 27% of batters faced while racking up whiffs on an excellent 13.5% of his offerings. He doesn’t issue many walks, hasn’t missed a start this year, and posted a sub-4.00 ERA every season between 2019-22. The homers and a slight velocity dip are obvious concerns, but Lynn’s ability to miss bats is strong as ever. The White Sox hold an $18MM option on his services for 2024. That’s probably beyond their comfort zone, which makes marketing him this summer a logical choice.
14. Mark Canha, LF/1B, Mets
15. Brooks Raley, RP, Mets
Canha and Raley are the next tier down of Mets’ trade candidates. Unlike Robertson and Pham, they’re not certainly headed for free agency. New York could bring both players back via club option — Canha at $11.5MM ($2MM buyout), Raley at $6.25MM ($1.25MM buyout). Both prices are a little lofty for their current production but not out of the question for a Mets’ club that spends more freely than any other.
If New York is leaning towards a buyout on either player, they could make them available to a clearer ’23 contender. Canha’s a veteran righty bat who plays decent corner outfield defense. He’s hitting .248/.344/.405 on the season, including a .239/.360/.437 mark against lefty pitching. Raley is a situational left-hander out of the bullpen. He owns a 2.35 ERA with an above-average 26% strikeout rate. He’s been better against right-handers than lefties this season but carries traditional platoon splits over the course of his career.
16. Paul Blackburn, SP, Athletics
Blackburn might be the most valuable trade chip on a stripped-down A’s roster. The righty spent the first couple months on the injured list with fingernail/blister issues. He’s been effective in seven starts since returning, working to a 4.50 ERA with good control and a solid 24.7% strikeout rate over 36 innings.
While he’s not overpowering, Blackburn has looked the part of a strike-throwing back-end starter when healthy. Already 29, he’s probably not a core piece of the ongoing rebuild. He’s an affordable arm who should appeal to contenders looking for stability at the back of the starting staff. Blackburn is making $1.9MM this season and is arbitration-eligible through 2025.
17. Joe Kelly, RP, White Sox
18. Keynan Middleton, RP, White Sox
19. Reynaldo López, RP, White Sox
If the White Sox decide to look ahead to 2024, they’d be a major factor on the relief market. Chicago has a trio of potential impending free agent relievers (Kelly’s contract contains a ’24 club option at a net $8.5MM decision) who’d attract varying levels of interest.
Kelly is one of the game’s hardest throwers and has a track record of an enviable strikeout/ground-ball combination. He has had an up-and-down career but looks like a high-leverage arm when he’s going well. He just landed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation this afternoon. That could obviously impact his trade candidacy, though it’s unknown how long he’ll be out of action.
Middleton appeared on his way to journeyman status a few months ago. He has proven to be one of the top minor league signees of last winter, pitching 30 innings with a 2.70 ERA and above-average strikeout and ground-ball marks. López has struggled with walks and home runs and has an ERA above 5.00, but his fastball pushes triple-digits and he misses plenty of bats. Another club figures to roll the dice on that upside despite his subpar overall production.
20. Aaron Civale, SP, Guardians
To a lesser extent, Civale’s trade candidacy follows the same logic as Bieber’s. The Guardians have ample young pitching that could allow them to cash in a veteran arm for short-term offensive help. Civale isn’t as appealing as Bieber. The 28-year-old righty has been more of a back-of-the-rotation type throughout his career. This year’s 2.96 ERA over eight starts is more attributable to batted ball and sequencing fortune than an overhaul in his approach.
Civale is a control specialist with a 3.95 ERA in just shy of 400 career innings. It’s #4 starter production on a rate basis, although he’s battled injuries and never topped 125 MLB frames in a single season. Civale is making $2.6MM this year and eligible for arbitration twice more thereafter.
21. Paul DeJong, SS, Cardinals
DeJong has reemerged as a viable trade candidate with a nice 2023 campaign. The righty-hitting shortstop is hitting .234/.310/.449 with 12 homers over 229 plate appearances, including a .275/.387/.510 showing against left-handed pitching. After two dismal offensive showings in 2021-22, he has played his way back into regular shortstop duty in St. Louis.
The Cardinals hold a $12.5MM option ($2MM buyout) on his services for 2024. That’s not an outlandish number, particularly in light of a dreadful upcoming shortstop class in free agency, but it still seems likely St. Louis would opt for the buyout with Tommy Edman on hand and prospect Masyn Winn not far off. With hope for a playoff push getting fainter with every demoralizing loss, the Cardinals should gauge the trade market.
22. Justin Turner, 3B, Red Sox
23. James Paxton, SP, Red Sox
24. Nick Pivetta, RP/SP, Red Sox
25. Adam Duvall, CF, Red Sox
The status of this group could well come down to the next few weeks. The Red Sox are above .500 but in last place in a loaded AL East. They’re four games out of the Wild Card with two teams to surpass. Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom has acknowledged the deadline could go in a number of directions based on the team’s upcoming performance.
If Boston were to fall more clearly out of contention, anyone in this group could go. Paxton and Duvall are pure rentals. The veteran left-hander has rebounded from two injury-plagued seasons to post a 2.70 ERA with an elite 31.1% strikeout rate over 10 starts. Duvall was on a tear early this year before breaking his wrist and missing two months. He has been ice cold since coming back but has a long track record of right-handed power production and solid outfield defense, albeit with on-base concerns.
Turner looks likely to join Paxton and Duvall on the open market. He has a $13.4MM player option. That comes with a $6.7MM buyout, meaning he’d only need to top the matching $6.7MM difference on the open market to make opting out a reasonable financial strategy. Considering he’s hitting .282/.354/.461, he looks on his way to doing that with ease.
Pivetta has never consistently found his stride as a starting pitcher, but he’s been excellent since moving to relief a couple months ago. Over 24 frames as a reliever, he owns a 2.63 ERA while striking out more than 32% of batters faced. He could draw interest either in his current multi-inning bullpen role or from a team looking to stretch him back out for rotation work. Pivetta is making $5.35MM and eligible for arbitration one more time.
26. C.J. Cron, 1B, Rockies
Cron is an impending free agent on a last place team. He’s a fairly straightforward trade candidate if he’s performing well enough to draw interest. The veteran first baseman has had a tough season to this point, hitting .248/.293/.441 and missing a few weeks with a back problem. He returned to the diamond last week and has around a month to try to play his way into some interest.
The right-handed hitter topped 25 home runs in each of the four full seasons between 2018-22. He’s making $7.5MM and could draw attention as a role-playing power bat, particularly if the Rox pay down some of the deal.
27. Brad Hand, RP, Rockies
28. José Cisnero, RP, Tigers
29. Jordan Hicks, RP, Cardinals
30. Chris Stratton, RP, Cardinals
31. Michael Fulmer, RP, Cubs
Each player in this tier could be an impending free agent reliever on a fringe or worse contender. Hand has had a nice bounceback season after signing with Colorado over the winter. His contract contains a $7MM club option that becomes a mutual provision if he’s traded. Cisnero is a 34-year-old righty with a 2.18 ERA and above-average peripherals in 33 innings for the Tigers.
Hicks throws as hard as anyone in the game. He’s running huge strikeout and ground-ball numbers while walking nearly 15% of opponents. Stratton, his St. Louis teammate, has fanned just over a quarter of opponents and soaked up 42 1/3 innings through 31 outings in middle relief. Fulmer started his Cubs’ career slowly but has allowed only two runs in 16 innings going back to the beginning of June.
32. Kyle Hendricks, SP, Cubs
Hendricks has been effective in eight starts since returning from last year’s season-ending shoulder injury. Through 47 innings, the veteran righty carries a 2.64 ERA. His 44.2% grounder rate is roughly average, and he’s never missed bats or thrown hard. Few pitchers have better control, though, and Hendricks is currently healthy and producing.
This could be his final season with the Cubs. Chicago likely wouldn’t bring him back on a $16MM club option, so he’s more or less a rental starter on a fringe contender. Maybe the trade returns wouldn’t be significant enough for the Cubs to part with a player who has meant so much to the franchise — especially if they can still see a path to contention — but it wouldn’t be surprising if his name comes up in discussions.
33. Josh Hader, RP, Padres
34. Blake Snell, SP, Padres
The Padres are riding a three-game win streak, pulling them to 41-46. They’re six games out of a Wild Card spot with three teams to jump. It’s an uphill battle but one an underperforming San Diego team feels they can achieve. Both president of baseball operations A.J. Preller (via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com) and chairman Peter Seidler said last week the team is still focused on contending this year.
San Diego probably isn’t listening to trade offers on Hader or Snell yet. If they flounder again over the next few weeks, the standings might force the club’s hand to put their impending free agents on the market. If that happens, Snell and Hader would vault near the top of this list in a hurry.
35. Tyler O’Neill, LF, Cardinals
36. Joey Bart, C, Giants
37. Bobby Dalbec, 3B, Red Sox
38. Jo Adell, LF, Angels
39. Josh Rojas, 3B, D-Backs
40. Nick Senzel, 3B/CF, Reds
Broadly speaking, this group of six players are speculative change-of-scenery candidates. O’Neill has paired 30-homer power with Gold Glove defense at his best. He hasn’t performed as well since the start of 2022 and has spent the past couple months on the injured list with a back problem. He’s likely to be back in the majors by the trade deadline. The Cardinals have a number of younger, more affordable outfielders and could try to move O’Neill this summer rather than face a tough call on whether to tender him a contract for his final arbitration season.
