We’ve seen some early free agent action, but with the exception of the recent deal between Milwaukee and San Diego, the trade market has been quiet to this point of the offseason. It’s an opportune time to canvass rosters around the game to find the most intriguing possible candidates to be swapped. The methodology, if you can call it that, is pretty straightforward. We’re ordering players based upon a combination of trade value and trade likelihood. In part due to the wide-open nature of the winter market, as opposed to the trade deadline, we’ll rank a relatively smaller number of players and then provide a list of some (but not all!) other notable possibilities.
In terms of trade value, we’re starting with overall on-field value — with a premium on an ability to make an impact in the current season — and then adjusting for contract and market factors. With contenders’ needs in relatively sharp focus, limitations such as future contract status, age, and niche role (platoon bats, relief-only pitchers) tend to have less of a drag on value — though obviously they still matter quite a bit.
With regard to trade likelihood, the focus is on potential selling teams’ motivation to deal, with contract status, near and long-term roster fit, and overall competitiveness all weighing heavily. Some teams simply aren’t presently in a position where it makes sense to include their top potential trade chips, but that will evolve over the coming weeks.
It’s subjective; it’s debatable; and that’s what makes it fun. Here’s our list:
1. Ken Giles, RP, Blue Jays: High-end rental relievers can hold quite a bit of appeal on the trade market. Though he has had some hiccups over the years, Giles was lights-out last year in Toronto and remains youthful and fairly affordable ($8.4MM projected). While the Jays are hoping to begin making some winning strides, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be better off overall if they keep Giles for half of his final season of control before striking a deal.
2. Starling Marte, OF, Pirates: Connect the dots: Lots of teams would love to add a quality veteran center fielder. There aren’t many available in free agency. The Pirates are coming off of a calamitous 2019 season and have lost some of their highest-upside players. Marte is still quite good and has two reasonably affordable seasons of control remaining. New GM Ben Cherington has quite a few tough decisions to make, but aggressively shopping Marte — and completing the best-available deal, unless there’s a surprising paucity of trade interest — seems like a fairly straightforward proposition.
3. Omar Narvaez, C, Mariners: Narvaez’s glovework isn’t well regarded, but he’s been one of baseball’s better-hitting catchers for the past two seasons (and was a low-power OBP machine even before that). Few catchers can match his offensive skill set, and despite the shaky defensive skills, that bat carries value. The “reimagining” Mariners, however, are reportedly not only listening to offers on Narvaez but somewhat motivated to move him. He’s controlled another three seasons, but with Tom Murphy controlled longer and prospect Cal Raleigh looming in the upper minors, ever-active GM Jerry Dipoto is apparently intent on capitalizing on that team control.
4. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF, Red Sox: Again, the demand up the middle is key here. Couple that with the Boston org’s preference to duck below the luxury line, and Bradley’s $11MM projected salary seems likely to end up on someone else’s books. He has a three-year run of below-average hitting and isn’t laden with value as a rental piece at that price tag, but he’d check some key boxes for quite a few teams.
5. Kirby Yates, RP, Padres: Yates was arguably baseball’s best reliever in 2019. He’s cheaper than Giles at a projected $6.5MM. But it seems a bit easier to imagine the San Diego organization deciding to hold onto him given that club’s mandate to begin winning now. It’s possible Yates will be held in hopes of helping to spur a big season, with the backstop of a mid-summer trade. Or he could be an extension target. There’s lots of value here, but the likelihood of a deal is tough to pin down.
6. Matthew Boyd, SP, Tigers: Many teams will be intrigued by Boyd’s strikeout-capable arm, despite his late struggles. And the Detroit organization should be motivated to sell. The club has held out for a big return to this point, and understandably so. But perhaps it’ll give a little if trade partners do the same. And with some big dollar signs floating around for the top pitchers on the open market, Boyd’s lower-cost profile suddenly starts to look pretty appealing. Even if he can’t tap into the ceiling he showed glimpses of in 2019, Boyd is a quality, durable hurler with good value to a contending team.
7. Robbie Ray, SP, Diamondbacks: It’s much the same situation as with Yates … man, it would sure hurt to trade a player like this in a season in which you wish to contend. But these NL West clubs are surely realistic about the odds of catching the Dodgers as the rosters are currently arrayed. So they have to contemplate swaps that boost the long-term outlook, even if it means something less than a full-throated attempt at winning right now. The Snakes have quite a few pitching possibilities to step in if they find a deal they like on the talented southpaw, though surely the club will not be overly anxious to get a deal done if the offers aren’t really significant.
8-9. Dominic Smith, 1B, Mets & Clint Frazier, OF, Yankees: Here we have a couple of recent top prospects entering their age-25 seasons after hitting well against MLB pitching in 1/3-season samples. Neither really fits on their current New York roster. (CHALLENGE TRADE?!?!) There’s no room at first base for the Mets owing to the presence of Peter Alonso. Throwing Smith in the outfield is sub-optimal since he’s not a good defender and the team already has two quality, left-handed-hitting options in Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. Over in the Bronx, Frazier doesn’t seem like the most compelling fit with two big righty hitting corner outfield bats (Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton) and a variety of other righty swinging possibilities for DH duties. It’s easier to see Frazier as part of the mix if the Yanks instead trade Gio Urshela or Miguel Andujar.
10. Chris Archer, SP, Pirates: We don’t need to revisit the full Archer backstory, but suffice to say he’s a guy who has shown real ability but struggled increasingly to get the job done. It would hurt to sell low on Archer given the exceedingly painful acquisition cost, but the new front office regime has to look forward. There’s certainly an argument for holding him in hopes that a strong first half will boost the trade value, but it may also be a situation where the Bucs decide to get what they can when they can. Plenty of teams would jump at the chance to employ Archer for $9MM — just think what that gets you in free agency — particularly with a $11MM club option (which comes with a cheap $250K buyout) providing additional upside. Archer’s strikeout rate jumped once he finally ditched the two-seamer the Pirates wanted him to throw, and his velocity is still well above average, although he remained susceptible to the long ball.
11. Dylan Bundy, SP, Orioles: There’s evidently some momentum towards a deal, so the likelihood of a swap seems relatively high in this case. Bundy has not reached the ceiling that some once believed he’d possess and the results haven’t been there of late. But he still knows how to get strikeouts and has actually been rather durable of late. Bundy’s projected $5.7MM arb tab isn’t a bargain, but is also quite manageable. It’s important that he’s controllable for another campaign. The O’s will be looking to deal with a team that needs a back-end starter and has some ideas for getting Bundy locked in.
