We released our first iteration of the Top 50 trade candidates last week. It was a broadly pitching-heavy list, with 30 of the spots occupied by pitchers. Especially striking is the lack of middle infield talent that'll clearly be available. We listed just four middle infielders among that Top 50.
One of those players, Jazz Chisholm Jr., hadn't actually played an inning in the infield since 2022 at the time of that writing. The Marlins have since begun getting him second base work in an apparent effort to showcase his defensive flexibility for interested teams. Bo Bichette made the back of the Top 50 because he's a marquee name, but the Blue Jays haven't suggested a willingness to deal key players whom they control beyond this season. He's still a long shot to move. The other two middle infielders to make the list: Paul DeJong and Brendan Rodgers, each of whom is at best a low-end regular.
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If my Pads sheet the bed in the next few weeks, maybe Ha-Seong is dangled? He could net a nice catch for a rental…
Even if SD is doing well, trading Kim might be a consideration.
SD needs pitching, relievers and starters.
SD currently has a crowded infield: Machado, Kim, Bogaerts, Cronenworth, Solano, Arraez, and yeah Wade is still here.
I know Kim is a fan and clubhouse favorite, but he is hitting at an average rate, and is expendable.
Kim is a rental and any trade would most likely involve a prospect, not a major leaguer. Any team trading for him is a playoff team and probably can’t afford to send back a major league arm.
Also, Kim is currently a roughly league average hitter (in a down offensive year for the league) with a solid glove. The glove is nice, but most teams are looking for offensive reinforcements.
He has some value, but I don’t think he gets anything remarkable in return.
Blue Light Special?
The trade market is light on everything because 5.5 games seperate 6 teams in the AL Wild Card race and 3.5 separate 9 teams in the NL. The White Sox, A’s and Marlins only have so many tradeable players
Also because offense is down across the league. Guys who have posted average or above average stats in past seasons are struggling mightily here in 2024.
Cards’ infielder Prieto should be in the discussion. He can hit and is versatile.
He’s a decent fit for both the Marlins and White Sox but he’s more of an extra piece not a big part of a deal
I thinks the Cards (Mo) missed an opportunity by not getting Prieto or Fermin (or both) some regular at bats at the ML level just to see what they could do. There was opportunity to do so with Goldy, Arenado, and Gorman all struggling. All the playing time given to Carpenter and Crawford was a waste.
Unfortunately it’s too late now. Teams looking for infield help want players with some kind of ML track record.
As the article suggests the other options aren’t exciting. If I were the Mariners I would give it a try. Coupled with a Carlson addition, the Cards might be able to pry away Hancock.
Carpenter and Crawford are definitely blocking younger guys from getting opportunities.
Even Luken Baker probably should have gotten some opportunity to DH against lefties while Contreras was out.
Yeah Baker and either Prieto or Fermin could have been better than those 2 and potentially be pieces for the future. Now they are just stuck in AAA.
People should check in with the A’s for Nick Allen he’s mad blocked behind Jacob Wilson , and Zack Gelof .
I could see Baltimore moving Jorge Mateo or Ramon Urias to create space for prospects.
There’s not going to be many sellers after MLB expanded the playoffs. Not until expansion brings more MLB teams into play at least. There’s just too many playoff contenders vs selling teams.
Especially Urias; odd man out in Baltimore?
That said; kinda hoping they both stay. Very reliable defenders that are cheap. All this high end talent is wonderful for a club to have but as a small market team ya just can’t pay everyone. Ditto Hays and Mullins in the outfield.
Urias is who id get rid of first. Mateo’s speed will be an asset in October. Holliday or Mayo should be an upgrade to Urias here at some point. Maybe not this season but Mayo has nothing left to prove. Eventually have to clear guys like Urias out so they can play.
That being said if it’s just a giveaway then take a pass. We’d need to actually get some value back.
They would get some value back, but no contender, particularly in the AL wants to help the Os improve either the MLB roster or their farm depth. A KC or Pittsburgh could however offer CB picks for Urias or Mateo and say “helping the Os 2028 roster doesn’t matter to me.”
Twins have a few IF options down in AAA that would be desirable for many teams…