MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Trades That Will Guarantee Playoff Success

It is about that time that teams decide if they are able to make a playoff push.  There are many teams out there that are in dire need of hitting and pitching. 

Most of these teams have a very good chance of making the playoffs, but with a trade, they can almost guarantee their spot.  Most of the teams that are thinking about trading away their players are just too far out of contention with not the right pieces of the puzzle to make it into October. 

One trade can make the difference between taking a trip to the World Series and watching the World Series from their couch.

5. Jamey Carroll to the Milwaukee Brewers

After the Brewers acquired Fransisco Rodriguez, they are looking to finalize their infield.  They have lots of options in Juan Uribe and Casey Blake, but I think that Jamey Carroll is the best choice. 

The current starter for the Brewers at shortstop is Yuniesky Betancourt, who is currently batting .237 with an OBP of .255 and only 26 runs scored.  Jamey Carroll is batting .297, has an OPS of .368 and 36 runs with less overall at-bats. 

The obvious solution for the Brewers is to start Jamey Carroll and move Yuniesky Betancourt to back up at both second and shortstop. 

I think that Betancourt can even back up third base as well, because he is good at defense and can help give some rest days to Casey McGehee.  The Brewers are tied for first place and this final trade could move them into first place for good.

4. Aramis Ramirez to the Los Angeles Angels

I think that the Angels are tired of not being the top dog in the AL West and this trade will give them the edge. The Angels don’t have a true third baseman, especially one that is as good as Aramis Ramirez.  He is batting .295 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. 

The Angels, as a team, are only batting .257 and have money to spend.  Ramirez has an OBP of .346 and could bring some much needed pop to the Angels lineup.  I think this trade has a good chance of going through and don’t be surprised if the Angels looks to add more after acquiring Aramis Ramirez.

3. Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants

This trade has the best possibility of going through this trade deadline.  The Giants are 27th in the major leagues in batting average at .243 and are in desperate need of a big bat.  Carlos Beltran is batting .285 and leads the Mets in home runs with 13. 

The Giants have mediocre outfielders at best and with Carlos Beltran’s speed and range, he would be a perfect fit at the spacious AT&T Park.  Carlos Beltran is also the National League leader in doubles with 28.  If he were playing in AT&T Park all the time, chances are a couple of those doubles would end up being triples. 

The Giants have the money to spend on the expensive Beltran, and if they want to win their division, they will need a much needed boost at the plate.

2. Heath Bell to the New York Yankees

Heath Bell has voiced that he would like to be traded, and chances are he will be dealt by July 31st.  Now, will it be to the Yankees? He has said in interviews that he wouldn’t mind being a set-up man if it was the right fit.  What is more perfect than setting up for the best closer in the history of baseball, Mariano Rivera. 

Also, once Mariano Rivera retires, Heath Bell would be the perfect person to step into that roll.  He is emotionally ready to play in New York with his big personality as well. 

He has 26 saves and a 2.43 ERA in 37 appearances this season.  The Yankees have the money to pay for Heath Bell, and he would love to suit up for the Bronx Bombers, especially if they are destined for the playoffs. 

1. Gio Gonzalez to the St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals are in much need of starting pitching.  At the beginning of the year, if I was to say that Jaime Garcia would have the most wins on the Cardinals you would laugh.  Also, if I were to predict that the Cardinals would be 19th in the league in ERA you would think that would be impossible. 

The Cardinals have two starting pitchers that have an ERA over 4.20 in Jake Westbrook and Kyle McClellan.  Gio Gonzalez has a 2.47 ERA, an 8.84 K/9 and he has 12 quality starts. Nobody on the Cardinals, including Chris Carpenter, has that many quality starts. 

The A’s are out of contention and always look to trade their young talent at the trade deadline.  There have been countless pitchers that the A’s have dealt at the deadline, and I think that Gio Gonzalez is the next to go.  Watch out for the Cardinals to improve their pitching staff with the addition of Gio Gonzalez.