12. Blake Treinen, RP, Athletics: Arguably the best reliever in the game in 2018, Treinen lost his grip on the closer’s role in Oakland this past season and may have pitched himself out of the organization. Treinen’s projected $7.8MM salary is a rather substantial dice roll for the perennially low-payroll Athletics to take. The velocity on the 31-year-old’s overpowering sinker dropped by a bit more than a mile per hour, and he saw his strikeout, walk, home-run and ground-ball rates all go in the wrong direction. That said, Treinen still whiffed more than a batter per inning with a respectable 12.5 percent swinging-strike rate and a ridiculous 37.9 percent opponents’ chase rate. A reliever with this type of upside at a projected $7.8MM price point is a gamble that clubs with deeper pockets should be happy to take. It’s possible to imagine a non-tender, but a trade feels likelier.
13. Keone Kela, RP, Pirates: Kela was part of a problematic clubhouse situation that can’t continue. He’s an affordable ($3.4MM projected) rental reliever who seems to have some upside. Teams may want a discount to account for Kela’s less-than-stellar reputation, but the Bucs may prefer to give it so that they can clear some salary, get a fresh start, and pick up some prospects.
14. Josh Bell, 1B, Pirates: It’s much the same here, except that the Bucs probably have greater reason to consider hanging onto Bell. For one thing, he’s only 27 years of age and is in his first season of arbitration eligibility ($5.9MM projection), so it’s possible to imagine him starring on a winning Pittsburgh club. For another, his monster early showing in 2019 ended in a somewhat tepid manner, so there’s an argument for allowing Bell some more time to boost his trade value. And then there’s the value of keeping a popular player around to boost fan interest and maintain some hope. (You might even squint and see an extension possibility, but good luck getting Scott Boras to bite.) But it’s actually rather a good time to be shopping a first baseman, all things considered. The Bucs can’t rule out a move if the right offer comes along.
15-16. Mychal Givens, RP, Orioles & Joe Jimenez, RP, Tigers: Have you looked recently at the state of the relief market? It isn’t exactly laden with guys that can generate a dozen strikeouts per nine. Givens and Jimenez each have that kind of swing-and-miss prowess. They each also coughed up nearly two dingers per nine innings — making them the most-2019 relievers in baseball? — and ended the year with substandard earned run averages. You can be sure there are multiple contending teams thinking about how to keep the Ks and reduce the long balls if they’re able to land one of these pitchers. Givens is more established, less youthful (29 vs 24), and costlier ($3.2MM arb projection vs pre-arb) than is Jimenez.
17. Corey Kluber, SP, Indians: The 33-year-old was highly effective in 2018 and struggled before a season-ending injury in 2019. Fortunately, the forearm fracture was a freak occurrence rather than a usage-based injury. But the outlook is unclear. His $17.5MM salary and remaining $18MM club option could be absolute bargains, or Kluber may be a shell of his former self. Another organization may be better situated to take on this risk/reward profile.
18. Nomar Mazara, OF, Rangers: Texas has a glut of left-handed-hitting outfield options with Mazara, Willie Calhoun, Joey Gallo and Shin-Soo Choo, though the latter is more of a DH candidate than an outfielder. Mazara only has two seasons of club control remaining, but he’s a 24-year-old former top prospect with some power who could pique the interest of other clubs. For teams who don’t want to pay a premium for the market’s top free agents, Mazara could be a reasonably priced alternative with yet-untapped upside.
19. Caleb Smith, SP, Marlins: Perhaps the Fish intend to hang onto their remaining young rotation pieces after swapping out Zac Gallen over the summer. But that deal also proved the Miami organization is willing to trade from its stock of controllable arms in some scenarios. Smith’s 2019 season had some parallels with that of the aforementioned Boyd, in that he showed intriguing strikeout ability but also succumbed to the long ball and faded down the stretch. Smith is also still a season away from arbitration eligibility, so there’s no rush to move him. (Fellow hurler Sandy Alcantara is a service class behind and even younger, so he seems less likely to be dealt.) But that could also make this an optimal time to swap Smith out for bigger value. The opportunity to generate bidding might increase if the aforementioned southpaws on this list end up staying put.
20-22. Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox; Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, Cubs; Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians: What do you do when you’re a contending team with multiple remaining seasons of control over one of the best young players in baseball? Trade him, of course! That’s what many pundits would have us believe is actually possible, anyway. It’s somewhat easier to imagine in the case of Betts, since he’s so expensive ($27.7MM projection) and just one year from the open market. Then again, the Boston organization has some of the deepest pockets in the game and shouldn’t rule out a return to glory in 2020. It’d be awfully tough to justify moving Mookie unless new chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom pulls off a real stunner. Viewed another way, Lindor seems likeliest to go. Prior extension talks have failed and he’s already spendy ($16.7MM) for the low-budget Indians. But doesn’t that organization simply need to try to capitalize on the still-open window while it has such a young star (among others)? As for Bryant … well, I’ll admit I don’t quite understand why his name has circulated the rumor mill. There are two years to go before free agency and he’s expensive ($18.5MM projected) but not onerous for the North Siders. It’s not likely he’ll ink an extension, but … shouldn’t they just cross that bridge when they come to it? The whole premise of the rebuild was to find players just like this and ride them to multiple World Series rings. There’s time yet to make good on that.
23. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs: Cubs ownership didn’t give Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer much latitude to spend last winter, and while that may not be the case this season, there’s also plenty of talk about some large-scale changes after another disheartening finish and a playoff miss. Contreras doesn’t rate as a quality defender behind the plate and is projected to earn a $4.5MM salary in 2020. If the Cubs feel that the defensive upgrade from Contreras to Victor Caratini is enough to offset the likely discrepancy between their offensive performances, there’s reason to look to move Contreras. Doing so would also be a means of acquiring young, controllable pitching — something the organization lacks — while freeing up some cash to perhaps add a bargain reliever or starter late in the winter.
24. Ian Kennedy, RP, Royals: The contract that the K.C. org gave Kennedy just hasn’t worked out as hoped. But there’s a chance to salvage something: a good portion of the $16.5MM still owed and perhaps some young talent to boot. The Braves took on Mark Melancon’s $14MM annual salary over the summer. Kennedy was just as impressive in 2019, when he threw 63 1/3 innings of 3.41 ERA ball with 10.4 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9. And that came despite the fact that opposing hitters managed a .343 BABIP and produced a .291 wOBA that outstripped their .277 xwOBA. In other words, he may actually have been a bit unlucky. Kennedy’s stuff played way up in a relief role, as he pumped 95 mph heat and exhibited similar velo increases with his other offerings.
