The Rays made a somewhat unconventional trade Wednesday, shipping right-hander Aaron Civale to the Brewers in exchange for infield prospect Gregory Barrios. Tampa Bay had the luxury of moving a current member of its rotation despite the fact that the team is still in the Wild Card race and still harbors postseason aspirations. That's due primarily to the organizational depth in the rotation, which was thin earlier in the season but is deepening as the year wears on and as injured arms like Shane Baz, Jeffrey Springs and (eventually) Drew Rasmussen reenter the fold. Baz will step into the Rays' rotation in Civale's place this Friday.
Most teams don't have that type of cushion. Starting pitching is always at a premium, and starters -- particularly those with multiple years of club control remaining -- tend to be the most coveted asset at nearly every MLB trade deadline.
And yet, the Rays aren't the only club that's poised to operate in this capacity over the next 27 days. There are a handful of teams who could walk the line of dealing from the big league roster -- specifically the rotation -- despite hoping to find themselves playing a prominent role in October baseball. Let's take a look at some possibilities.
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Cobb is not really taking longer than expected for a hip surgery: his hip was ahead of schedule and then he ran into some shoulder soreness, which is what affected his timetable. If he looks good when he debuts, he will have value to suitors
No team that does this will make it past the Wild Card
The Rangers might be buyers or sellers but no matter what they should have a starter or 2 to trade.
Would love to see Sherzer finally sporting the brown and gold.
It’s time, Max!
Bochy and CY can put a good word in for the Pads.
Join the Dark Side. You’ve been a Dosger, it’s time to try San Diego.
If the Phillies could find a taker for Taijuan Walker, I think they absolutely should try to fill a position of need. With all the SP injuries this year, somebody would take him. Was thinking Walker (with a prospect like Griff McGarry) to the Orioles for Austin Hays. Or try to acquire another not great contract in return like George Springer.
If there’s any Guardian fans out there: Do you think if the Phillies offered to take Myles Straw (making 7mill in AAA next 3 yrs) would you consider selling high on Emmanuel Clase? His contract jumps up next year significantly. How about Taijuan, Darrick Hall, Mick Abel, George Klassen for Clase & Straw? Could see DD doing something big to acquire a dominant closer & RH bat.
Would love to see Taijuan taking the bump at OPACY, unfortunately knowing the MO of the Birds FO, that contract would be a deal breaker (18 mil/yr for a couple more years … oof).
IMO the speculation of Cleveland moving Clase last winter was bogus. I see no situation in which he is traded, esp in what would amount to a salary dump, if packaged with Straw.
Cleveland is enjoying an attendance boost, piggy backing on an attendance boost last year. This, along with the new minority owner, has alleviated much of the financial crunch it was under.
Plus, the Guardians look like a legitimate contender, unlike last season, when they were fringe contenders.
Last season, in spite of being in a virtual tie for the ALC division, they were sellers in what were salary dumps. It did not go well in the clubhouse, and team officials were forced to fly to Denver to alleviate some veteran concerns. They won’t do it again.
The Rangers need to deal and ads. They need some offense for sure!
Quintana for Barlow straight up? Intriguing. Could work for both teams
The Mets paid for and dumped Chris Flexen so they could acquire Trevor Gott for the pen last season, when they were 8 games under .500…
I get that it’s a different Front Office, but it’s the same owner and same goal: get better without losing key prospects.
If the Mets do go the Trade Quintana route, they may be willing to pay both Quintana’s salary and the salary of whatever reliever(s) they are taking back (or someone else expensive).
A team looking to shed salary could go that route with the Mets to acquire Quintana, and then turn around and trade a paid-for Quintana for some prospects.