Trades to Improve Each NL Contender
The trading season kicked into high gear last week, with the Dodgers acquiring Manny Machado, the Indians swinging a deal for Brad Hand and Adam Cimber, and the A’s nabbing Jeurys Familia. But the deals are far from over. Here’s some possible deals each contending National League could make as they prepare for their playoff runs.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are one of the most exciting teams in the game, and are sitting pretty in first place in the NL East. Despite this, the team has a number of holes. They haven’t gotten a lot of production from shortstop or right field, where they rank 27th and 28th.
They could also use a left handed reliever, as Adam Morgan holds an ERA over 5 and Austin Davis has very little big league experience. Brad Hand would’ve been the perfect fit for the Phillies, as he brings experience and multiple years of control, which the Phillies could afford with their significant budget room.
With Hand off the table, a suitable alternative is Felipe Vazquez from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Like Hand, Vazquez brings closing experience and electric stuff from the left side. As shown below, Vazquez’s fastball velocity ranks 9th among all relievers, 3rd among left-handed relievers. (Image courtesy of Frangraphs.)
The Phillies could also look to add Pittsburgh shortstop Jordy Mercer, who is having a solid season this year, batting .252/.311/.700. While only a slight offensive upgrade, Mercer would bring a veteran presence to the middle infield, and he has had a lot of success versus lefties, slashing .307/.361/.815 off southpaws.
Who they could offer: Enyel De Los Santos (RHP), J.P. Crawford (SS), Kyle Young (LHP)
Atlanta Braves
The Braves profile similarly to the division rival Phillies, with multiple holes in an otherwise talented roster. They’ve seen inconsistencies from their lineup, rotation, and bullpen, so they could acquire help in any of those areas.
The starting pitching market is uninspiring this year, so the Braves will probably focus their attention on relievers. They could also use help on the left side of their infield. The Toronto Blue Jays can offer just what the Braves need.
Toronto has received solid production from a handful of relievers this year, and Atlanta could target veterans like Tyler Clippard and Seunghwan Oh. Clippard currently owns a solid 3.61 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, and Oh has been even better with his 2.74 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.
The Blue Jays also have the exciting super-infielder Yangervis Solarte (aka the Greatest Yangervis in Baseball History), who has hit 15 bombs and driven in 51 runs while playing every position in the infield. He’s an exciting player, who can help the Braves if youngsters Johan Camargo or Dansby Swanson ever fall into a slump.
Who they could offer: Touki Toussaint (RHP), Dustin Peterson (OF)
Washington Nationals
The Nationals could end up becoming one of the most interesting sellers on the market if they don’t get off to a good start in the second half. If they struggle to keep up with the aforementioned Braves and Phillies, or stay afloat in the wild card race, they could strike a huge deal to help their woes behind the plate.
Even before Wilson Ramos’ injury, JT Realmuto was the best catching option available for contenders. Realmuto is simply one of the best catchers in the game, batting .307/.360/.526 with 12 homeruns and 45 RBI’s in under 300 at bats. His price will be very high, and rightfully so, but Realmuto could be a very solid piece who can soften the blow if Bryce Harper leaves Washington this offseason.
Realmuto is also an elite defender, as he has thrown out 43% of would be base stealers, a mark that ranks second best in all of baseball. This kind of upgrade at catcher would also help the Nats’ starting rotation get back on track, as their staff posted the 5th worst rotational ERA in June, and the 8th worst so far in July.
Who they could offer: Victor Robles (OF), Will Crowe (RHP), Raudy Reed (C), Jose Sanchez (IF)
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs recently bolstered their pitching staff by adding long reliever Jesse Chavez. But it’s no secret that Chicago’s starting staff has been wildly inconsistent this year. Adding a dependable starter should be at the top of their list, and extra bullpen help never hurts.
The Minnesota Twins currently house two rather underrated arms that could help Chicago bolster their roster. Kyle Gibson’s modest 3.57 ERA and 0.93 HR/9 makes him an ideal candidate for the back of the Cubs’ rotation.
Ryan Pressly has been a rather valuable reliever for the Twins, appearing in 48 games and posting a respectable 3.63 ERA. His 13.5 K/9 also rank 8th among all relievers, as indicated below (Image courtesy of Frangraphs).
This deal would also offer a cheaper alternative to acquiring some of the higher profile relievers on the market, something the Cubs would value considering the plethora of big moves they’ve made in recent years.
Who they could offer: David Bote (2B/OF), Michael Rucker (RHP).
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers missed out on their prized trade target in Manny Machado, but there are still plenty of other options for them to pursue in their quest to strengthen their middle infield. However, their biggest need is still in their starting rotation, and there’s one seller who has plenty of quality arms to offer.
The New York Mets, despite their desire to hold onto their entire starting staff despite dwelling in the cellar of the NL East, could find the perfect match for Steven Matz in Milwaukee. Matz wouldn’t have an astronomical price tag like his teammates Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom, and his respectable 3.65 ERA would provide a very reliable (and controllable) presence for the Brew Crew.