Bart is a former second overall pick who has been leapfrogged on the Giants’ catching depth chart by Patrick Bailey. He’s a .223/.293/.342 hitter at the big league level but has been better in Triple-A.
Dalbec has been inconsistent as a big leaguer, flashing huge power but striking out a ton. He’s having a monster season in Triple-A (.298/.415/.654 with 20 homers in 54 games) but only gotten 14 scattered MLB plate appearances this year. Dalbec recently admitted to Christopher Smith of MassLive that he doesn’t see a clear path to regular playing time in Boston with Rafael Devers, Justin Turner and Triston Casas all on the roster.
Adell is another former top prospect who has mashed in the upper minors but struggled to make contact against big league pitching. He’ll be out of options next season and has only appeared in three MLB games this year. Maybe the Mike Trout hamate injury clears the path to everyday playing for Adell at Angel Stadium, but the Halos are under pressure to win now and could try to move him for a lower-upside but more stable veteran outfielder.
Rojas was a good bat-first utility player for the Diamondbacks in 2021-22. He had an awful start to the ’23 campaign, hitting .235/.301/.306 without a home run in 57 games. Arizona optioned him late last month, and he recently landed on the minor league injured list. His value is at perhaps its lowest ebb, but he’d be a non-tender candidate next winter. Arizona could sell low to a team like the Tigers or Royals that can afford to give him a few months to rediscover his previous level.
Senzel is a former second overall draftee who hasn’t found much big league success. The Reds have graduated a number of infield prospects and pushed him to the bench. He’s not hitting right-handed pitching at all but carries a .373/.422/.627 line against southpaws. Senzel can play multiple positions and could be of interest as a righty-swinging utility piece.
41. Hunter Harvey, RP, Nationals
42. Kyle Finnegan, RP, Nationals
43. Alex Lange, RP, Tigers
44. Jason Foley, RP, Tigers
This crop of relievers all has multiple seasons of control on non-competitive teams. They’re less likely to be dealt than the rental relievers mentioned above but would bring back stronger returns if made available.
Harvey has had myriad injury issues throughout his career but been healthy and effective this year. He owns a 3.16 ERA while striking out nearly 28% of opponents over 37 innings. Finnegan has a 3.34 ERA with average peripherals across 35 frames.
Lange has spotty control but misses bats and keeps the ball on the ground at plus rates. He’s taken over as Detroit’s closer and is under arbitration control through 2027. Foley is also controllable through the ’27 campaign and has somewhat quietly had a breakout year. The righty averages north of 97 MPH on his fastball and has induced grounders on over three-fifths of batted balls. He has a 2.17 ERA in 37 appearances.
45. Rich Hill, SP, Pirates
46. Carlos Santana, 1B, Pirates
The Pirates have faded after a strong April and could find themselves listening on short-term players. Pittsburgh isn’t truly rebuilding anymore, but both Hill and Santana are veterans on a team that’s now six games under .500. The seemingly ageless Hill has a 4.50 ERA with roughly average strikeout and walk numbers over 17 starts. Santana has a modest .241/.320/.407 line over 321 plate appearances, but he’s a switch-hitter and a plus defender at first base.
47. Yan Gomes, C, Cubs
Gomes is another of the Cubs’ potential impending free agents who could find some interest. It’d be relatively modest in his case, but he’s a respected veteran backstop having a decent season. The 35-year-old is hitting .265/.308/.412 with seven homers in 185 trips to the plate. His contract contains a $6MM club option for next season.
48. Teoscar Hernández, RF, Mariners
The Mariners are another team that finds itself on the fringe of contention. Seattle is a game under .500 and five out of a Wild Card spot with four clubs to surpass. They’re not likely to sell off veterans until right up to the deadline, but a bad few weeks could force the front office to listen.
Hernández hasn’t hit as expected during his first season in Seattle. He owns a .252/.301/.441 line with 15 homers over 85 games. That’s below the level he’d shown over his past few years in Toronto. Hernández has picked things up after a terrible first two months, though, and he’d surely find some interest if the M’s were to put him on the market.
49. Lane Thomas, RF, Nationals
Thomas has proven an excellent pickup for Washington since heading over in the 2021 deadline deal that sent Jon Lester to St. Louis. The right-handed hitting outfielder is amidst a career year, hitting .304/.351/.509 with 14 homers through 365 plate appearances. He has been a nightmare for opposing southpaws, teeing off at a .385/.434/.683 clip when holding the platoon advantage.
Soon to turn 28, Thomas is eligible for arbitration for two seasons beyond this one. The Nationals would hold firm to a lofty asking price given that extended control window, but they’re near the nadir of a rebuild and probably won’t contend for a postseason spot until Thomas’ final year of arbitration at the earliest.
50. Max Scherzer, SP, Mets
There might be no more fascinating potential trade candidate than Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young winner is the second season of a record-setting free agent deal that pays him $43.333MM annually. He can opt out at year’s end, leaving the Mets in an interesting position.
If New York feels Scherzer is likely to opt out and they’re not viable contenders this season, exploring trade possibilities makes sense. The contract makes him a very difficult player to actually move, however. Scherzer has full no-trade rights for one, although there’s been some chatter he could waive that to facilitate a trade to a contender. The salary is high enough a number of teams wouldn’t even try to make it work, though Cohen’s willingness to pay down contracts for a better return could solve that issue.
That’s before getting to Scherzer’s performance, which has been more good than exceptional this year. He has a 4.03 ERA across 82 2/3 innings. His strikeout and walk numbers are excellent but below typical levels. He’s allowing more home runs than ever before. There’s no doubt Scherzer is still a playoff-caliber starter, but his production this season hasn’t been that of a true Game One ace.
Others To Watch
A’s: Seth Brown, Shintaro Fujinami, Sam Moll, Ryan Noda
Astros: Chas McCormick, Jake Meyers
Cardinals: Giovanny Gallegos
Cubs: Mark Leiter Jr., Drew Smyly, Patrick Wisdom
Mariners: Tom Murphy
Mets: Carlos Carrasco, Adam Ottavino
Nationals: Corey Dickerson, Carl Edwards Jr., Dominic Smith
Orioles: Jorge Mateo
Padres: Luis García
Pirates: Austin Hedges
Red Sox: Enrique Hernández, Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin
Rockies: Elias Díaz, Randal Grichuk, Pierce Johnson, Jurickson Profar, Brent Suter*
Royals: Matt Duffy, Amir Garrett, Zack Greinke*, Nicky Lopez
Twins: Max Kepler
White Sox: Tim Anderson, Mike Clevinger*, Yasmani Grandal
* Currently on injured list
Good article. Thanks!
A fine article but it omits that nice store in Manhattan I mean the Yankees store which has some interesting items on display such as Oswald peraza, oswaldo Cabrera, mike schmidt, domingo German, gleyber Torres and a few other serviceable players. As for peraza, the team that gets this kid is getting a heck of a shortstop, a steal for sure…maybe a Brendan Donovan and Jack Flaherty or perhaps a Dylan Cease or bellinger we’ll see soon enough…thank you…
If Mike Schmidt is in New York I’ll trade fir him
> I mean the Yankees store which has some > interesting items on display such as …
> mike schmidt,
Clark Schmidt and Michael King’s love child!
Unfortunately, Mike Schmidt is stuck behind Josh Donaldson right now at 3B for the Yankees. Fingers crossed that they give him an extended look before the season ends! Lol!
For someone who is always so pedantic to be incorrect is ironic.
Clarke*
Mike Schmidt might have some hall of fame potential though…. With a name like that who’s to say?
9 games over 500. Any trades will strengthen their staff, not weaken it.
Reardon65;
Peraza will be a part of the package for Arenado.
This actually makes a ton of sense. Walker has the stick to play third and is still not getting great reads in the outfield on flyballs. Gorman or Walker at third next year would be fine though obviously Arenado would need to approve the trade and the infield defense would be hurt some. The Cards need controllable pitching though so I am not sure Peraza would be a good match unless they move Edman since Winn should be ready to debut this season if they can move Dejong. A lot of moving parts, but if the Cardinals don’t acquire controllable pitching this season’s disaster will carry over into next season.
I want the jays to sell off Chapman and some BP arms etc if they don really pick it up. Weak farm system so if there not on fire don’t go for it. Trading Chapman and whit if he isn’t resigning would really help them retool in the offseason
I agree. I’d also include Kiermeier and Ryu if he makes it back before the trade deadline.
50 is a lot of guys to sift through. Lots of choices for our dreams hahah.
Tan Gomes to the Yankees is my guess
Lance Lynn and Jordan Montgomery to the Rangers
I don’t think I’d want crybaby David Robertson on my team. Might be a good fit on Los Karens though, crybabies welcome on the team and in their fanbase.
Crybaby? Lol. What are you talking about now? Do I want to know?
Where’s Cutch?