25. Charlie Blackmon, OF, Rockies: This may just be a pet theory, but it seems that shipping out Blackmon represents the cleanest, most-achievable, least-painful way for the Rockies to relieve their payroll crunch. The 33-year-old has been a strong performer at the plate for four-straight seasons now and is fresh off of a .314/.364/.576 campaign. Everyone else with a big salary in Colorado is either a star still in his twenties or a veteran who has underperformed his contract. Blackmon’s deal includes $21MM salaries in each of the next two seasons, followed by successive player options (at $21MM and then at a floating price based upon plate appearances). It’s a big commitment. And Blackmon’s declining athleticism — he was once a 75th-percentile runner and is now in the bottom half of baseball in sprint speed — and messy defensive grades provide some cause for concern. But much like Zack Greinke, who was moved for significant young talent by the division-rival D-Backs, the contract could hold real appeal to teams surveying a rather tepid outfield market.
Others To Consider
Premium targets: Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox; Mike Clevinger, SP, Indians; Jon Gray, SP, Rockies; Trevor Story, SS, Rockies; Brad Hand, RP, Indians; Mitch Haniger, OF, Mariners; Trey Mancini, 1B/OF, Orioles; J.D. Martinez, DH/OF, Red Sox; Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Red Sox; Kyle Schwarber, OF, Cubs; Marcus Semien, SS, Athletics
High-end targets whose GMs have declared unavailable: Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has plainly stated (on multiple occasions) that he has no intention of trading Noah Syndergaard, and Royals GM Dayton Moore recently reiterated that the club has made an “advance decision” not to trade second baseman/outfielder Whit Merrifield (video link). Both players will probably hear their names surface on the rumor mill all the same, but it’s notable to have seen such definitive, public declarations.
Younger veterans with multi-year control: Johan Camargo, INF, Braves; J.D. Davis, INF/OF, Mets; Niko Goodrum, INF/OF, Tigers; Austin Hedges, C, Padres; Maikel Franco, 3B, Phillies; Ender Inciarte, OF, Braves; Manuel Margot, OF, Padres; Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres; Addison Russell, INF, Cubs; Albert Almora Jr., OF, Cubs; Domingo Santana, OF/DH, Mariners; Mallex Smith, OF, Mariners; Michael A. Taylor, OF, Nationals; Jose Urena, SP/RP, Marlins
Rental targets: Cesar Hernandez, 2B, Phillies; Jake Marisnick, OF, Astros; James McCann, C, White Sox; Joc Pederson, OF, Dodgers; Kevin Pillar, CF, Giants; Jurickson Profar, 2B, Athletics; Josh Reddick, OF, Astros; Jeff Samardzija, SP, Giants; Carlos Santana, 1B, Indians
Veterans on expensive, multi-year contracts: Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants; Matt Carpenter, 3B/1B, Cardinals; Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants; Wade Davis, RP, Rockies; Ian Desmond, OF/IF, Rockies; Dexter Fowler, OF, Cardinals; Dee Gordon, 2B, Mariners; Evan Longoria, 3B, Giants; Jake McGee, RP, Rockies; Bryan Shaw, RP, Rockies; Wil Myers, OF, Padres; David Price, SP, Red Sox
Lol Addison Russell.
Addy!
Addison Russell is going to the White Sox for Luis Robert,Michael Kopech and Tim Anderson who would be flipped for 2 pitching prospects or Cash considerations
I hope you were drunk or high of weed when you posted this nonsense or just mocking most Cubs’ fans trade proposals on here!
I was joking yes.
I’d also like to point out that Adam Frazier is a potential name to go under the section younger veterans with control left. The Pirates need to clear out a middle infield spot, and Frazier is overall a pretty OK batter. He isn’t going to be smacking 30 home runs and have a .900 OPS, but a .277 batter with a .760 OPS and can pretty much play wherever you need him to is pretty valuable.
I am not sure I want to see the Pirates give up Frazier. Sure Newman and Tucker can duo the middle. But Tucker was dreadful for that little bit of time we saw him in the majors. And sure you have Kramer and Gonzalez as well. But I rather them hold onto Frazier and move Gonzalez (hard sell with injury season) and/or Tucker (if a trade that included Archer). Keeping Frazier, Newman, and Kramer, still gives depth to the big league club. Oneil Cruz started in rookie ball and finished in Double A this season. That is really unheard of anymore. He could start in Double A and move up if Kramer moves to the major league club. So there is depth behind Kramer if Gonzalez and Tucker are moved.
Bell should be in strong consideration to be traded. I think his value is going to be as high as it can ever get after this last season. I don’t see any more upside to him. Downside is depth at 1B is Will Craig and nothing beyond that. Jose Osuna played majority of his time at the position in the minors. He could potentially fill the void in a pinch. Beyond that, crickets.
Marte should be considered to be moved because teams are seriously looking for CF/OF this year. It would be the best year to move him because the bidding war would be high. I think they can get a catcher and some pitching from Marte. The guy has a few gold gloves in LF and should be moved back to that position. His offense is fairly good considering his age. Mets, Padres, and Twins would my logical place for him to be traded too.
Kela should be held onto for another year. Hopefully increase his value and show the league he is better than what was shown last year. Plus bullpen is very weak right now. Some will be coming back after Tommy John surgery next year to help the bullpen, but probably won’t see MLB time until July or August. Pitching in the pen and rotation will be critical going into next season. It’s probably the weakest spot on the team (other than 3B).
Trade Archer (may have to trade a controllable player like Tucker, Newman, Martin, or Kramer) to free up some cash (Nutting loves freeing up money) and get possibly pitching for the future. Beyond Keller, Pirates have nothing that can step into the rotation if a injury or something happens. Archer with a controllable player, can get the job done.
Listen to offers (but don’t need to trade yet) to Polanco, Pablo Reyes, Kyle Crick, and Chris Stratton. Crick and Polanco could land a prospect a piece. But I would only listen to offers to these 4 unless something blew the front office away and the trade is worthwhile. Polanco has been injured the last 2 years and a hard sell, but could get a prospect in a organizations #20-30 ranked (as it stands now). It would be worth to hold onto Polanco and see if he can redeem himself while creating value. Crick has more value to him right now. Crick can easily be 7/8th inning guy you can count on before the closer comes in. If Crick can figure out a few things, he could be a closer. It’s a tough sell, but if he can keep the ball in the park and increase his ground ball rate, he’d do well in the 9th.
