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Ahh, the MLB trade deadline. Next to the NFL draft, this may be the premier time of year for the sports speculator. Seemingly infinite combinations of prospects can be put together by contending teams to appease sellers in an attempt to bolster their lineups for a postseason push. Some savvy GM's manage to make solid acquisitions without expending a ton of resources, where others bid against themselves and mortgage the future for mediocre talents (here's to you Dan Duquette). We'll take a look below at some of the top trade targets that may be on the market in the coming weeks.
Jordan Lyles has had a surprisingly alright season thus far pitching for Baltimore. At a glance, the 5-7 record with an ERA at 4.50 isn't exactly game breaking, but where Lyles has been valuable is in the innings he manages to eat. In all seventeen starts, he's managed to make it at least through the fourth and currently is 22th in the league in total innings pitched (Teamrankings.com). On a one year contract, the 31 year old would be a relatively cheap rental for any contending team like the Twins, Red Sox or Brewers to buy their bullpen some extra rest.
1B/OF Trey Mancini is another interesting trading chip for the Orioles. Fresh off of an arbitration-avoiding contract agreement, Trey has a $10 million dollar mutual option for 2023. This contract should be an appealing conversation topic for teams who are trying to get a piece that can help out for more then just a two month stretch, especially for a bargain. Mancini has been improving steadily since the beginning of May, raising his average from the .230s to over .300 at some points and hitting seven of his eight home runs (ESPN). Trading the fan favorite may create a disgruntled reaction, especially now with the team's recent win streak, but I could see Elias pulling the trigger for the right price as the Orioles are hoping to break through the other side of their rebuild. Potentially interested suitors include the New York Mets and Yankees who have each had trouble competently filling their DH roles. Fingers crossed to never have to see Trey in pinstripes... The Brewers could be a dark horse candidate as well, with current DH Daniel Vogelbach only hitting .242.
Another interesting outfield target is Kansas City's Andrew Benintendi. On a one year, $8.5 million dollar contract, any team getting the former first round pick would be likely view him as strictly a rental for a playoff run. Currently sixth in the league in batting average, Andrew is having a fine season for the disappointing Royals. Having 21 career postseason games under his belt, with a .272/2/9 line, Benintendi's experience in October will also be an appealing trait for inquiring clubs. Multiple teams have recently expressed interest in Benintendi (Per Jeff Passan), which will drive up the price for the seventh year pro in an inevitable trade.
Moving to the AL West, we have two aces that could be on the market. Reports suggest that Oakland's Frankie Montas and Los Angeles' Noah Syndegaard have become available. These are frustrating developments for fans of each team, as Oakland's entire season has been a fire sale of their stockpiled talent and the Angels have completely imploded in the midst of a 14-35 run since May 15th. Heavy interest from pitching-needy contenders like Giants, Twins, Blue Jays and Mets will surely inflate any return for these two starters.
The Rangers boast an ace SP Martin Perez they could elect to trade if they do become sellers this deadline. Like the aforementioned Lyles, Perez has been an inning eater this season, posting the eighth highest total in the MLB. Given his career ERA is two points higher then his current 2.72, it's reasonable to assume this season is an anomaly of sorts. But on a cheap one year deal, we could definitely see a team like the San Francisco or Minnesota throwing a package or two at Texas to try and maximize this outlier of a season.
Moving to the NL, members of the Marlins such as outfielder Jorge Soler and first baseman Garrett Cooper could possibly be had for the right price. Boasting a top ten farm system teeming with live arms, Miami is hoping to on the precipice on competing and therefore may be stingier with some trade chips then past years. Soler has been relatively productive this season and has a pedigree of postseason success, which may interest contending teams. His player opt outs after the next two seasons would also be discussion points during trade talks. Unfortunately, he landed on the 10-day IL July 2nd with a lower back injury, which could prevent a move from happening at all.