He’s not going to be traded. It would be a public relations disaster for the pirates
That’s not cutch. It’s Jerry Maguire imitating Cutch
Instead you can have Derrick Shelton and Rudolpho Castro for anyone that knows how to create a lineup and doesn’t strike out during every AB respectively
Juan Soto?
Could be available if the Padres do not plan to sign him.
Not available until after 2024
I take candelario to the cubs and give him a extension for 4 years !
The Cubs are not trading Yan Gomes. They’ll pick up that 6 million dollar option in a heartbeat. His value to a young pitching team is worth twice that.
I also don’t Hendricks going anywhere. The return would be minimal, and it’d probably be smart to work out an extension at a lesser per year salary. (They’re going to need 3 or 4 starters from free agency next year.)
No they won’t. They have guys ready to take over right now, Cubs won’t need any FA P’s. That’s why they’re building a Farm System based on Pitching.
Imagine Max Scherzer passing up on two year 86 million by opting out of the Mets — just to get away from the mets……could happen.
He would opt out of the remaining 1 year $43.4MM, not 2 years.
I think he might consider it because he could probably get more money at less per year on the open market this fall.
Thanks for that. I wonder who would sign him to a multi year deal?
You’re welcome. I have to think there are at least a few teams. He’s a good pitcher but worth a lot more at a lower rate. I don’t know, maybe three years 100 million or something close to that. 40+ million a year for any pitcher is way too much, in my opinion.
I don’t know what his goals are. He may not want to play for three more years.
The whole reason Scherzer is with the Mets is the money and what was a record breaking contract at the time. He isn’t walking away from that.
Then why does his contract have an opt out? We don’t know why he’d choose to use it and that’s up for him to decide. Maybe he opts out and milks the Mets for even more. 3 yrs/$132MM.
The opt out is if he could get MORE money not take less. And that’s not going to happen.
He wanted to set records he didn’t care about winning. Nothing has changed.
Max is a Boras client. He’ll have a deal already in place if he decides to opt out.
Shhhh! The first rule about tampering is you don’t talk about tampering.
You tell me who would sign him to more than his current contract is worth for multiple seasons? I Don’t think you can. He may get an extra year, but he’s not gonna touch another 43 mil for 2 season. 3 maybe. And since that is the case, he’ll be staying.
Why do you assume he needs to get more than $43 mil per year? At this stage of his career, he might actually value a two-year deal at $30 mil per year over a 1-year, $43 mil.
He signed the deal so he could set a new salary record. He’s not opting out of it now he’s simply not doing that.
In life we have to make choices. He chose money.
You say he signed for the money. Well, yeah. They all do. As for him wanting the record, thats an arbitrary assumption.
But what you’re overlooking is that, given that his decline has begun, he may now value a longer deal with more total guaranteed money over the one-year deal, even if the longer deal means a lower annual salary.
If his decline has begun then why would another team want to sign him for anywhere near 43 million a year???
He’s old as dirt. This isn’t the time when teams are going to be lining up to give him a 2 or 3 year deal. That’s not going to happen.
I’m not sure why you insist that the $43 million number is important. It may not be. He may value a multi-year $55 or $60 mil over the one year he has left.
He’s still pitching like a borderline #2/solid #3 pitcher. Someone who needs just that to get over the top might just give him two or three years at $25 to $30 mil per year, and he might place more value on that total money than on the big one-year number.
Teams frequently overpay players in number of years. They don’t think or care about the back end, as long as the player gives the team what the team needs now.
Why would someone pay 30 million a year for a borderline number 2 or number 3 starter?????
He’s not opting out. He wanted to be the highest paid player in baseball and he was until Verlander signed his contract from the same team that gave Scherzer his. These are hired guns the Mets and these 2 deserve each other.
Scherzer is a Boras client. Nothing is impossible with him as your agent.
Did Scherzer upset you by never pitching for his hometown Cardinals, call you names in high school, something? He won a ring with the Nationals and a couple of years later signed with the Mets who won 101 games last season. It seems he was looking for another title while also pushing salaries higher, part of his responsibility as a member of the MLBPA executive committee.
Gbs
Yes he did.
He’s a mercenary. I am not the only one rooting against the Mets.
Yes he did what? Call you names in high school?
Jason Varitek would like to have a word with you over a VERY similar situation….
If Scherzer is uncertain if he is in decline, he might prefer two years $60 plus million, locking in another $20 million or so for retirement over $40 million. If he were to get that say with the Rangers, the NY vs. Texas tax structure narrows the per year average difference by a few million as well…
you’re forgetting the part where there’s only 1 NY Mets
, and no other teams willing to do over 20 Mil per year.
You’re forgetting the part where there’s tons of money in baseball these days.
I could see the Mets, Padres, Dodgers, Yankees, and maybe others willing to give Scherzer well over $20M per year for the next couple of years, especially if he has a strong second half. Some teams are willing to spend in an effort to win.
Will be interesting to see Ohtani move up this list over the next few weeks.
Sorry, where is he on this list? Oh, right. Nowhere. The Angels will probably attempt to re-sign him and lose him to someone else.
The Angels should have a good idea whether or not they can resign Ohtani. If they know they can’t then they certainly should trade him.
he should skip town if he ever wants a ring
They should trade him either way. They can still sign him if they trade him. Would they rather have prospects AND Shohei Ohtani or just Shohei Ohtani?
Even if they have given up on resigning him, the Angels are (currently) still in contention. It’s more important that they keep him and try for a ring. They’ll still get a draft pick for him.
Admittedly, the situation could change by the end of the month.
team already had work to do. now Trout shelved for the next few months
Paxton should be a Top 5 guy on here. Even with the health risks, his cheap salary make him an easy add for any contender. Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin should both be Top 15 guys as well. The D’Backs and Dodgers desperately need a closer.
I think Ohtani will be a Dodger when the smoke clears. They have the $$$ and prospects and the need indeed.
I don’t know about top 5. Considering his lack of innings recently could a contending team trust him to pitch in the postseason?
Bieber
Giolito
Montgomery
Those are the top 3 starters off the top of my head. And Beieber might not be dealt with McKenzie being hurt and Quantrill being bad.
All of those guys are mid to back end starters that teams wouldn’t feel comfortable running out the high quality offenses in the playoffs. Stroman is the only SP that looks like he could handle playoff clubs.
Yeah I forgot about Stroman but no the other 3 are not mid to back end starters that’s completely false.
lmao dude said Beiber and Gio are mid
Im actually surprised there aren’t more Angels on this list.. the team is in the middle of the usual mid-season freefall. I could see Renfroe and a couple pitchers, like Estevez, being traded.
But currently they are still in contention, so they don’t belong on this edition of the list.
Cubs should know better than to not trade Hendricks after what happened with Contreras.
I miss you Harambe
What happened with Hendricks and Contreas?
Cubs didn’t trade Contreras and lost him to a division rival for a measly draft pick after the 2nd round. That hasn’t happened with Hendricks YET.
And it not only helped the Cubs but stuck him with the Cardinals. Best Win-Win in Baseball this year. making your comment completely wrong.
Hendricks is underrated. can help any rotation.
who’s Contreras?
And if somebody offered me one of those compensation picks this year for Hendricks right now I’m taking it.
How did it help the Cubs???? They didn’t make the playoffs last year even with keeping Contreras.
The catcher the Cubs should have traded after the 2019 season.
The Cubs won’t even get a draft pick for Hendricks because if they’re declining his club option they certainly aren’t extending him a QO (which is for more $ than the club option).
oh I thought u meant Jose Contreras
Especially since Hendricks doesn’t have a team option for next year as the 2024 option was a vesting option that won’t vest since he didn’t finish top 3 in CY Young award voting in 2020
You can trade Compensation picks. You can’t trade your regular draft picks. So if somebody came to the Cubs right now and offered one of them for Hendricks he can be traded.. They’d be completely stupid to offer him a QO because they could just pick up his option and it would cost less. Where do you guys get this stuff?
You can trade competitive balance picks. And yes, if someone offers one of those for Hendricks the Cubs should take it. Then bring Hendricks back as FA in the offseason if they want.
1/16 for Hendricks isn’t bad at all. I don’t know that he is a sure fire rental. Obviously some teams wouldn’t pay that for a single year but the Cubs did the same with Bellinger this year. He’s a steady productive starter that’s pitching well.
They figure to lose Stroman and might prefer to keep him around.
They can’t let either of Stroman or Hendricks reach free agency as Cubs this offseason.
Why not? They hold the cards on Hendricks. Stroman holds the cards on the Cubs. Let it play out and see what happens.But I still want to see the kids pitching after the break. Wesneski, Asad, Brown, Killian. Mostly Brown. Killian has only made like 3 emergency starts and I’m not giving up on him yet. He just needs a longer leash. He had excellent control when he got here and it went away and now he’s better than he was. Smyly not looking good, Maybe deal him for something. Unless someone makes a killer offer for Stroman or Hendricks, let it play out. An offer you can’t refuse.
Depends on if they are willing to exercise that club option. If not then they hold no Cards on Hendricks.
If it gets to that, I’d walk away. Future over past. If they’re not willing to pick it up then they should deal him now and put the option on the other team. If they’re willing to pick it up keep him, But I think it would be a mistake.