Anyways, this is what I think the Pirates should consider and do/don’t. It should be a rebuild year and clean up the mess Huntington did the last 4 years. Moran, Archer, and Gonzalez should be ones to be out of Pittsburgh for starters. Rather it’s a trade or release, they need to go. I am ok with Joe Musgrove and Micheal Feliz remaining in Pittsburgh for now. Quite frankly, the Pirates can’t afford to lose too many pitching pieces due to the lack of talent beyond them. Again, Pirates need to clean up and rebuild for at least a 2022 run. 2021 isn’t even imaginable because of all the “holes” in depth and on the current roster. Order of issue in must need order is 1.SP 2.3B(without blocking Hayes way to the majors) 3. OF (mostly LF and CF. Plenty of options for RF) 4. Catchers (no depth) 5.RP (lower because there is internal pitching that can be in the pen next year).
Unless I would get a really, really good offer on Bell, I’d wait until the deadline. I feel some teams will want a bit of a “prove it” season out out him. After all, he did have some slumps in the second half he didnt have in the first half.
Man, just write a book.
Didnt read one word. Too long.
[DOWNVOTE]
All you do on this app is read and you guys are complaining about having to read… Ask yourselves who’s really wrong here.
Clepto is generally a downvoter.
Correct. The quality of comments on here is deteriorating. Themed, ForestCobraAL, Cards81, CFAP all terrible. Mo4Ever is a comment self liker. There are other gems. Lately, a few of people churn written diarhea as if they are spinning gold.
i didnt read that because its almost as long as most articles here. There is a reason there are character limits.
The general rule for comments (and im guilty for longer than that many times) is if it longer than your finger it most likely will be ignored.
You are cuz your out numbered
Nice post!
I’d consider trading Frazier just looking at what we have available and how long it will be before we contend again. I guess it depends on the return and how much upside we feel he still has.
I agree on everything else. Nothing should be off limits though.
“Frazier, Newman, and Kramer” sounds like the ’90’s NBC lineup… As for a Marte trade with the Mets involving pitching, I think it could be a straight-up 2-for-2 trade – Nimmo and Matz for Marte and Archer.
When I mentioned Archer, my son said “Hell no!!!” We saw him give up ten runs at Citi Field. If he can regain his control, I think he’d be a great add, but I understand my son’s sentiment.
I think Nimmo’s a near-lock in the Mets lineup at this point.
You. Cannot. Be. Serious. You expect people to read all of that? Real life group conversations must be REAL fun with you.
Rougned Odor should be on this list. Bad contract and Rangers would be thrilled to give 2B full time to Danny Santana or Nick Solak.
He’s not on the list because nobody wants him.
I’m pretty sure Wil Myers’ market isn’t exactly booming right now either, but he’s on the list anyways. I could see Odor there too.
I’ve thrown around an Odor-Eovaldi swap as making a good deal of sense for both sides(more before the Kyle Gibson signing)
It gives the Red Sox at least a warm body at 2B while saving $9M against the cap. Rangers get an interesting righty flamethrower with the kind of upside they could use for only a modest net cost. Lynn, Minor, Gibson, and Eovaldi form a better basis for a rotation than many contenders have.
I mean it isn’t sexy, but it fits needs of both teams.
It gives the Red Sox at least a warm body at 2B while saving $9M against the cap.
——————————————
Chavis is our warm body at 2nd.
Then who is the warm body at 1B?
1B which better suites a platooned Chavis IMO. I’d prefer a Justin Smoak or Eric Thames type….but those don’t save the Red Sox money, rather cost them it.
I’d gamble on a Moreland/Dalbec platoon.
I wonder what the cost would be for Kluber at this point. I would like to see the Braves put together a package for him.
I agree with the Bryant sentiment. I’m not sure why the Cubs would give up one of the their top performers when he has two years of control left. It’s not like the Cubs lack funds
Bryant is good but not great as the Cubs advertised him. Bryant needs to be in a line up with good hitters protecting him like he had in 2015 and 2016 with Dexter Fowler batting in front of him. Bryant’s numbers have not been the same since the Cubs have not addressed a legit lead off hitter for the last three years. Plus, Bryant already rejected an extension with the Cubs and he is the only player the Cubs can move to reload their farm system with two to three prospects.
They call AA the ninja for a reason. I am really expecting a blockbuster between the Braves & Cubs. I see Bryant at 3B for the Braves next year.
Something along the lines of Bryant & Happ for Inciarte, Wright & Wilson
The Cubs don’t need to pay more for a CFer who can’t hit. They’ve already got that guy in Almora for way less.
Whoever calls AA “the ninja” probably took a 100 mph fastball to the dome.
I call him “strangely hyped up GM who hasn’t won a damn thing to qualify for some dorky nickname that means nothing, as he’s won nothing.”
What him winning or lack there of has anything to do with the nickname is beyond me. I thought it had more to do with the element of surprise on his moves. But I could be wrong.
That package is quite lite. I personally would hold onto Bryant. But, if I did trade him. I think the package would be closer to Riley, Pache or Waters, and 2 of Touki, Anderson, and Wright. And, that’s just for Bryant. So, looking at it from my stance and yours. A trade would probably be somewhere in the middle. But, like I said, I doubt the Cubs trade Bryant. Especially, to a team that they’re looking to compete with. The Braves might be better off trying to pry Contreras away.
Lol no
Anyone who puts up a .282/.382/.521 slash line is certifiably an elite hitter. Bryant is an elite player who is entering his age 28 season aka, will most likely put up massive numbers. No idea why you think he’s not good as weird predictions random people online gave you. I’m sorry but you are wrong.
If anyone thinks Bryant’s success was due to Dexter Fowler hitting in front of him….I don’t know what else to say.
Just look at Bryant’s numbers in 2016 when Fowler batted in front of him in comparison to these last three seasons. Plus, Bryant hit almost half of his home runs off the Reds that year, whom had one of the worse pitching staffs of all time.
Come on. You can’t even drop your homer White Sox bias to make a reasonable comment? The guy has been an All Star and an MVP and you wanna make it sound like a fluke? Get real.
Maybe only 1 year… makes a difference
The Pirates have 4 of the top 25 available trade targets. I think trade capital may be what value Ben Cherington saw when he stated he sees the resources to build a contender. It is going to be interesting what options arise for him on the trade market. In addition to the lack of better options several teams in contention in need for OFer are in the same division which I hope increases Martes trade value and Ben can bring in some key pieces for the rebuild.