The Brewers have also been said to be looking for help at second base, and Asdrubal Cabrera is heaving a great year at the plate, batting .280/.332/.487, with 17 home runs and 53 RBI’s.
Who they could offer: Corbin Burners (RHP), Mauricio Dubon (2B/SS), Jacob Nottingham (C/1B)
St. Louis Cardinals
Like the Nationals, the Cardinals have slightly underperformed this year, and may not even be buyers at the deadline. But if they end up seeking to acquire help, they could certainly use some in the infield and bullpen.
St. Louis shortstops currently rank 28th in the league in fielding percentage. Instead of looking to add some extra offense to their infield, stabilizing their defense may prove to be a more effective move. Tampa Bay’s Adeiny Hechavarria is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, and offers a decent bat, batting .385 in his last 7 games, with a .340 OBP in July. He’s a cost-effective rental for a team that isn’t sure it will be playing meaningful baseball come September.
Another Tampa Bay rental the Cardinals could target to bolster their bullpen is veteran Sergio Romo. Romo has proven his worth with the Rays by serving as an “opener” numerous times, but his 0.59 ERA in his past 15 innings makes him a valuable trade piece. He posted a 1.38 ERA in June, and currently owns a 1.00 ERA in July. He could certainly help a bullpen that ranks 24th in the league in ERA.
Who they could offer: Zach Jackson (C), Scott Hurst (OF)
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers presumably landed the best player to be traded this season when they acquired Machado from the Orioles. However, the team could still use some help in their pen, and their front office has a history for acquiring under the radar relievers.
One such name that could fit their need is Jared Hughes of the Cincinnati Reds. Hughes has been a very reliable reliever the past few years. Since 2014, Hughes owns a collective 2.34 ERA, including a stunning 1.59 ERA this year.
Hughes also ranks 10th amongst all relievers with 51.1 innings pitched to compliment his 0.35 HR/9 and his 65% groundball rate, as seen in the graph below (image from Fangraphs). He’s also controllable through next year, which gives him an edge over the rental relievers on the market.
Wh0 they could offer: Mitchell White (RHP), Jesus Vargas (RHP)
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies need is simple. They need pitching, which is nothing new, but considering their hot run recently, bolstering their inconsistent rotation and sloppy bullpen seems more necessary than ever.
Colorado should capitalize on their hot streak by landing a dominant starting pitcher. While that kind of player isn’t easy to find in this trade market, on such name they could target is Chris Archer of the Rays. Archer has always had electric stuff, and his club-friendly contract could make him a reliable arm for the Rockies for years to come.
An alternative option would be Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays, who leads starters in ground ball percentage, a valuable asset for any pitcher at Coors Field. Both Stroman and Archer average one homerun per nine innings as well, which is a number comparable to the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Gerrit Cole, and Justin Verlander.
Colorado could also desperately use some left handed pitching out of the pen, as their primary options are Jake McGee (5.97 ERA) and Chris Rusin (6.81 ERA). Tampa Bay could offer 23 year old Jose Alvarado (2.52 ERA), and Toronto has Tim Mayza (2.81 ERA – in only 16 innings).
Who they could offer: Riley Pint (RHP), Sam Hillard (OF), Yonathan Daza (OF), Justin Lawrence (RHP)
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona was one of many National League teams who viewed Machado as the answer to their inconsistencies at shortstop. Now that he’s off the board, the Dbacks could look at some alternative options.
While Nick Ahmed and Ketel Marte have put up decent seasons, there’s no doubt Eduardo Escobar of the Twins would pump a shot of adrenaline into the Arizona lineup. Escobar boasts an impressive .836 OPS, including a .504 slugging percentage, which ranks him 30th among all qualified batters.
While primarily a third baseman, Escobar still ranks in the top ten in fielding percentage amongst shortstops who have logged at least 150 innings. At third base, he ranks second in that category (min. 300 innings). Escobar also has experience at second and in the outfield, allowing him to provide excellent offensive and defensive production wherever the team needs him.
If Daniel Descalso regresses, Escobar can play second base. If Steven Souza continues to struggle, he can play right field. As a switch hitter, his numbers are much better against right handed pitching, but he would still be an offensive upgrade at third base against lefties compared to Jake Lamb’s .178/.269/.244 batting line against southpaws.
Who they could offer: Domingo Leyba (2B/SS), Emilio Vargas (RHP)
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have received a surprising amount of offensive production from players like Pablo Sandoval, Alen Hanson, and Gorkys Hernandez. Their bullpen has also been outstanding, ranking 8th in the majors in reliever ERA. The area they need the most help in is their starting pitching.
With a depleted farm system and weak market for starters, there aren’t many option for the Giants. However, they could take a chance on struggling lefty JA Happ, who has a good track record, but in his last 7 starts, he’s posted a mediocre 5.20 ERA. He could be an affordable, buy-low rental who could be a worthwhile risk for the Giants.
Additionally, with Hunter Pence struggling in left, the Giants could look into Toronto’s veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson. Granderson could provide some left handed pop in left, and as another rental, would be a cost-effective move for the Giants.
Who they could offer: Aramis Garcia (C/1B), Logan Webb (RHP)
-Michael Gonzalez
