The Player with the Most Current Trade Value on All 30 MLB Teams
Every player around Major League Baseball has a certain level of value as a potential trade chip, and there are a number of factors that influence said value.
The following article is my best attempt at identifying the player with the most current trade value on all 30 MLB teams.
However, this is not simply going to be a list of each team's best player. It's also not a prediction that any of these players will in fact be traded.
The following was taken into consideration when selecting each team's player:
- An attempt was made at being realistic: Every team has a handful of guys that it would not consider moving under any circumstance. The Mike Trouts, Clayton Kershaws, Byron Buxtons and Lucas Giolitos of the world. As such, included on each team's slide is a list of players I considered unlikely to be moved in any scenario and who were not considered as a result.
- Remaining years of team control was a big factor: Teams often land significant young talent in exchange for an upcoming free agent or "rental player" at the trade deadline. However, that's a calculated risk by a contending team trying to win it all, not necessarily a move made with value in mind. With that in mind, remaining years of team control played a huge part in the following list, and no upcoming free agents wound up making the cut.
- Young proven talent trumps prospect upside: Picking between an established big league player with four or five years of team control left or a high-upside prospect who has yet to debut, the edge went to the established big leaguer. After all, we're talking about current value and prospects are never a sure thing.
Think of it this way...
Let's imagine that all of a sudden all 30 teams found themselves simultaneously in a position to aggressively go all-in (2015 San Diego Padres) and to aggressively sell in an effort to reload (2015 Atlanta Braves). That would obviously never happen, but for the sake of this hypothetical, that means veterans who could bring a good prospect return and prospects who could land a star-caliber veteran are both in play.
Who among the players each team would consider moving in that scenario would carry the most trade value?
Hopefully that paints a clear picture of what the following article was attempting to accomplish.
Baltimore Orioles: SP Chris Tillman (26 Years Old)
1 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 34/34 | 13-6 | 3.34 | 4.01 | 1.230 | 66 | 150 | 207.1 | 2.8 |
Overview
Acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the same blockbuster deal that brought Adam Jones to Baltimore back in 2008, Chris Tillman has emerged as the closest thing to a legitimate ace the Orioles have had over the past few years.
The right-hander has gone 38-16 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.195 WHIP over the past three seasons, and he earned a hefty raise to $4.315 million this season in his first year of arbitration eligibility.
The young trio of Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey is the future of the rotation in Baltimore, and that could be reason enough to prevent the Orioles from offering up a long-term extension for their current staff leader.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
SP Kevin Gausman
SP Dylan Bundy
SP Hunter Harvey
Boston Red Sox: SP Henry Owens (22 Years Old)
2 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Double-A & Triple-A)
| 26/26 | 17-5 | 2.94 | - | 1.132 | 59 | 170 | 159.0 | - |
Overview
The Boston Red Sox have made it abundantly clear this offseason that they have no intentions of trading prospect Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart, but with a wealth of pitching prospects on the farm, it's not inconceivable to think Henry Owens could be the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal.
The No. 36 pick in the 2011 draft, Owens slipped a bit due to a perceived lack of projectability, but that has not stopped him from emerging as one of the top lefty pitching prospects in the game today.
His command still needs work, especially his secondary stuff, but he undoubtedly has the repertoire to emerge as a front-line starter once he reaches his full potential.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Blake Swihart
2B Dustin Pedroia
SS Xander Bogaerts
CF Rusney Castillo
RF Mookie Betts
DH David Ortiz
New York Yankees: C Gary Sanchez (22 Years Old)
3 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Double-A)
| 110 | 429 | .270/.338/.406 | 116 | 19 | 13 | 65 | 48 | 1 | - |
Overview
The New York Yankees have finally built up a respectable minor league system after years of mortgaging their young talent for immediate help, so chances are they won't be as quick to deal from the farm system as they have been in the past.
Gary Sanchez has seemingly been among the game's top catching prospects forever, earning a spot among the Baseball America top 100 in each of the past four years.
He's yet to live up to the lofty expectations, but he's also still just 22 years old and coming off of a solid performance in his first full season at the Double-A level.