I’d also like to see them dangle Adam Frazier. I like the guy, but we need to clear out a middle infield spot so we can have both Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker up the middle. Plus, while I don’t think he will fetch a top 10 prospect or anything, they might be able to get back a guy in the 75-100 range, or a few fringe 100 guys.
I agree they need to clear out someone, so why not Frazier while he has value. They have Reyes, Osuna, E Gon & Diaz already on the bench and need to make room for Hayes. Frazier will probably bring back a AA fielder just outside the Top 100 + a A or AA pitcher inside a teams top 30.. The Angels could use Frazier and may part with 2 prospects. from this group 1B/OF/LHP Jared Walsh, OF Brandon Marsh, RHP Robinson Pina, LHP Hector Yan & LHP Patrick Sandoval any 2 from the group would fit the Pirates needs..
I’d be ok with a Brandon Marsh and Jared Walsh package. Definitley would be interesting speaking that Walsh is a two way player, and could give the Bucs some needed roster flexibility.
I like that package but I think it would probably be only one of them coming back w/ a pitcher. I can see Walsh & Sandoval or Marsh and Yan or Pina. being more feasible. I would be interesting to see how Cherington would use Walsh if he was acquired in a trade.
Maybe the Pirates take on Cozart’s contract too in the trade to get back a better piece in the trade. He only has one year of control left, so it’s not going to greatly hurt the Pirates. And it gives them a right handed platoon over at third for Moran.
I don’t know, who would be added to the trade from there farm to make it worth taking a contract for a bench spot at 12.6 mil? I know Adell is untouchable but that may make Marsh plus Sandoval Walsh and Pina available. That would be the Angels #2, #9, #22 & #27 prospects in their top 30.
Walsh would fit right in on the Pirates next season as a 4th OFer/1B option off the bench.. I can see a scenario where he replaces the pitcher to bat in the 7th and stays in to pitch the 8th. I wonder if he was already in the OF would he be restricted to the new pitching rule the next inning or could they use him as a lefty specialist and only have him face one batter.
I don’t care about the money or what you give up to get them. But the Rockies NEED PITCHING!! They need to get a bunch of starters and some relievers. They should NOT trade Trevor Story. Personally, I think that the Rox need to trade Brendan Rodgers. He has shown that he cannot perform on a major league stage, and they should trade him while he still has value.
Yep, all 81 of those plate appearances and 25 games played in the MLB means Brendan Rodgers is a bust.
It doesn’t mean he is a bust, but it doesn’t mean he is going to be half as god as Trevor Story either. The Rox locked up Arenado and Blackmon with the intention to compete. Just because you had a bad year doesn’t mean you should just forget your entire plan. Lots of injuries, the entire starting rotation was injured at the same time for example, means you are not going to be as good as expected. They are still the same basic team that made the playoffs two years in a row.
I have no problem keeping Rodgers in the second base mix with the intention of him taking over for Story in another year or two. I have no problem trading Rodgers right now while he still has his huge prospect value. But installing him as the starting shortstop on a team wanting to contend is just dumb.
If Rodgers has a good start to 2020 and the record is disappointing again, THEN you trade Story. If Rodgers has a good start in 2020 and the Rox are in contention, then you keep Story and you are more comfortable trading him in the 2020 offseason because Rodgers is more proven. If Rodgers had a bad start in 2020, then you can season him in the minors while deciding his fate and Story can still maintain SS and McMahon/Hampson/someone else mans 2B. .
Trading Story right now just completely limits your options. Even if you end up with prospects further down some website’s prospect list that is really nothing more than opinion, so be it.
You make a lot of good points. But, you are saying that the Rockies can compete in their division, which they really can’t. How does anyone expect the Rox to compete with the all Star team that the Dodgers have. Which means that the best the Rox can get is wildcard, and if they win that, they have to face someone who is most likely better than them in the DS. Yes, everyone was injured last year, but that doesn’t mean that we had any good pitchers in the first place.
It doesn’t mean he is a bust, but it doesn’t mean he is going to be half as god as Trevor Story either.
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81 PAs is really tiny, but I wouldn’t ignore the K/W ratio. If you combine the 27/4 that he had with the pros, along with the 3/1 he had in the minors, it is a red flag. Combine that with 52 errors in 2,016 innings at SS in the minors, I definitely would not be naming him my starting SS.
Then you add that to the fact that McMahon looks like he might be a player, and you have to wonder about who should go?
I hope the Rockies value him the same way and trade him to the Pirates for Archer.
I really think they should trade him for a better pitcher than that! Unless it’s Jameson taillon, starling Ma
rte, and Chris Archer, I don’t think we should do it.
Now that’s a “homer” evaluation if I ever saw one. Why in the world would the Pirates give up that much for a SS that they won’t be able to sign? They don’t spend and they’re only gonna trade for high end, controllable young talent.
“He has proven he cannot perform on a major league stage” so they should trade him for an elite pitcher is a really interesting theory…
I did say that, but I also said that teams still see value in him because THEY THINK that he is highly valuable as a SS. Also, the Buccos don’t have a very good SS in Cole Tucker, who played even longer than Rodgers this year and performed poorly. When I said that he could not perform at a major league stage, yes I was saying that he is a bust, but other people and teams don’t see it yet. So, as I was saying, we should trade him while he still has value.
You see it but the people employed by other teams don’t? My guess is that the professional evaluators are better at this than you are.
I could be wrong, what is you do for a living?
Not gonna lie, I’m a 15 year old kid who knows a lot about economics and is a REALLY big baseball fan. Now, whether teams listen is up to them, but ask any Pirates fan if they want Brendan Rodgers. According to baseball reference, he is projected to bat .253 with 7 home runs 28 RBIs 1 triple 10 doubles and 30 runs in 250 plate appearances at 23 years old. Now, yes this is a projection, and yes he has blown it up in the minors, but with Story in the prime of his career, the chances of Rodgers getting major league time at SS, which means he is going to have to play 2nd base, and our current 2nd baseman is Ryan McMahon who batted in 142 games .250 with 24 homers, 83 RBIs and a .329 OBP. With all those stats, the question is whether Rodgers can be better in the Majors than McMahon? Which we will have to see.