Padres trade Grisham and low level prospect for Bellinger and then extend Bellinger to a 5/$87.5 mm deal.
Yeah I’m sure the Cubs would view Grisham as a highly-attractive trade piece.
Bellinger is a 2 month rental at the deadline. The Cubs are not getting much for him. IF the Cubs are admitting their season is over and trading Bellinger and Stroman, then anything they get that costs less and has more control is a win for them.
With his defense Grisham has a 1.3 WAR even though he has a 94 OPS+ and is under team control 2 more seasons through the 2025 season with a $3 .18 million salary this season.
Compare that to Bellinger’s 1.5 WAR with a 114 OPS+ and 2 months of control.
If you look at 2021-2023 the disparity in performance is even greater. Grisham 7.2 WAR vs 1.0 WAR for Bellinger.
I was being generous in saying both Grisham and a prospect.
While I want Bellinger, not 100% that the Padres would make the trade at all unless they thought they could extend Bellinger.
Stroman and Bellinger are valuable players. Who wants Grisham?
1.5 WAR vs 1.3 this season. Not a lot of difference.
HUGE difference in Grisham’s favor since 2021. 7.2 WAR to 1.0.
So who is more valuable?
If Grisham is so good why would you want to trade him for Bellinger?
I said I want him. Not that the Padres want him. Personally, I would like to see him on the Padres.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to sign Bellinger as a FA in the offseason and keep Grisham (or trade him for prospects)? I have to believe Grisham’s defense and extra 2 years of club control are worth more than any marginal cash savings they might get on Bellinger by trading for him now.
The Cubs trading for Grisham would be stupid. They need him like they need Patrick Wisdom. Not at all.
Bellinger and the spread is 2.0 fWAR to .7 fWAR. Grisham is increasingly expensive in arb, isn’t a prospect, and is basically maxed out as a player. He K’s too much and doesn’t have great bat to ball skills. . Belly is a huge upgrade.
You are looking at fWAR which uses an defensive metric that is based on zones, not on actual positioning of the player. For that reason its useless for measuring total performance of position players.
So like I said, its 1.5 to 1.3 WAR
If you want to look at 2021 to 2023 Bellinger is a huge downgrade. I don’t think the Padres will make that trade because Bellinger has been so bad the last 2 seasons, but I still want to see him on the Padres.
You’re going to be really disappointed then. Because the Cubs want to keep Bellinger for at least 1 more year until PCA can take over at his sell by date next year, whenever that falls. That’s just Jed’s way. So they’ll keep him for this year and try to resign him for 1 more. And he’s been very good this year. Not 2019 but more than good
Can still sign Bellinger if they trade him. Cubs have done this in the past (Jason Hammel) and been on the other side of it as well (Aroldis Chapman).
If the Cubs wanted to keep Bellinger, don’t you think they would have made him an extension offer already or at least talked to him about an extension? That they have said there have been no extension talks points clearly to them moving in another direction if Bellinger doesn’t accept his end of the mutual option for $12.5 million in 2024. .
If he continues to play like he has so far this season, Bellinger is opting out. He is just 27 so he is going to be asking for a long term deal, 5 plus years, at a similar or greater AAV to what he is being paid this season. Hence my comment about a 5/$87.5 mm extension from the Padres. That is not Hoyer’s way.
The question isn’t if Bellinger will be playing on a new team in 2024. Its what other team will he be playing for in 2024? Its not going to be the Cubs unless Hoyer steps up in the next 3 weeks and extends him. Far more likely the Cubs trade him and Stroman. That is the Hoyer way.
Jed’s not offering up extensions during the season. He’s going to let the year play out and see what happens. Bellinger and Stroman will opt out. The Cubs have no big reason to do anything until they see what other teams want to offer. The Cubs really have no reason to deal these guys for more prospects because the farm system is pretty well stacked. There are a couple of small holes but nothing that needs urgent attention. If you want to make Jed a silly offer then he might take it. If you want Bellinger and or Stroman next year and want to pay them silly money like Houston did for Abreu have a ball. Jed will just find another short term placeholder until PCA is ready. The Cubs have enough guys staked up to find a replacement for Stroman no big deal.
As I said, its not the Hoyer Way.
Bellinger and Stroman both opt out. Both are playing elsewhere next season.
Remember, Stroman has already received a QO before, so if he walks at season’s end the Cubs get squat.
Cubs system is far from stacked. They have 3 top 100 prospects and 5 in the top 200. They rank in the middle of the pack, 12-16th depending on who you read.
That you think any prospect is a sure thing is cute. Crow-Armstrong is a good prospect and he still has a 1 in 5 shot at becoming even a MLB average player.
Stroman is a top 15 starter in MLB since the start of the 2021 season. Top 10 this season. You don’t find replacements for that. At least not for less money. Look at the guys above him on the list. fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&… The Cubs would have to empty their farm system to trade for anyone better.
Either you don’t pay attention or are just stuck like a record player on a scratch. The Cubs aren’t going to overpay for these 2 guys. The Cubs are ranked From 5-10 in Farm depth and you’re spinning it otherwise just makes you look silly. If Armstrong was the only guy they had who can play CF then you might actually have a point but you obviously know nothing about the Cubs Farm system so keep dreaming your dream, But I wouldn’t hold out hope that the Pads will touch either one.
You do what you want. But I’m not trading a 2.5 WAR guy with 2 extra years of control after this one just to *maybe* make it slightly easier to sign some other guy.
That’s fair. Like I said, I don’t think the PADRES will trade for Bellinger. I want Bellinger.
I wouldn’t hate it if they went after him, no.
In the case of Lucas Giolito, I see a lot of similarities with Luis Castillo last year. While Giolito isn’t quite the same quality as Castillo, it is still a reasonable comp.
Castillo netted 4 prospects…2 of which are currently the Reds’ top 2 prospects
I don’t expect Giolito to get that same capitol, but with this competitive market, he may come close.
Castillo wasnt a rental
Bellinger seems an almost painfully obvious fit for the Yankees
I’ve got my own little minor league watch list of guys to be traded. Think Oswald Peraza, Kyle Manzardo, Joe Aranda, Heston Kjerstad, CES, Ryan Bliss and, not in the minors but kind of minor leaguers, Jose Miranda, Eduoard Julien and Jo Adell are some prospect types I could see moving
The Angels would be better off trading Moniak over Adell. Two reasons, one he would have higher appeal than Adell in the trade market. Even though Adell seems to be better suited to get a fresh start. For whatever reason, there were a large amount of Angels wanting him gone, before he ever reached the majors. Moniak to me, is a poor man’s Joey Gallo. He will hit impressive homers. But doesn’t walk enough, can’t hit lefties, and is striking out at a 34% clip this season. Which is why I would rather keep Adell. The Angels need to add at least one starter. A late inning reliever. And a first baseman. Preferably a first baseman who can actually get hits with runners on base. Huge weakness for the Angels this season. Getting timely hits, with runners on base. Renfroe could probably get flipped, possibly the team up the 5. Who are desperate for anything right now. What the Angels do or don’t do, will hinge on their 9 game home stand, after the All Star break
Giolito -> LAD (local player)
Justin Turner / Matt Duffy or Duvall-> SFG (why not)
Bellinger and/or Wisdom->NYY or LAA
Lynn -> LAD
O’Neill or Duvall- > ARZ
Eduardo Rodriguez(Senzel DET)-> CIN
Beg your pardon, the Dbacks have a stacked up outfield, but please put us down for a closer and a starter, before Saturday please and thank you!
Hicks and Montgomery. What would you give up for those guys? I suggested Alek Thomas the other day to someone and they acted like he wasn’t available and worth a bunch.
Flaherty and Stratton for Fletcher. I would do that for sure. If you want Montgomery and Hicks it would cost more I think Thomas and something else would be fair.
Cardinals are open for business. You need a solid number 2 or 3 lefty starter we got that. Need some relievers? Change of scenery candidate outfielder? Shortstop? Utility guy who can play all over?
The Cardinals will be looking for staring pitching with upside, pen help from the left side and a center fielder who hits from the left side.
If anyone has any ideas happy to listen.
Thank you for not listing Paul Goldschmidt. He’s going nowhere and saying he is shows how dumb some folks are
I think Goldschmidt should be dealt. Walker is a 1b that’s where he’s going to be playing once Goldschmidt is gone. And we could use the 26 million next year on a guy like Aaron Nola. But he has a NTC. And I don’t think the team wants to trade him there is a long list of players that need to be dealt first. So no I don’t think he’s dealt.
“Walker is a 1B.”
Walker has never played first base.
He’s a 1b. Trust me.
Playing first base isn’t that hard, tell ’em Wash.
It is generally the easiest position to play, but you can’t just move anyone there, especially someone who’s below average at their old position *cough Matt Holliday *cough*.
It actually shows how dumb the Cards are, and how their refusal to retool will hurt them for the foreseeable future. Trading a 35+ 1B who only has 2 seasons of control (and 1 of those seasons is already a lost cause) makes all the sense in the world. I get it. He’s good and a fan favorite, but the Cardinals have no rotation. They stink. He’s their most valuable trade asset. Keeping him is a waste.
Von I got a hunch you are a Cubs fan.