The Yankees have young catching depth in Luis Torrens and J.R. Murphy, along with Brian McCann signed long-term, so Sanchez could yet wind up traded before he ever reaches New York.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
SP Masahiro Tanaka
SP Luis Severino
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Tampa Bay Rays: SP Alex Cobb (27 Years Old)
4 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 27/27 | 10-9 | 2.87 | 3.23 | 1.136 | 47 | 149 | 166.1 | 4.1 |
Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays have a solid track record of locking up their young pitching talent before they come close to free agency, with the likes of James Shields, Wade Davis, Matt Moore and Chris Archer all signing team-friendly deals.
At the same time, pitchers that they have not been able to lock up early, like Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and David Price, have all turned into trade chips.
With Price now gone, it looks like Alex Cobb will step into the role of staff ace after going 32-21 with a 3.19 ERA over the past three seasons.
The 27-year-old earned a raise to $4 million this year in his first year of arbitration, and he's only going to get more expensive moving forward. An extension is certainly still a possibility, but don't be surprised if Cobb is the next quality arm flipped for prospects.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Evan Longoria
SS Daniel Robertson
SP Chris Archer
SP Jake Odorizzi
SP Drew Smyly
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Drew Hutchison (24 Years Old)
5 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2019)
2014 Stats
| 32/32 | 11-13 | 4.48 | 3.85 | 1.262 | 60 | 184 | 184.2 | 1.3 |
Overview
Even after trading away the likes of Noah Syndergaard, Justin Nicolino, Anthony DeSclafani, Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman in recent years, the Toronto Blue Jays still have an impressive core of young starting pitching in place.
The trio of Marcus Stroman, Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez look set to anchor the rotation for years to come, and all three will be under team control through at least 2021. With that in mind, the Blue Jays may consider trading someone like Drew Hutchison in the years to come in an effort to improve elsewhere.
The 24-year-old had a breakout season of sorts in 2014, but he was still inconsistent at best, tallying just 12 quality starts in 32 games.
His value is high, in part because of his age and in part because of his remaining years of team control. However, he's probably a middle-of-the-rotation starter at best, albeit one with a plus strikeout rate. Given the team's pitching depth, selling high on him to improve another area could make sense in the right deal.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Jose Bautista
SP Marcus Stroman
SP Aaron Sanchez
SP Daniel Norris
Chicago White Sox: 2B Micah Johnson (24 Years Old)
6 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Double-A & Triple-A)
| 102 | 419 | .294/.351/.403 | 123 | 19 | 5 | 44 | 48 | 22 | - |
Overview
Top prospects Carlos Rodon and Tim Anderson won't be going anywhere, but the Chicago White Sox could move someone from the young second base duo of Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez at some point in the near future.
Despite being two years older, Johnson is probably the more attractive trade chip, as he has the higher ceiling offensively. He possesses legitimate 80-grade speed and a plus hit tool, making him a prime candidate to be a table-setter out of the leadoff spot in the lineup.
Sanchez will likely get the first crack at the starting second base job this spring, as he is on the 40-man roster and Johnson is not. If he proves capable of manning the position on an everyday basis, Johnson could become a trade chip to help shore up the back of the rotation.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
1B Jose Abreu
SS Tim Anderson
CF Adam Eaton
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP Carlos Rodon
Cleveland Indians: SP Danny Salazar (25 Years Old)
7 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2021)
2014 Stats
| 20/20 | 6-8 | 4.25 | 3.52 | 1.382 | 35 | 120 | 110.0 | 0.5 |
Overview
A number of writers, myself included, had Cleveland Indians starter Danny Salazar pegged as one of the biggest breakout candidates of 2014.
The right-hander made 10 starts as a rookie in 2013, posting a 3.12 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 52 innings of work, and he looked poised for a big step forward this past season. Instead, he struggled to a 5.53 ERA over his first seven starts and wound up demoted to the minors.
He returned in late July and finished the year strong with a 3.50 ERA in his final 12 starts, and the team will be counting on him to help shoulder the load behind ace Corey Kluber, along with Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer.