I agree Rodgers has value but it is not what it was last year. It would make sense for the Rockies to maximize his value now instead of risking that it decreases more. McMahon has shown he can handle second who can platoon w/ Hampson. Rodgers would be an upgrade at SS over Tucker and who knows what results the competition for an infield spot would produce. I would not mind an INF of 3B Hayes, SS Rodgers, 2B Newman, 1B Bell Depth Tucker & Craig and shift Cruz to RF. Archer probably is not enough for Rodgers but Marte & Taillon also would be way to much IMO. I can see a Marte, Archer & INF prospect Bae for Rodgers, LHP Bowden and OF Daza.
I could not agree more. This was the exact point I was trying to make, Don’t take the risk and maximize his value now.
Actually, Arenadoisthebest, I was responding to your comment that the Pirates should give up, Marte, Tallion and Archer for Rodgers. That’s an extreme overpay that Pitt would never pay and after last season, I would argue that Rodgers has lost a bit of his value. I do think, like the Cubs, the trade market is where the Rockies have to make improvements from. Their ownership just doesn’t look like they wanna spend more $$.
Well, I knew that they would not give them up for just Rodgers, I do not ever think anyone would trade that much value for 1 prospect, the Rox would have to throw in someone else. If we take the risk of putting Rodgers in this season, it is likely that his value would go down even more, so trade him now and don’t take the risk. And I was saying that I could not agree more to Johnny Baseball.
I want to see the Reds trade for Story or Blackmon
The Indians wage crunch is being vastly overstated by the national media.
Even with Kluber and Lindor ,they have around 15 million to spend until they reach their expected maximum budgeted salary.
Since they need to add a starting infielder and to a lesser degree bullpen help and maybe an outfielder to an injury riddled 93 win team,they have no crying need to trade anyone.
Merrifield should be on this list
He’s not for sale. Dayton Moore has made that clear
Dear Phillies,
I know we don’t have the best farm around, but can you call the Rockies and tell them you will take all 3 of those awful reliever contracts if they give us Trevor Story for 2nd tier prospects like Bryson Stott & Adonis Medina? They just might do it because those are some pretty bad deals and those 2 prospects could be really good in a couple years.
Thanks,
SouthJerseySteve
I think once Red Sox trade Betts and or Bradely, Blackmon would be a smooth replacement.
they want to trade those guys to clear up salary. I don’t think they’ll want Blackmon’s salary afterwards.
Jackie Bradley Jr.? A great field/no hit, 30 yr. old CF, making $11M?
Trade value? Zero.
I don’t say this as a childish insult, but in all seriousness: you have to double-check your baseball knowledge if you believe a guy who is seen as a terrific glove at a premium defensive position and has various offensive skills (strong baserunning, some plate discipline, power) has “zero” trade value. His big weakness is he runs through stretches when he is actually a good offensive player and others when he among the worst offensive players in the game; he’d be a more comfortable player for teams if he were consistently his year-long stat line, though it means he still has the potential to iron out whatever causes his slumps and become a very good player.
The article makes it clear that his value isn’t one that would bring a big return, but he brings value in ways that at least a few teams every offseason NEED, and so demand for a deal at the right price is always there.
If you check fangraphs, you will see Bradley had a wRC+ of 90 last year, 1.4 WAR, and a defensive score of 1.3. This is ho-hum. Why trade for Bradley and pay $11M, when you could pay a lot less for a 5 year younger player?
Manuel Margot, by comparison, had a wRC+ of 82, WAR of 1.6, defensive score of 7.5.
Your description of Bradley as terrific defensively is not borne out by the metrics. And let’s stop talking about potential for a 30 year old player, that ship has pretty much sailed.
Jackie Bradley for Ender Inciarte looks like it would work for both Braves and Red Sox. Bradley is healthy and would hold down cf til Pache is ready and Sox trim several million of payroll.
Works great for the Sox, but not the Braves. I’d prefer they keep Ender.
Villar has no trade value. No idea what teams are doing now.
Tannedt, please watch more games and rely less on stupid stats that are in part made up and subjective. Anyone who saw the Red Sox play last year saw each starting outfielder have a down fielding year. Forget the so called numbers. Mookie was not nearly as good in 19 as in past years. One year however does not mean a decline. It of course could be a start but most likely for each just gives them an easier comparison point for 2020.
If you feel that WAR and wRC+ are stupid stats, then there is nothing more to say.
According to these forums Ender, who is practically a clone of JBJ, has no value despite being locked up a couple years at around 7 mil but JBJ does on a one year 11 mil deal, and both comments get upvoted routinely.
If only all players could get the Bos/NY/La hype inflation too!
Not that we see huge trade value. But there’s a ton of CF need around the league. And given the Red Sox payroll situation, it feels highly likely he’ll be moved.
to be fair, Piillar got an MVP vote ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Wow forgetting merrifield I see
I am pretty sure this is about trade rumours of availability. I have only heard rumors that Merrifield is not available and probably why he is not on the list.
We actually had a section written up on him and Syndergaard that I cut and forgot to paste back in last night. It’s now in there.
You obviously don’t understand how the Indians operate.
I wonder if the Milwaukee Brewers could make a trade with arcia for some combination of Bundy JD Davis or Dominic Smith maybe even Cisco from Baltimore
The Orioles may be interested but doubt Arcia alone will be enough for Bundy. The Mets already have Rosario & Lowrie I do not see the need there..
But arent the Mets thinking of moving Rosario to center? Just curious.
They did earlier in the year, but it’s not the plan anymore. He’s staying at shortstop.
Arcia + for Bundy would be a good move for both teams. Maybe Arcia, Rasmussen and a low level lottery ticket would get it done.
I also believe Omar Narvaez is someone Stearns could value since we already have a defensive catcher in Pina. Maybe Supak and someone like Taylor Williams would be enough to entice Dipoto to pull the trigger.
Adding those two would help to fill two big holes for the Brewers and still leave plenty of $$$ left to add some impact players via free agency
Baseball Trade Values approves the proposed trade of Seattle catcher Omar Narvaez for Milwaukee pitching prospects Ethan Small and Drew Rasmussen:
baseballtradevalues.com/trades/trade-16900/
Thank you guys for the proper baseball talk and throwing possible trades that you think might work
3/4 of the Giants infield filed under “ Veterans on expensive, multi-year contracts“. Nuclear winter has arrived in the Bay Area…
Jeff Todd working late!!??
Has the world gone mad!!??
it was old the first time you said it and got no response.
That Blackmon contract is going to get really ugly really fast. He’s old…..
If Marlins or Orioles were smart, take on some bad contract+prospect deals. They need to spend SOME money and who knows if the bad contract player can turn it around in a no-pressure atmosphere.