The refusal to retool is why the Cardinals haven’t had a losing record since 2007. So no that wasn’t a mistake.
The organization wants Goldschmidt to go into the HOF as a Cardinal. That’s the big reason he won’t be dealt. Plus he’s making 26 million a year I don’t think he has a ton of trade value. Again I would deal him for the right price but what is that exactly?
The Cardinals have plenty of other players to trade besides Goldschmidt. It’s not like there is a talent shortage on the Cardinals.
I didn’t blame the front office fella.
I’m not a Cubs fan at all. I’m a Phillies fan, so I have no horse in this race. The Phillies don’t really have a fit for Goldy, so he won’t be going that way even if the Cards wise up and trade him. The Cardinals aren’t going to get a solid return for trading their rentals. They need almost a full rotation. They have 1B options. Goldy will net them a great return. It makes too much sense.
Von Hayes is a former Phillie. VPH is not a Cubs fan.
His name should give you a hint of what team he cheers for. Reading his posts on this site would give you another. Its not the Cubs.
What’s more important, maximizing the long-term utility from the contract or how warm and fuzzy Goldschmidt makes Cardinals fans feel? If he make the HOF it probably will be as a Cardinal even if they do trade him.
Except there is a talent shortage in St. Louis. That’s why they are 15 games below .500. Goldschmidt should absolutely be traded for the reasons already listed. Looks at Pujols, Miggy, and Abreu’s numbers age 36 and beyond. Big fall off. Extending him would he a huge mistake, so they should trade him for whatever they can get. Guys like Nootbaar, Donovan, Edman, Carlson are all essentially the same league average hitter with a above average defense. The Cardinals have no problem turning guys like that out. You can win with one or two of those guys, but not a whole team of them. The Cardinals need better players, a lot of them. At the major league level and they need to restock the non existent farm system. everyone in the organization should be available for the right return. The problem is Mozaliak shouldn’t be the one deciding what the right return is.
Goldschmidt is a 10+ year/5 year veteran and must approve of any trade
“The refusal to retool is why the Cardinals haven’t had a losing record since 2007. So no that wasn’t a mistake.”
To be honest, in recent times, the weak NL Central helped with that. Now with balanced schedules the Cardinals weak roster is being exposed. They sit 15 games below .500 with a horrible roster that won’t get better unless they make a lot of moves. Their winning record streak is impressive, but it’s over, and unless they want to continue to lose for the next 3 seasons, they should be selling veterans, not extending them.
The roster isn’t that weak I dont know what you guys are talking about. And saying the farm system is poor again you don’t know what you are talking about.
Bad management and bad roster decisions have cost the team a lot of games in 2023. Bad players isn’t really the problem.
“Bad players isn’t really the problem.” They’re 15 under .500. This isn’t the players fault?
@TheMan 3 No he’s not. Was traded to STL in the 2018-19 offseason. That’s 4 and a half years ago.
How can there be bad roster decisions but the roster be full of talent? Those statements contradict themselves. The Cardinals pump out a bunch of 4A players, which is why they win at AAA but can’t translate to the bigs. Nootbaar, Donovan, Carlson and Edmon at literally all the same play. A league average at best bat that can play above average defense. That’s not winning talent that mediocrity at best. You can win with one or two of those guys, but not with those guys as the majority of your roster.
the farm system is beyond pathetic, they only have two players in the top 100 rankings, the highest being at 45 and the other at 64 who is going to end up being a back end reliever. AAA and AA are almost completely full of positions players 25 years or older. Those guys aren’t major league talent either. Just more CarlEdDonoBaars. You can’t just listen to what local radio guys are told by the Cardinals to tell you. You have to to actually do some research and analysis on your own. Look beyond the surface numbers and look at the underlying metrics that are used to compete them.
Yes, you’ll probably now reference those idiotic trade evaluators and silly baseball savant percentile dashboards. And I will tell you trade evaluators are as accurate as MLB the Show Trades, and percentile metrics have no meaning unless the distribution curves and histograms are displayed with them because percentiles do not follow the normal distribution curve. there is no ceiling or floor to the amount of observations that can be included in any specific percentile, meaning 75% of the players could be in the exact same percentile as the player you are looking at.
If it was a team filled with good players they would not be on pace for 90+ losses. That is the reality of the situation.
With the graduation of Walker, beyond Winn, Hence, and Graceffo there is no one in the Cardinals system of note. Not one that is graded above a 50. 50 is considered to have a ceiling of a MLB average player.
The future is not bright in St Louis unless they make some big trades. That would start with Goldy.
The offense is spectacular, and most of the defense is very good. Only the pitching is the problem, which can be overhauled in a single offseason so that the Cardinals will at least contend again next year. They actually have too many good position players, who will be good currency to obtain pitching over the offseason. However, there is no one they could acquire now or then who could possibly outplay Goldschmidt at 1B next year.
The farm system may not be spectacular, but it IS ranked above average, including Grafecco and Hence to help with the pitching as early as next year.
Offense is 12th in runs scored. Above average, good even, but not spectacular.
The Cards need to replace nearly their entire starting pitching rotation. That cannot be done in a single offseason. That doesn’t even account for their pen which is awful.
2 of the guys they need to replace in their rotation are under contract for 2 more seasons.
Its going to be a long road back to winning for the Cards.
Goldschmidt has to want to leave. You can blame the Cards’ front office all you want, but it’s all up to him.
Goldy will leave for a shot with a legitimate contender. He’s not young.
There is no evidence whatsoever Goldschmidt wants to leave.
Don’t the Phillies need a 1b???? I don’t think they have prospects that they can or want to trade but they seem like a decent fit if Goldschmidt was to be traded.
I don’t think he wants to be dealt unless it’s back to Arizona. Which might make sense if their 1b wasn’t playing so well.
I didn’t say he wanted to leave. I said he probably would for a shot at a contender. The Phillies plan is to move Harper to 1B after the All Star Break. Their bigger need is LF IMO.
Von;
I wrote a year ago that Harper should be moved to 1B.
He’s an intense player that needs to be in on every pitch, not
walking around in the OF between pitches waiting for the
pitcher to throw the ball. He’s the team leader and should be
at the mound in meetings at critical points in the game.
Cardinals have a left fielder available. 2 time gold glove winner. And having lived in Philly for a bit and knowing the area I bet he would fit in really well there.
His name is Tyler ONeill.
Tyler O’Neill is hitting .228 with a 70 OPS+. No one wants him.
ONeill was top 10 in MVP votes in 2021. He’s been treated like garbage by the organization. Whoever ends up with him is going to get a talented motivated player. Wait and see.
Its 2023. He was bad in 2022 also. Add to that the fact that he is on the 60 day IL and no one wants him.
He wasn’t bad in 2022 that’s false.
He’s eligible to come off the 60 day IL right now. He’s rehabbing in AAA He’s had 2 games there already He’s not playing today for whatever reason.
He didn’t simply forget how to play baseball. He has had some injury problems for sure. But he’s a good player when healthy.
He was below league average on offense and put up a 1.3 WAR. He was also injured. Yes he was bad in 2022.
2021 was a career year that he had never approached before and won’t after. No one wants him.
You don’t know what you are talking about. ONeill didn’t get a fair shot until 2021 that’s why it took him so long. And he’s had injuries since then.
He’s like Bader. If he’s healthy he’s good.
Ok fanboy. Whatever you say.
There is a reason no one is talking about trading for him and none of these trade target lists have him on them. It’s not because he is a great player.
Wait and see. He will do well once he’s out of St Louis. Wait and see.
@Pads Fans are you ever going to use your BaseballisLife account again?
He won’t leave St Louis until after the 2024 season unless he is DFA’d or non-tendered. Being non-tendered is a serious possibility since he is set to earn more than $5 million in arbitration for 2024.
…And the Cardinals WILL be a legitimate contender again as early as next year.
They ARE retooling, but they are NOT rebuilding. Retooling means they expect to contend next year and still need Goldschmidt to do so.
Should trade him but yeah probably won’t.
There’s nothing here that stands out as a player that would come
in and turn a contenders fortunes around. Am sure some of them
will be traded, and a few will have a positive impact – but it seems far-fetched that a contending team would trade some of their better prospects for any of these guys.
With the exception of Ohtani none of the 2023-24 FA’s jump out either. Some such as Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Aaron Nola, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rhys Hoskins, and few others will get a lot of off-season pub, but with the number of years and amount of money their agents wll ask for there will be a lot of José Abreu’s, Carlos Correa’s, Andrew Benintendi’s, Jacob deGrom’s, Justin Verlander’s, and Max Scherzer’s – older guys many of which have injury concerns along with some younger players that are inconsistent but their agents will be looking for 5 years-plus.
Moral of the story – MLB teams have been very good the past couple of years locking up the players on their ML rosters that they value. With the exception of the crazy owners that think they can buy a pennant and will attempt to build a contender by overspending for FA’s, it seems most teams will look for players they can get at reasonable salaries and years, else they’ll go with what they have internally.
Raley is not just a situational lefty, he’s faced as many right-handed hitters this year as left. With that being the case, the extra $5 million to keep hi rather than buy him out is really not overpriced.
Moreover, the Mets pen is full of holes, more holes than they can fill in one off-season. So it would be foolish of them to trade off one of the very few reliable bullpen pieces they have.