Upside still makes Salazar an attractive commodity, as he has legitimate front-line stuff. However, inconsistency could keep him from being a part of the team's long-term plans, and at some point, the team could look to sell high.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Yan Gomes
SS Francisco Lindor
LF Michael Brantley
CF Clint Frazier
SP Corey Kluber
Detroit Tigers: RF Steven Moya (23 Years Old)
8 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Double-A)
| 133 | 515 | .276/.306/.555 | 142 | 33 | 35 | 105 | 81 | 16 | - |
Overview
With Yoenis Cespedes and J.D. Martinez set to man the corner outfield spots for the Detroit Tigers in 2015, it looks as though Steven Moya will spend at least one more season in the minors.
The 23-year-old won Eastern League MVP honors this past season when he led the league in home runs (33), RBI (105) and total bases (286), but he is admittedly still a work in progress offensively.
The raw power has always been there, and seeing him finally tap into it in game situations is certainly promising, but a .306 on-base percentage and 29.3 percent strikeout rate in Double-A point to a player who could struggle to make the adjustment to big league pitching.
Nonetheless, he is probably the Tigers' most attractive trade chip at the moment, as his ceiling is still relatively high, and he's an expendable piece if the team can come to terms on an extension with Cespedes.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
1B Miguel Cabrera
3B Nick Castellanos
DH Victor Martinez
SP David Price
SP Anibal Sanchez
Kansas City Royals: SP Danny Duffy (26 Years Old)
9 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 31/25 | 9-12 | 2.53 | 3.83 | 1.112 | 53 | 113 | 149.1 | 4.2 |
Overview
Ranked as the No. 68 prospect in baseball heading into the 2011 season by Baseball America, Danny Duffy fell off the prospect radar when he missed most of the 2011 season and all of the 2012 campaign following Tommy John surgery.
However, a strong showing down the stretch in 2013 saw him post a 1.85 ERA over five starts, and that set him up for a breakout campaign this past season.
There was a lot to like about what Duffy contributed to the surprise Kansas City Royals last year, but a 3.83 FIP and .239 BABIP (via FanGraphs) point to a pitcher who could be in for some regression.
While Yordano Ventura looks poised to step into the role of staff ace, we may have already seen the best we're going to out of Duffy. However, as a young, controllable left-hander, he'd still fetch a hefty return on the trade market.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Salvador Perez
1B Eric Hosmer
SP Yordano Ventura
Minnesota Twins: 2B Brian Dozier (27 Years Old)
10 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2019)
2014 Stats
| 156 | 598 | .242/.345/.416 | 145 | 33 | 23 | 71 | 112 | 21 | 5.1 |
Overview
There are a lot of talented young pieces on the way for the Minnesota Twins, and that could mean current core guys like Brian Dozier and Trevor Plouffe wind up being pushed out in the years to come.
For as good as Dozier was in 2014, and he was undoubtedly one of the most productive second basemen in the game, he's probably peaked at this point in his career.
He'll be arbitration-eligible for the first time next season, meaning he's about to get a lot more expensive, and the team has his long-term replacement waiting in the wings in 21-year-old Jorge Polanco.
The second base market is always incredibly thin, evidenced by the money shelled out to sign Omar Infante (four years, $30.25 million) last offseason, so the Twins would likely be able flip Dozier for a terrific return at his current value.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Miguel Sano
SS Danny Santana
CF Byron Buxton
SP Jose Berrios
SP Alex Meyer
SP Kohl Stewart
Houston Astros: SP Dallas Keuchel (27 Years Old)
11 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2019)
2014 Stats
| 29/29 | 12-9 | 2.93 | 3.21 | 1.175 | 48 | 146 | 200.0 | 5.1 |
Overview
Outside of fellow Houston Astros starter Colin McHugh, there might not have been a bigger surprise among pitchers this past season than Dallas Keuchel. In his previous two big league seasons, the left-hander went 9-18 with a 5.20 ERA in 47 games (38 starts), and he entered spring training battling just to win a spot on the Opening Day roster.