Bryant I can see being traded but why is Contreas and Schwarber on the top 25 list and not on the list of long shot trade candidates? All 3 would get back about 10-13 players back in return. But the return also needs to be a help now trade.
Contreras has had more specific rumors about him and a much broader market. Much more demand. More trade value.
Actually, it’s the complete opposite. Contreras and Schwarber are more likely to be traded than Bryant.
You probably should just put the entire Red Sox team except for Devers
Imo I think they would trade anyone not the team if asked even Sale and X.B
But I really hope not but won’t be surprised if it happen
Why would they trade Bogaerts, excepting a king’s ransom (any player can be had for his relative king’s ransom price, so I’m not counting that)? And why Benintendi, who was mentioned in the article? The team wants to come in under the luxury tax once and then will reset spending, not blow the entire ship up. Are you seeing a fire sale that isn’t there?
The position the Red Sox are in now, you trade a Devers or a Xander Bogaerts if you can get three for 1 or 4 for 1. The Red Sox need young guys in a big way. Or you include a terrible contract with one of these guys and make an equitable trade.
No lol. They won the WS last year, they just need better pitching not to sell talent.
No.
Archer seems likely to rebound and relatively low risk.
Jeff,
I think you took the easy way out by lumping 20-22 together. Certainly you have an opinion on the odds of each which in my view are not the same. While all or none could get moved, personally I see the odds of Lindor being traded as greater than Betts and much greater than the Cubs pulling the trigger on Bryant.
To an extent, yeah. But it’s also just where I slotted that low likelihood but OMG what if?! player. I sort of hinted in the description at how I landed on them being lumped together — in each case you feel like you can kind of see it but then also can’t. Bryant is the one I’m most confused by, yet he is perhaps the most immediately replaceable from a roster standpoint and seems to have been talked about as much or more than the others.
Thanks for responding. Sometimes there’s a reason and out if the three I just don’t see Bryant being moved. I look at it as more of a motivational issue, trying to get the best out of him. It’s just guesswork on our part because we don’t know what has or will be offered for each. I also still think What the Red Sox does with a Mookie first depends on their ability to move other expensive players.
Theo has kept that core group together since ’16 and it just hasn’t clicked since..He’s inferred it’s time for some kind of shake up. Bryant looks like the guy who would be hardest to extend and outside of Contreras, their best trade chip,( besides Baez, who he’s trying to re-sign.).. Because of payroll issues (I personally don’t buy the billionaire owner $$ whining, but it is what it is), the trade market seems like the way they’ll have to go. I don’t think Almora, Happ or even Schwarber would bring back much in return and I don’t see them moving Hoerner or any of the few promising pitchers coming up, so… Might be Contreras… but I think it’s Bryant. And of course, I could be completely wrong..
I also still think What the Red Sox does with a Mookie first depends on their ability to move other expensive players.
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They can’t really do much with the other expensive players. They can trade Price, Eovaldi, and/or Sale, but it would require eating salary. And then they would need to sign a replacement.
My pure guess is that Price is worth $14M. On a straight trade, they eat $18M. Then the lowest replacement mght be another $10M+ on top of that. If they had rotation prospects, it might be different.
Same as JBJ. I’m okay with either keeping JBJ or trading JBJ. But if we trade him, we need to know who our CF will be next year.
For this reason, the Betts trade is the key. If we trade Betts to SD, and Margot and/or Lucchesi, Quantrill, et al, are part of the return, that gives the necessary insight into whether or not we can trade Price and/or JBJ.
JoeBrady, the way Price gets traded without eating salary which defeats the purpose is to include another piece with Bennie the player they would most likely consider who has considerable value. Personally, I think his value to trade will only decline as he gets more expensive.
Rondon, you might be right but the way the NL Central is there for anyone to take, it just seems to me that unless Bryant returns pitching, they will again try with this team, believing the needed change was Madden. I don’t agree but Theo’s ego might also be involved here. I love what he has already done but he’s human like everyone else.
dewey… Pitching is exactly what I think they would go for with Bryant. Honestly, I think Contreras is in play as well for the same thing. If Ricketts had any nads, he’d go after Rendon and trade Bryant for either young controllable pitching or a package for someone like a Verdugo. In two years, they’d have to pay Bryant Rendon money anyway. Why the hell not go for it?? I know- it’s not my money but still, if I was a billionaire like Ricketts…
We need disloyal Betts gone now. It only takes one team to overpay and him leaving for a draft pick.
Josh Bell.
There is ZERO reason to keep Bell if you trade Marte. Such a trade would begin a 3-5 year rebuild.
They could trade only Bell for pitching, fill 1B and make a long shot attempt at competing. But, trading Marte means a full a teardown, so at that point, Bell, Archer, Kela, etc. all gotta go.
A go or no-go decision is required by a lot of teams. I’m a RS fan, but it still distresses me that BA & TO got nothing back for Machado and Donaldson. That’s just bad asset management.
Lot of ridiculous notions in one column. I was getting worked up until I realize this is banter time of the year lol. So , thanks for the laughs MLBTR!
I bet there are other sites with content more to your liking? Maybe you would be missed??
I’m always fascinated by the folks that get themselves a log-in credentials, so they can make a comment, saying the site is worthless.
With the hot catching market, I’m surprised they missed James McCann. He seems like a trade candidate for the right offer now that the White Sox have Yas and top prospect Collins likely to make the team.
Talked about him in the catching market post I did recently but forgot to put him in here.
Padres and cards Could match up on bad contract trade Carpenter for Myers moneys close. Cards need a Of to replace Ozuna.
Carpenter’s AAV is $19.5M; actual salary owed $55M over next 3 seasons. Myers AAV is “only” $13.8M, but owed $87.5M over next 4 seasons. Cardinals are not going to do that for a 1 (at best) WAR player. If Cards offer Ozuna the Myers contract he will re-sign (my guess)
Myers is owed 67.5M, the extra 20M you have there is a club option for 24’.
So let’s re-visit. Carpenter 55M, is 12.5M left over the life, but the AAV swings towards the Padres favor as it gives the Cardinals more financial flexibility.
Myers plays LF in St. Louis
Carpenter plays 2B in San Diego
Padres would have to attach another player or prospect to Myers but the money is close enough to be a realistic possibility.
I read Myers money wrong but the cards say there broke this would move a little money and Myers could be a change of scenery candidate. Just a thought.
If I am the Cards I look for a better OF’er than Myers for the same, or less money. I wonder if Cards would be open to trading Andrew Miller for Dodgers OF’er AJ Pollock, money is very similar.