Tigers should be taking calls on Lorenzen, Erod, Cisnero, Shreve and only if it is an over the top offer on Lange or Foley. Get some young players on offence.
Tigers are still in the hunt for the Central title and they are just starting to get back some of their great, young pitching. They should be adding for a run at the playoffs.
Gotta give to get. They will have some extra arms they can trade to get bats. Bats is what they need desperately.
Just took a look at their roster. Ouch. They are hitting worse than the Padres did the first 3 months. I didn’t realize the situation on offense was so dire there.
Seeing Lange and Foley as trade candidates is disappointing. The bullpen has been the Tigers strength, and they both have 4+years of control. The only reason to move them is that they are Avila signings, and not Harris guys. That shouldn’t be the reason to move them. Diminishing strengths is not a great way to build a contender.
It would be nice if they kept both Lange and Foley and did something creative with Erod and spare bullpen parts to get someone to help the offence out. Subtract from a strength to address a weakness. One good young bat could help keep things interesting this year and beyond. It’ll be interesting to see what they do and who they can get.
They have E-Rod, Lorenzen, Cisnero, Shreve, Ibanez, and McKinstry as tradeable parts. Package them if needed. Ibanez and McKinstry have played decently, but were waiver acquisitions. They are not the future, even though they have control remaining. Best to trade them lest they turn back into what they were. They are not anything different than the Castro’s, so Harris will likely cut them in the off season anyway.
Newman will join Senzel as Reds trade candidates. In fact, I expect them to continue to subtract rather than add, along with the usual excuses which a lot of folks here seem to eat up.
Dude Senzel and Newman aren’t worth squat. You might actually be better off just trading them and letting the young guys play.
Reading is a skill. No one said they were going to get anything of consequence.
They didn’t get anything for Pham and several others the last few years either, but they dealt them anyway.
Reds are in 1st place this year. Don’t you think they might want to aim a little higher????
I don’t understand some of you guys. Nobody seems to care about winning anymore it’s all about prospects and cost savings.
I hear you on that, but everytime I bring that up especially with the state of the pitching, I hear a bunch of baloney from the peanut gallery.
I’m more predicting what I expect more than what I want them to do.
Nothin for Pham but let’s not mention the hull they got from other trades…. Ie for Tyler Mahle they got – Steer, CES & Steven Hajjar (whom they flipped for Will Benson)….
Again, reading is a skill.
No one mentioned other trades. There is no Mahle or Castillo to trade this deadline so it will only be a minor deal, if only. They made out well for Mahle. But I still maintain that no one they got for Castillo they really needed or helps the team more than he would have, but go ahead and drink the kool aid. When has this front office shown they will add anything but propects?
Senzel is not the phenom everyone wanted him to be but he’s a nice piece for any first place team… can play anywhere and hits lefties well. Why trade away that versatility? You won’t get anything of value from a trade. You’re better off just using him for what he is.
Thinking too small also: it’s not just a rental. One of the big market clubs would trade for him with the idea of signing him to a long term deal.
But even short term, yeah the games best starter and hitter right now is worth way more than mid level prospects. Even just for half of a season….which is the second half. Including the playoffs. Some might say the most important part of the season
Lol they’re not subtracting…. Senzel & Newman actually fill a perfect utility roll for this team & mash left handed pitching, which is a great asset…. Both are under control for another year…. If they make move it will be from there very deep farm system for pitching
Are there no Brewers on the list because they’re “in contention” or because anyone they’d consider trading has no value?
I’m really curious to see what the Giants, and Farhan Zaidi decide to do this trade deadline…
Call up old pal Scott Harris and work a deal for Erod. Joey Bart might pair nicely with Jake Rogers, but it would cost you more than Bart with how far he’s fallen.
Motor City—Bart is hitting in AAA again and he’s a good defensive catcher with a strong arm, I’m not saying he’s worth a ton but don’t sleep on Zaidi pulling a magic trick if he trades him. Bart also might stay.
Crazy Bednar didn’t make the list. He might be top 15 get, if not higher (pending other available BP arms).
Top 5 or even #1 if he was probably going to be traded. Odds are low of another team offering enough. 4 playoff runs of a all star closer in his prime is mighty expensive price to pay in prospects.
That can still happen. Pirates traded Joel Hanrahan for Mark Melancon (butchered his last name) from the Red Sox. So it does happen and Pirates got Stormy and Jerry Sands as well in that trade. Only Mark was successful while the others never did anything at the MLB level.
If memory is correct, Adonis Chapman was traded by the Reds to the Yankees. There have been other closers dealt over the years. Bednar can be traded this year and may help get some pieces to boost the major league club and a fairly good farm system. I would hate to see him go because he is the only reliable arm in the pen. If he is traded, I would not bother watching another game or look at standings and stats. It’s gotten bad last 2 and half months, but losing Bednar is begging to finish in last place again.
Chapman Melancon to nats were 2 month rentals. Bednar is in prime with 3 years after this. His problem is having too much value. Great trade chip just isn’t sure thing or likely to be traded. If rumors come out he will move towards top of list.
in addition Bednar is a local guy and like Cutch a fan favorite
The stadium plays the song “ Renegade “ every time he comes in from the bullpen to take the mound
I don’t care what the media is saying– if the Angels finish the first half below .500 and go 1-5 against the Astros and Yankees in their first two series after the break they will have no choice but to unload Ohtani and the rest of the gang that includes Renfro, Drury, Moore, Ward, Devenski, Regnifo, Fletcher and possibly starters. They will keep Adell and build around him, Moniak, Neto, O’Hoppe and Detmers. The Angels can net at least 10 quality prospects and rebuild their system that will be augmented in Sunday ‘s draft with an impact player at #11.
For what little they would get for two months of Ohtani, they might as well hang onto him and get the attendance boost.
So you think the Angels getting three excellent prospects– and that’s what it would be, with at least one of them being a near major league ready blue chip prospect doesn’t make sense, just so Ohtani can make maybe six more starts at home? There’s only 12 weeks left to the season. Tickets have already been bought and sold. What will it do to attendance next year with no Ohtani and no replacements? The idea of not getting anything for Ohtani is beyond stupid– it’s destroying the franchise’s viability.
They will not get three excellent prospects for a short term rental. They will be lucky to get one and one or two maybes. The large markets who deal for these guys and give a good return want them in year five so they have them for two seasons.
Your perspective is bizarre. They can’t get two premium prospects and a good one for the greatest player in the game that is the equivalent of adding an ace and the games best hitter? Ohtani can be the difference maker winning a championship. If you don’t think there’s a single team willing to pay that freight I don’t know what to tell you? What does adding Ohtani do for Baltimore? Tampa? The Yankees? The Dodgers? The Padres? Houston? The Rangers? None of these teams will step up? The Angels can’t get what the Nationals got for Soto, and they would have gotten more a season ago, but two premium prospects is very reasonable. Teams give up top prospects all the time at the deadline for much less of a return and impact. This guy makes any rotation elite and brings massive offense and clutch hitting immediately– he can put a good team over the top. What does he do for the Yankees when Judge comes back? Teams will line up with offers– you’re very wrong.
For Adell’s sake, I hope he gets an offer from another team.
carllafong;
1. The Angels are not trading Ohtani. They would never live that down.
2 “…unload….Renfro, Drury, Moore, Ward, Devenski, Regnifo, Fletcher and possibly starters”
LOL
The other day some kid wanted the White Sox to dump 7-8 players at the deadline as well.
When has that ever happened? What teams are going to trade for all those players in the middle of the season? What would the Angels get back in trade? Why would other teams want all those players (most of the candidates in the above story are not attractive to other FO’s)? Most importantly – what do the Angels tell their season ticket holders and corporate / business ticket holders that spent tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and some very possibly millions of dollars on suites, etc. – only to find that most of the team is gone by the trading deadline…..with 1/3’rd of the season left?
This site has MLB confused with Rotisserie League – writers and posters. It’s gotten ridiculous.
Samuel, you’re not too bright. The team has lost seven of its nine starters on top of the pitching and Urshella. Ohtani is leaving in three months. And you say, no problem– let’s get nothing? How is it logical? Live what down? You think he’s going to re-sign with a team that has not managed to play .500 baseball in any one of the seasons he’s been with the Angels? So, why wouldn’t you trade him? How are you saving face? If he wanted to stay he would have already approached the team to do so. Are you telling me that no one would want Estevez in their bullpen? No one wants Drury? Renfro? No one wants Moore or Devenski? Taylor Ward has no trade value? They all are very marketable. Moore, Renfro and Devenski are all free agents in three months– again we get nothing when they leave. There are takers for all of these players. The most important being all of the players on expiring contracts. They can move the others in the off season or keep them, but a team in need of left fielder would love to add Ward. I’m not sure how much longer you think a 32-year old Trout will want to hang around after Ohtani and the other free agents leave– and with nothing added to our immediate prospect pool?
carllafong, you’re not too bright -you also are a scumbag to misrepresent what I wrote as: ” And you say, no problem– let’s get nothing?”
1. There’s a big problem.
2. The Angels will not trade Ohtani. Period. They’ve said so. Their fans won’t put up with it. They’ll never live it down.