He ranked among the bigger All-Star snubs of 2014, entering the break at 9-5 with a 3.22 ERA, and he actually put up better numbers in the second half with a 2.55 ERA over his final 12 starts.
His peripheral numbers don't point to any significant regression to come, but he's also already entering his age-27 season. For an Astros team on the rise but still a few years away from serious contention, flipping him is still not out of the question for the right return.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
2B Jose Altuve
3B Colin Moran
SS Carlos Correa
RF George Springer
SP Mark Appel
Los Angeles Angels: SP Matt Shoemaker (28 Years Old)
12 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2021)
2014 Stats
| 27/20 | 16-4 | 3.04 | 3.26 | 1.074 | 24 | 124 | 136.0 | 2.5 |
Overview
It's fair to say that the Los Angeles Angels don't finish with the best record in baseball last season without Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker stepping up and leading the starting rotation.
Shoemaker joined the rotation in June after seven relief appearances, and after a shaky start to his time in the rotation, he went 9-1 with a 1.49 ERA over his final 11 games (10 starts).
That strong finish was especially important when you consider that Richards was sidelined for the season following a knee injury, and it earned him a second-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The Angels were swept in the American League Championship Series, but Shoemaker held his own in his lone start, throwing six innings of one-run ball.
Shoemaker is again expected to be a key piece of the Angels rotation in 2015, but he's also already 28 years old, so he may not necessarily be a long-term piece of the puzzle like Richards figures to be.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
CF Mike Trout
RF Kole Calhoun
SP Andrew Heaney
SP Garrett Richards
SP Tyler Skaggs
Oakland Athletics: 3B Renato Nunez (20 Years Old)
13 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (n/A)
2014 Stats (High-A)
| 124 | 509 | .279/.336/.517 | 142 | 28 | 29 | 96 | 75 | 2 | - |
Overview
It's hard to really call anyone "unlikely to be traded in any scenario" when it comes to the Oakland Athletics, as I almost certainly would have thrown Josh Donaldson into that category at the beginning of the offseason.
However, it's safe to assume top prospects Matt Olson and Franklin Barreto won't be going anywhere, and the same can be said for newly acquired Brett Lawrie (free agent in 2018) and ace Sonny Gray (free agent in 2020), at least for now.
However, if the team does find itself in a position to buy once again, 20-year-old third base prospect Renato Nunez looks like an attractive trade chip.
His offensive production last season earned him a place in the Futures Game, and he certainly has a high ceiling. However, he will likely have to move across the diamond to first base in the long term, and that would put him behind Olson on the depth chart.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
1B Matt Olson
3B Brett Lawrie
SS Franklin Barreto
SP Sonny Gray
Seattle Mariners: RF Gabriel Guerrero (21 Years Old)
14 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (High-A)
| 131 | 538 | .307/.347/.467 | 165 | 28 | 18 | 96 | 97 | 18 | - |
Overview
The nephew of former big league star Vladimir Guerrero, 21-year-old Gabriel Guerrero is still incredibly raw, but he is coming off of a terrific season at the High-A level.
Consistency is the key to his development at this point, as there is still a good deal of swing-and-miss to his game (131 K in 2014) and his impressive raw power does not always show up in games.
The Seattle Mariners have made it fairly clear they have no intentions of parting with young starters Taijuan Walker or James Paxton, but they could also find themselves in a position to make a big trade at the deadline this year in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
With last year's first-round pick, Alex Jackson, taking over as the top outfield prospect in the organization and first baseman D.J. Peterson likely untouchable, it could be Guerrero who winds up as the centerpiece of a July blockbuster.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Mike Zunino
1B D.J. Peterson
3B Kyle Seager
C/OF Alex Jackson
SP Felix Hernandez
SP James Paxton
SP Taijuan Walker
Texas Rangers: CF Leonys Martin (26 Years Old)
15 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2019)
2014 Stats
| 155 | 533 | .274/.325/.364 | 146 | 13 | 7 | 40 | 68 | 31 | 4.2 |
Overview
This was a prime example of a time where a proven big league talent trumped a high-upside prospect as a team's most valuable trade chip, with Leonys Martin getting the nod here over outfield prospect Nick Williams and pitching prospect Luke Jackson.