As an A’s fan I’m a bit surprised that Marcus Semien isn’t on the list, with one season of control remaining. Makes me wonder whether the author thinks an extension is likely?
Should’ve listed him in the bottom section, agree. Thanks.
Bell & Marte should be moved in the offseason
Kela & Archer closer time the deadline
I completely agree. Bell’s stock will not be higher than it is right now. I’d hold onto him, but would take a good package if it was offered. So many teams need an OF like Marte. I think they could get an excellent package if they auctioned him off right now. Archer needs to rebuild some value. You’d be selling low trading him now.
I think they should risk waiting til the deadline for Bell. If he shows what he did in the first half last season, he’d redeem his value after an average second half.
Since I live in the area the rumors around here are Narvaez, Gordon, Seager, Santana and Smith are all on the block and in that order. Haniger is not so much. Following his putrid 2019 season and the idea that the Mariners will probably lose 90-100 games again in 2020 means there is no rush to sell low on Haniger. He is team controlled until 2023 and still relatively young. It is much more likely the Mariners will hold steady with him and hope for a bounce back year which would make him a more likely trade deadline candidate, not an offseason one. I am thinking Haniger could be had for two top 100 prospects (on the lower end of the list) and one lower level prospect. I don’t see that type of deal materializing this offseason.
Myers will be good DH. Going to AL
DH’s should be able to hit.
Blackmon +$$ to White Sox for Adam Engel and Carlos Rodon.
Actually, mabjr, as a Rox fan, I don’t mind that trade. I like Engel and his potential.
I like him too but think his days are numbered with the WS. Sox get a good left handed bat who can play right field who’s better than any of the current FA, and the Rox get young, experienced cf and sp with control. Win-win
I would think miller for Joc Pederson would help both teams moneys close also.
Dodgers will not do that deal considering Miller’s recent performance compared to Pederson’s – Miller and Pollock trade makes more sense
Miller’s ERA over the past two seasons has been 4.36 with an ERA+ of 99. That a very mediocre result, and he is now 34. I’m not a big fan of Pederson, but he’s a pretty decent player.
I’d add Eddie Rosario to this list
Dodgers should Trade Joc Pederson and Ruiz and Urías and Seager and D.J. Peters to the Red Sox for Mookie Betts and David Price and Matt Barnes
thanks Bosox fan for the laugh
WOW
Hahahaha
You should’ve stopped at Pederson and Ruiz. Then your trade would’ve been believable.
Red Sox would get less than that but more than Ruiz.
Dodgers should Trade Joc Pederson and Ruiz and Urías and Seager and D.J. Peters to the Red Sox for Mookie Betts and David Price and Matt Barnes
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Only if the RS throw in Eovaldi and the LAD throw in May & Verdugo.
Gotta add Stephen Piscotty, who’s on an affordable 3/23 or 4/37 deal if you use the option. He’s only 29 and is the kind of clubhouse guy teams love. Can’t see him sticking with the A’s now they have too many prospects and also his mom has passed on and teams like the Giants really could use a RF like him.
Pederson should be min. top 5 on this list. He’s never had the trade value he currently has after that solid campaign last year.
What would the trade value for Mancini of the Orioles be .
I don’t know what defensive metrics say, but Contreras is much better behind the plate than Caratini. They would need a real haul in return.
I wonder what the cost of Dominic Smith is. Jays have no real 1st base or DH and he would fit right in for the present and future.
Needs some trades. Some non tenders (Monday is so far) and my in-laws are annoying
The Contreras not being a good defender is just inaccurate. He may be the best defensive catcher in baseball. He is ultra aggressive with quick release and accurate, cannon arm and is one of the best, if not the best, at blocking pitches. oh, and the undisputed best at fielding balls in front of the plate and firing to the appropriate base. Finally, he is known as being excellent at calling games and managing the staff. Pitch framing, a very imperfect and soon to be unnecessary stat, is the only thing where he does not rate well. I would take his defense over anyone in the game, mainly because I think pitch framing is the least important part of a catcher.
Hedges is way better behind the plate. If he was so great defensively how many runs did he save?
If Hedges was so great he’d be a 2 time all star like Contreras… oh wait.
Crouse, Thompson/Taveras, Palumbo, Wednzel, Burke, Hernandez and Ragans for Marte, Bell and Kela.
I doubt they use all their trade chips in one deal but I will entertain a deal. They do not need Wendzel at 3B and Ragans has injury risk. I can see a deal for those three with a return from the top 30 being #2C Huff, #4RHP Winn, #7LHP Burke, #12RHP Hernandez, #18SS Basabe, #21RHP Rodriguez & #26OF/1B/C Hernandez.. The Pirates get #2, 7 & 21 for Bell, #4, 18 & 26 for Marte, #12 for Kela.
I think think this would be close to a fair trade but I believe the Rangers value Winn a lot. So maybe Thompson and Palumbo instead of Winn.
And I literally also had put Hernandez for Kela.
Seems fitting for both teams and Palumbo/Thompson for Winn would be just as fitting. It may be slight of an overpay but they get all 3 pieces in one deal. I think Hernandez is an interesting piece worth taking a gamble on and is why I thought him and Kela straight as well.
Like I said, I doubt all 3 go in one trade, however I can see the Pirates trading Bell, Kela & Gonzalez to the Rangers for C Huff, LHP Burke, SS Ornelas & 1B/OF/C Hernandez. Bell fits at 1B/DH, Kela fits right in their pen & Gonzalez is SS depth until Basabe or Acosta are ready. Pirates get a promising catcher, needed LHP, SS & utility piece for the farm.
I actually heard some idiot on the radio propose the Pirates trade Archer to TB for Austin Meadows, Tyler Glassnow and Shane Baz…….
I mean, what kind of planet do these folks live on??????? Who would EVER make a trade like THAT!!!!!
Oh…..
Why is trading Betts even questioned? He’s been refusing an extension for years and is from the South. I fully expect him to leave after the season. It’s clear he’s not loyal so why not shop him around?
Surprised Carlos Martinez isn’t on here. controlled for 2 years with 2 more options. Top rotation pitcher if healthy, high end reliever if not. Should have decent value. with high reward.
As far as the “premium” targets go for the Red Sox, they will not trade Andrew Benintendi, Or J.D. Martinez. And Eduardo Rodriguez is now their ace, I my opinion. Yes, above Chris Sale.
And was I the only one who heard a collective, ear splitting F-Bomb coming from Causway Street when David Price decided to stay?