3. “Drury? Renfro? Moore or Devenski? Taylor Ward?
“There are takers for all of these players.”
W H E R E ?
What exactly do you think you’re getting back for them? Renfro, Moore, and Devenski are FA’s at the end of the season. Drury is good for 1-1/2 years – can’t play defense for crap, is an inconsistent hitter, and is due $8.5m in 2024. Ward can’t seem to hit for more then a month before he slumps again.
You want a bunch of so-so prospects from the lower minors – fine. Like other kids on here you think that somewhere out there other teams want all your so-so players. They have their own so-so payers. Since you’re so bright – how about telling us what teams are interested in those players and what they’ll offer back. See – to sell something you have to have a buyer. Tell us who the buyers are.
Meanwhile fans will not renew in 2024. You have no idea what the ramifications are if the Angles stiff their fans like this. They’ve bought tickets in advance to see games in 2023, and they’ll be getting back minor leaguers. As it is, when Ohtani leaves the excitement over the Angels in the area will abate. You want to add to it by doing a fire sale to get low level minor league prospects in 2023?
–
You want to sell? Try it this offseason with Trout. He’s due $35.4m a year through 2030. He can’t stay healthy for an entre season. His production has consistently been going down. Not sure who would take that contract on. He’s not as bad as Yelich as a player, but Yelich is due $26m a year till 2030…..and the Brewers have no takers there.
The Angels are due for a teardown / rebuild starting in 2024. If they don’t do one they’ll be guaranteed to continue to finish out of the playoffs for years to come. Short of a few of their pitchers that teams would be interested in, I don’t know who on that team would be attractive to other teams in trade. They’ll have to do it in the draft and by making some savvy acquisitions for out-of-favor players that their coaching staff brings along. They’ve showed no signs of being able to do that.
45-44. We are already past the halfway point.
There is no way the Angels unload Ohtani. Its PR suicide and they lose 10+ percent of their attendance. Not going to happen.
Lose 10% of their attendance? Losing and finishing below .500 yet again is going make them lose attendance. Their attendance is always good and usually third in baseball behind the Dodgers and Yankees. The season ends in three months, and then what? Bad PR? I don’t know an Angel fan not asking to get something for Ohtani. If he wanted re-sign why wouldn’t they already be talking about it?He’s not coming back. So, putting our heads in the sand as we wish upon a star is moronic. Getting nothing makes no sense and damages this franchise dramatically? How does getting nothing set us up for next year?
@carlia
You give up on this year too easily. Few players this close to free agency sign before testing the market. He hasn’t closed the door on the Angels, and this idea that any one but Ohtani knows what Ohtani is looking for is pure speculation, not fact. This is the closest the Angels have been to making the playoffs. There were better times to strip it down and start over. This is the time to go all in.
Ohtani is the biggest draw in baseball. At least 10% of the fans come ONLY to see him. Also, Moreno gets a bonus from Anaheim for every fan over 2 million that comes through the turnstiles. Its why he is less interested in winning as in putting huge draws like Ohtani and Trout and earlier Pujols on the field.
Are you serious? They have 7 of 9 starters out. They are missing bullpen pieces. Trout is going to be out at least six weeks with 12 weeks left. Ohtani most likely can’t pitch for two weeks. I’m panicking? No, it is what it is. We even have subs out. This club hasn’t been at .500 for 9 seasons now and you think I am overreacting? Okay. Keep everyone. Don’t trade Ohtani. And when he’s gone with the other free agents you’ll explain what the plan is? Do we buy? Astros and Rangers will. So if we buy we eliminate the few trade chips we have for what? And how do we move forward next season? And if Ohtani wants to stay why aren’t they negotiating? Why haven’t they signed something?
OMG… this is insane. So your answer is keep him so we can get 10% more people out to the stadium. Does that offset the 40% of the people that won’t show up because the team will be losing 2 out of 3?
Trading Ohtani will net the Angels little. 2, maybe 3 suspects.
The Dodgers are missing an entire pitching staff and they are still expected to be buyers at the deadline.
Trout will be out 4-6 weeks. That means when he returns in mid-August there will be 6 weeks left. That is a lot of baseball.
Ohtani is not on the IL. He will miss ONE start. One
The team IS over .500 RIGHT NOW.
The Angels are 3.5 games out of the playoffs with 73 games to play. They picked up two solid players to fill in infield spots.
Rendon is not going on the IL.
Neto is expected back immediately after the ASB.
Matt Moore is expected back any day now.
Drury is expected back July 14th
O’Hoppe has begun baseball activities and is ahead of schedule with a possible return date of late-August.
Relievers are the easiest thing to pick up in trades.
The teams standing between the Angels and a playoff spot are the Yankees and the Blue Jays. The Angels play both and those two play each other quite a bit in the 2nd half.
That you are giving up now is unfathomable. Teams have made up far more ground and done it with less MLB quality talent.
IF Ohtani is gone next season, and that is still an IF, the Angels pivot and go after another big name position player like Moreno always does.
YOU are the only one that thinks Moreno’s end game is winning. Its not. Its having big name players that draw fans to the ballpark to see them. That is it. That is all. He said prior to Pujols final season that it was the most profitable signing he had ever made. Do you know why? People came to the park to see even a washed up Pujols. They bought his jersey in record numbers.
Replacing or resigning Renfroe and Urshela, and adding a DH will be Minasian’s biggest tasks if he loses Ohtani.
If Ohtani resigns, replacing or resigning Renfroe and Urshela will still be his biggest tasks.
And all those injuries you talked about will be healed up in 2024.
Ohtani and his agent have said multiple times coming into the season that he wanted to just play and see what happens. Do you want to insult your star player by not honoring his wishes? Do you know how many extensions of superstar players happen in July? Can you name even one? Just one?
Relax. There are 3 weeks until the deadline. The Angels are 3.5 games back in the WC race. See what happens. If you get into the final week and the Angels have fallen 8.5 games back of the WC, then maybe you try to sell. Even then its a maybe.
The Angels do not have the depth of the Dodger organization. Trout will be out longer than 4 weeks. it will be a minimum of 6. And he needs to regain his timing. You think four weeks of Trout get us past the Astros, Yankees and Seattle? Sober up. Ohtani said he wanted to wait and see what happens– right. Look what happened? We are two games away from being below .500 at the break and we come out of the break playing Houston and Yankees. Want to bet how that will go? Ohtani was waiting to see if things were different– are they? If he wanted to stay he would have made that happen already. You are a fan who can’t face reality. You’re worried about insulting our star? Our star is going bye bye. We are about lose our ace and best hitter for NOTHING. And you say it’s okay, chill out. How do we get past this if he leaves? You wanna bet Trout asks to be traded if this season continues to tank and Ohtani leaves? They are already one starter short. Now take Ohtani out and they need to get two in free agency. They need to also replace his bat– that’s three big contracts. You’ll have to replace Renfro and the others who will be free agents. How are they going to do all this?
2024 Lineup IF Ohtani leaves in FA –
As of Today
1B – Escobar, 2B – Drury, SS – Neto, 3B – Rendon, LF – Ward, CF – Trout, RF – Moniak platoon, C – O’Hoppe, DH – Adell
Bench
Velasquez, Rengifo, Thaiss, Walsh
So 2 or 3 positions to fill. Not insurmountable and plenty of guys on the market to fill 1 IF, 1 OF, and the DH spot.
Rotation
Detmers, Sandoval, Anderson, Canning, Barria, Silseth, Suarez
Bullpen
Estevez, Loup, Webb, Bachman, Soriano, Davidson, Joyce, Rodriguez,
Rotation is not ideal, but its not terrible either. Can pick up a solid veteran back of the rotation innings eater on the short term deals that are all Moreno allows his GMs to sign pitchers to and the last three on that list become bullpen pieces or minor league depth.
The pen is solid and depth pieces for the pen are easy to come by.
That is not a BAD team. Its not a 100 game winner, but its not a 100 game loser either. All is not lost.
But this season would be lost in Moreno’s eyes if Ohtani was traded away. Moreno is the only one that counts when it comes to trading him. Not you. Not me. Not even Minasian. Just Moreno.
Fong, people will still show up to see Ohtani. THAT is the point. Even when the Angels were consistently bad they drew around 3 million.
People that could care less about the Angels winning or losing will show up just to say they saw the unicorn Ohtani play live.
From 2015 to 2019 the Angels had no legitimate shot at a playoff spot and they were 5th to 7th in attendance in MLB. People showed up to see Trout and Pujols and Simmons AND Ohtani starting in 2018.
@carlia
Keep in mind, the last time Trout was out for an extended time, they played better without him. He was also having a better year, then.
By the time Mike Trout is 50, the Angels should be all set to contend.
As a Mets fan I would trade all of the Mets that were mentioned except Pham, but I would add Marte to it, and I would trade for Barlow, J. Hicks and McCormick for next year if this year is done already even thou they’re starting to do good.
Why would you not trade Pham? He’s great this year. His value is high, but realistically he doesn’t have the track record to maintain that. He’s a FA at the end of the year. Mets playoff chances are slim. He’s the absolute perfect trade candidate.