Martin has not exactly exploded offensively in his two seasons as an everyday player, posting a combined .693 OPS, but thanks to his speed on the bases and his terrific defense in center field, he's been a 7.3 WAR player over that span.
The Cuban defector was a .323/.388/.503 hitter in 533 minor league at-bats, and that line included 34 doubles and 16 home runs, so there is still reason to think he's capable of more offensively.
Even if he keeps producing at his current level, though, he's a valuable commodity as a base stealer and plus defender. With Williams on the way, along with fellow outfield prospects Nomar Mazara and Lewis Brinson, he could eventually wind up on the block.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Jorge Alfaro
3B Joey Gallo
SP Yu Darvish
SP Derek Holland
SP Alex Gonzalez
Atlanta Braves: SP Alex Wood (24 Years Old)
16 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2020)
2014 Stats
| 35/24 | 11-11 | 2.78 | 3.25 | 1.142 | 45 | 170 | 171.2 | 4.0 |
Overview
It's safe to assume that ace Julio Teheran won't be going anywhere considering he's locked up with a team-friendly contract through 2020, but it's not out of the realm of possibility to think Alex Wood or Shelby Miller could be flipped for a bat at some point.
The Atlanta Braves added Max Fried, Mike Foltynewicz, Tyrell Jenkins, Manny Banuelos and Ricardo Sanchez to a farm system that already included Lucas Sims and Jason Hursh this offseason, giving them a wealth of young pitching.
Wood looks like the more attractive trade chip of the two, as he carries an extra year of team control and is left-handed.
For the time being, the rotation figures to be anchored by Teheran, Wood and Miller, but for a team sorely lacking on impact bats both at the major league level and in the minors, Wood might be the ticket to upgrading the offense down the road.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Jose Peraza
SS Andrelton Simmons
SP Julio Teheran
RP Craig Kimbrel
Miami Marlins: SP Henderson Alvarez (24 Years Old)
17 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 30/30 | 12-7 | 2.65 | 3.58 | 1.235 | 33 | 111 | 187.0 | 5.1 |
Overview
Even after trading Andrew Heaney, Anthony DeSclafani and Nathan Eovaldi this offseason, the Miami Marlins still have a deep starting rotation, and it figures to get even better once Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John surgery.
After locking up slugger Giancarlo Stanton long term, the Marlins turned their attention to potential extensions with outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and Fernandez, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Absent from that list was 2014 All-Star Henderson Alvarez, who stepped into the role of staff ace after Fernandez went down and turned in a breakout season in the process.
The Marlins farm system is still loaded with pitching talent, and they also picked up a controllable arm in Jarred Cosart at the deadline last season, so trading Alvarez is by no means out of the question.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
LF Christian Yelich
CF Marcell Ozuna
RF Giancarlo Stanton
SP Jose Fernandez
SP Tyler Kolek
New York Mets: C Kevin Plawecki (23 Years Old)
18 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Double-A & Triple-A)
| 101 | 376 | .309/.365/.460 | 116 | 24 | 11 | 64 | 58 | 0 | - |
Overview
Having too many quality options at a premium position is a good problem to have, and that's the issue facing the New York Mets on both the starting pitching and catching fronts heading into the 2015 season.
The abundance of pitching will likely be solved by moving one or two veteran arms, but the catching situation will be one to watch this spring and moving forward.
Travis d'Arnaud took over everyday catching duties last season, and while his overall numbers (.242 BA, .718 OPS) weren't great, he finished the season on a tear with a .313/.371/.531 month of September and has done enough that his job should be safe.
However, prospect Kevin Plawecki doesn't have much left to prove in the minors after a terrific season between Double-A and Triple-A, and he'll be knocking on the door in 2015.