Cooper is 31 and somewhat limited defensively. He's also batting .303, good for 15th in the NL. With only seven dingers so far this season, this acquisition would not fill any team's need for power, but the ability to get on base essentially 40% of the time would surely help with manufacturing runs. Garrett's current one-year contract also limits the return Miami could expect, but I expect teams like the Yankees or Cardinals to inquire with Kim Ng.
The Washington Nationals are loaded with bad contracts. Their top three highest paid players will make a cumulative $75.4 million this year. All that money has produced a .242 power hitter, a pitcher with an ERA just under six and another pitcher who was unfortunately only able to give them 4 2/3's innings this season. Brutal allocation of funds.
With the 29th ranked farm system (Bleacher Report) to complement this rough lineup, the Nats need help. Moving a piece like the 42 year old Nelson Cruz would be atop my list. The man is as timeless as they come, but he is far from a foundational piece for Washington moving forward. Teams like the Mets and Padres will certainly be testing the waters in search of a reasonable deal for the power hitting veteran.
1B Josh Bell is another piece that the Nationals need to prioritize trading in an attempt to restock their farm system. In the midst of a career resurgence, Bell is slashing a line of .308/12/47 and has been one of the few bright spots on the 30-57 team. Rumor is that the current price for Bell is exorbitant, so it will be interesting to see how teams approach that. The 2019 World Series champions are wise in trying to sell high on their first basemen in the coming weeks, possibly to teams like Houston or San Diego.
Speaking of career resurgences...Pittsburgh's Jose Quintana has rediscovered old form through the first half of 2022. After beginning his career with a sub-4 ERA in six of his first seven years, Quintana has failed to record below four in any of the last five seasons. Currently 2-4 with and an ERA of 3.33, the Colombian has been consistently strong. With left-handed pitching always valued at a premium, I expect the Pirates to try and flip their ace. Boston currently has four injured starters and conceivably really make a push for the veteran lefty.
With Ke'Bryan Hayes' extension a few months ago, it seems he'll be in town for at least the next couple of seasons. Hard to guarantee that of course with this poorly run franchise... Bryan Reynolds however, seems to be on the trading block. If the right package were to be offered, I have a hard time not seeing the team move on from the 27 year old. Pittsburgh faithful hope that this possibility does not come to fruition, but with the talented center fielder under contract through 2025, the chance of a really quality haul of prospects may sway the Bucs to move on.
Another fan favorite that could be on the block is Chicago catcher Willson Contreras. The lifelong Cub is having a very productive season amongst the dumpster fire of a roster that surrounds him. With a line of .270/13/35, Contreras will definitely draw some eyes. Reportedly, the Astros, Giants and Yankees have already contacted the team regarding their seventh year pro's availability. He's on an expiring contract at the end of this season however, which has stunted some trade discussions due to the Cubs demands.
Closer David Robertson is also a viable trade candidate for the Cubbies. Posting a superb 2.10 ERA and going 12 of 17 on his few save opportunities this season, the 37 year old reliever would undoubtedly help on the back end during any playoff push. Word on the street is Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are interested in making a move for the righty.
Our last name on this list is no stranger to the big game, starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. At a glance, MadBum's low earned run average seems very appealing, but a deeper dive into his numbers show that his strikeouts and average start length are uncharacteristically down, and that his WHIP is up. A contract that owes him $37 million dollars over the next two seasons will be a difficult selling point as well for the Dbacks. But given the three-time World Series champion's postseason prowess, I believe Toronto or Milwaukee would be willing to sit at the negotiating table with Arizona to discuss a deal that works for both sides. Or perhaps a full-circle return to the Bay Area?
With some of the divisional storylines beginning to unfold as we approach the halfway point in this MLB season, it will be interesting to see which teams become buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. Keep an eye on your alerts because we should definitely see some big names on the move here soon. Stay tuned for a hard-fought and exciting push to the playoffs.
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@Choppinglines
Compliments to Correspondent Kev for research and input toward this article
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
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