I’d love for the Marlins to grab up Marte. But I’d only do it as potential bad contract for bad contract deal of Marte for Avi Garcia – with minor balancing in low level prospects or money exchange.
It’s probably because of their player options, but I think Wacha and Lugo should be in the others to watch section for the Padres. The options complicate trades for them, but I think the most likely outcome is these guys are opting out.
If they fall even further out of contention both of these guys are pitching well enough to be FA after this year so might as well try to move them. Lugo has a $7.5M player option but he’s shown that he’s a viable SP. Wacha has like 3 years of player options at $6M but he’s been dealing and could do way better on the open market.
Snell, Hader, Martinez, Lugo and Garcia should all be traded if anyone wants them. Also Wacha if the Padres don’t want to pick up their option on him.
Any value in trading Kim once they’re out of contention? Would cause a riot in SD but be the first step in solving the problem at 1B with Cronenworth (i.e., they never should have signed Bogaerts, but they did)
I don’t see how trading Kim solves the 1B problem nor do I agree the Pads have a 1B problem to begin with. While I bristle at any huge contract (like Bogaerts), he is a plus for the team. Not only is his heart and soul in the team, he immediately cultivated a working relationship with Kim. They’re a team within the team.
@ nosake. Bogaerts is fine. But his signing pushed Cron to 1B, where he ranks 22 of 24 qualifying 1Bmen in terms of SLG.%. and 24th of 25 in HRs. He’s a good 2Bman who’s out of position. As much as I like Kim, it would be relatively easy find a 1B to improve on Cronenworth offensively (moving him back to 2B where he was an AS) while perhaps benefitting the team the team through trade (of Kim). Cronenworth isn’t going anywhere, he’s on a long-term contract. My question is does Kim have value? His contract runs out end of 2024
Has an extra year and is popular in San Diego so they might prefer to just keep him but I been saying ever since they signed Xander that one of Kim or Crone is gonna have to go.
Why would the first place reds trade Senzel? Wouldn’t they want to keep him for all of the same reasons listed here as to why he is a valued player?
The theory is that the Reds need pitching…..like every other team considering the way MLB plays baseball today. All teams are short starters and most of their bullpen guys will be worn out even before the stretch run – let alone pitch in the extended payoffs.
What this means is that anyone that has a decent pitcher to offer in trades will have multiple suiters that will gladly overpay.
I believe Senzel is a quality veteran player that will help a team at 3B and possibly 2B, and he’s not making a lot of money. On the other hand, any team actually offering an established pitcher that’s having a decent 2023 and isn’t on his way to being burned out can do better than Mr. Senzel.
I think I agree on your overall assessment. Reds are desperate for arms. I just think his value is higher now with the team than what they would actually get for him. Nice game he had today as a side note. Played 3 positions, game saving catch and winning HR.
Need pitching but don’t sell the farm to find it. I know it won’t happen but bring back Bauer and see if he can pitch again. I don’t care about his off the field stuff. Much worse has been overlooked in pro sports and he served his suspension.
I really think Fujinami can be a low-key addition for any pitching-minded team. I have a hard time believing he’s 9.00 ERA-bad with his stuff. Do I think he’s prime Koji Uehara? Absolutely not. But do I believe the Oakland A’s are getting the most out of him? Hell to the no!
Where are my Brewers. I am just overwhelmed at all of our overpaid underproducing hitters! Common ladies and gentlemen, I want you to pick up a lot of them!
Nice of MLBTR to lay off of Bryan Reynolds this year
As for the Pirates? Hill? Sure. Hedges is a good defensive catcher but is a such a poor hitter. What would they get for him?
And no Santana on the list?
@cornwhisperer he signed an extension. of course they aren’t saying he will be traded anymore.
Corn- They mentioned Santana with Hill.
Ji Man is hitting well in AAA so he should be an adequate replacement.
I think that they should keep Hill because they have three starters right now and Priester will make a fourth.They will not get anything for him anyway.
If they trade Hill I never pitched so you may have to get warmed up.
Choi is injury prone so trading Santana without having an adequate first baseman when Choi gets injured again would set this team even further back
I’d rather dump Castro and hitting coach Andy Haines
Shelton’s lineup makes every opposing pitcher look like the reincarnation of Roger Clemens
It’s not a coincidence that they strike out on average of 10 times per game
And before someone suggests Ks don’t matter, strikeouts don’t generate runs
Number 2 should be like 20. WAR would say that Marcus Semien is a superstar, so that shouldn’t be used for ranking value. The other top rankings make sense, though.
Bieber should be the top pitcher. If I were a team with a good rotation already, looking to continue winning and could slot him into a 3-4 … that would be sweet because he’s young controllable with a good track record.
Buying on old rentals seems like a waste when most of the time (not always) it works out for the team getting some good prospects for another teams failed playoff run.
Bieber is 28 like giolito but has a way better track record, could be an ace and is extension worthy.
I think teams are concerned about his drop in velocity. Despite that, he’s done pretty well this year. I would think the Reds especially would be interested. I would also think a number of pitching coaches around the league would like to take a crack at helping him regain his velo.
You forgot AJ Hinch.
I like Foley. 2.17 ERA with a 2.17 FIP to match. 60% GB rate. Extreme GB pitcher.
Foley would not come cheap with his performance and control. They got Justyn Henry Malloy for Jimenez so do the math there. It’ll cost anybody who wants him.
It would really be ashame if the cubs traded Hendricks. They need to keep him. They need to keep Stroman as well.
Tickets will sell no matter what in chicago, seats will fill no matter what.
Keeping those players is a mistake, stroman specifically.
Hendricks actually has value off the field and doesn’t have off the field baggage.
Pretty weak group of trade candidates.
Pass.
Why would Cubs and or Reds sell? Brewers are weak offensively and pitching is pretty shaky. Woodruff may not come back this season. He will definitely be on a pitch count if he returns.
Pretty weak division. Brewers can not move Burnes most likely. He has been hit around this season.
Kyle Hendricks has been “efficient”? A sub 3 era while going deep into games is more than “efficient”, he’s been outstanding!
No way the Cubs pick up his 16.5 million dollar option seriously has to be the stupidest take I’ve heard by a writer on this platform. It’s a 16.5 million option and a 1.5 million opt out for a guy who’s currently sporting an era under 3 and pitched the vast majority of his career with an era well under 4. The Cubs would pick up his option in a heartbeat as would any team that would trade for him.
These statements show complete bias for velocity and strike outs over the craft of pitching.
First, I’m very thrilled that, so far, this is a year that no Marlins need to be on this list. I hope that continues (unless someone wants Avi Garcia for their bad contract).
As for the Marlins, I’d love for them to check into Bellinger with the thought being to bring Jazz back from the IL as a SS. If not Bellinger, then perhaps either DeJong, Justin Turner or even Profar for the left side of the infield.
I’d definitely like the Marlins to check in on Jordan Hicks as well as another bullpen piece.
Reynaldo Lopez started the year HORRIBLY, but has been great since mid-May, with .143 BAA, 2.18 ERA and a WHIP just over 1 in >20 IP. Teams will know that and may give a little more for him. Same is true in the opposite for Joe Kelly, who’s been horrible for 1.5 months.
Gregory Santos is another BP arm for the Sox who throws 100 and gets people out, so he’s most likely an option.
Guardians fans wondering why Ahmed Rosario is not on this list.
Ya, he should have been in the “Others to Watch” section. We aren’t going to get much for him, unfortunately. We got Konner Pilkington for Cesar Hernandez a few years back and I would think Rosario would be worth about the same, unless we get lucky. There are teams that are desperate for infielders, though, so who knows?
If I were Orioles’s Elias I wouldn’t consider it, but there’s gotta be some GMs out there inquiring about Urias. Doesn’t seem to get rattled in pressure spots. Like Mateo, he’s an odd man out?
The extra playoff spots really make it difficult to tell which teams are going to be sellers. For some it will probably go down until the last min to decide.
Oh. And the Guardians are done without Shane Bieber. They’re probably done anyway but if they trade him it needs to be for prospects and just prospects.
Trading Santana Hill Hedges and Choi would be great. A
None of them are going to bring much back much of anything of note. Especially Choi, doubt there would be much in the way of people interested but maybe someone will take a shot.
Santana has been decent, Hill has been okay, Hedges has been pretty good defensively Choi hasn’t played.
IMO: all around they have players to replace them, probably with similar if not better performance overall in terms of things like fWAR. Nunez, Andujar, Endy, Davis, Quinn…
I really want to see Andujar get a month of or so of consistent plate appearances. His past success was too good to not give it a go. If not with the Pirates, somewhere. Of course, the injuries and scouting might be saying something different, i just have not seen him enough when i do catch a AAA game, I have not been paying attention to him,
Newman of the Reds will be dealt. Reds need to open up infield playing time for CES, which should be an upgrade over Newman in terms of OPS. I’d be more surprised to see Senzel go since he is cheap, mashes lefties, and plays outfield. But who knows! I could also see both go for a pitcher of some sort or just to eat Newman’s contract
Buying out DeJong’s option would be a waste. If he isn’t traded at the deadline, the Cardinals will probably pick up his option and then move him in an offseason trade.
Great list, but how is Goldschmidt not there?