Expect one of those guys to be moved at some point in the near future, and Plawecki is probably the more attractive trade chip given the simple fact that he's two years younger.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B David Wright
OF Michael Conforto
OF Brandon Nimmo
SP Matt Harvey
SP Zack Wheeler
SP Jacob deGrom
SP Noah Syndergaard
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Cole Hamels (31 Years Old)
19 of 30
Contract Status: Owed $94M through 2018, Team option for $20 million ($6M buyout) in 2019
2014 Stats
| 30/30 | 9-9 | 2.46 | 3.07 | 1.148 | 59 | 198 | 204.2 | 6.1 |
Overview
The only post-arbitration player on this list, Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels remains the team's most attractive trade chip.
The $94 million he is owed over the next four years, along with his $20 million option for 2019, is no longer a sticking point in negotiations but actually a chip in his favor. That represents a smaller investment than what signing Max Scherzer or Jon Lester took this offseason, but he still provides a team with an ace-caliber arm over an extended period of time.
As a result, general manager Ruben Amaro has not backed down from his steep asking price this offseason, and understandably so.
At some point, the Phillies are going to have to pull the trigger on dealing Hamels, for the good of their rebuild, as he's going to bring a huge prospect return whenever he is traded. Until then, he's easily the Phillies' most attractive trade chip.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Maikel Franco
SS J.P. Crawford
SP Aaron Nola
RP Ken Giles
Washington Nationals: SP Stephen Strasburg (26 Years Old)
20 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2017)
2014 Stats
| 34/34 | 14-11 | 3.14 | 2.94 | 1.121 | 43 | 242 | 215.0 | 3.2 |
Overview
It looks as though the Washington Nationals are set to enter the 2015 season with their juggernaut of a rotation intact, but there were rumblings of the team potentially trading a starter following the signing of Max Scherzer.
Jordan Zimmermann has seen his name come up in trade rumors all offseason, but it came as something of a surprise to hear that the team was also listening on Stephen Strasburg, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
It's hard to say Strasburg has been a disappointment, as he's gone 43-30 with a 3.02 ERA (2.84 FIP), 1.089 WHIP and 746 strikeouts in 649.1 innings in his five big league seasons. However, he's yet to have the dominant season everyone was expecting when he broke into the league as perhaps the most hyped pitching prospect of all time.
With Scott Boras as his agent, a long-term deal with Strasburg is not going to come cheap, and with two years of team control left, his value might be at its highest point right now. Chances are he stays put, but he's certainly not untouchable.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Bryce Harper
CF Michael Taylor
SP Lucas Giolito
SP A.J. Cole
Chicago Cubs: SS Addison Russell (21 Years Old)
21 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (High-A & Double-A)
| 68 | 258 | .295/.350/.508 | 76 | 14 | 13 | 45 | 39 | 6 | - |
Overview
So far, the Chicago Cubs have managed to avoid trading any of their high-ceiling young bats, but there is still a good chance that at some point one of their young middle infielders is flipped for pitching.
Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant figure to man the corner infield spots for the foreseeable future, but someone from the trio of Starlin Castro, Addison Russell and Javier Baez could be dealt to add a second ace atop the staff.
Russell has the highest ceiling of that group by far, making him the most attractive trade chip. However, it would take an ace-caliber arm with years of team control for the Cubs to consider moving him, and even then they would likely push for the package to be built around one of the other two guys.
Baez has the bigger power potential and Castro is obviously the proven commodity, but Russell has a chance to be a legitimate five-tool star at the shortstop position, and those guys don't come around every day.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C/OF Kyle Schwarber
1B Anthony Rizzo
3B Kris Bryant
RF Jorge Soler
SP Jon Lester
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Kyle Hendricks
Cincinnati Reds: 3B Todd Frazier (28 Years Old)
22 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 157 | 597 | 273/.336/.459 | 163 | 22 | 29 | 80 | 88 | 20 | 5.2 |
Overview
The Cincinnati Reds are at a crossroads heading into the 2015 season, and how they perform during the first half of the upcoming season will likely determine what direction the franchise heads moving forward.
If the Reds are out of the race by July, chances are ace Johnny Cueto will be on the move, and that could be the first step in the rebuilding process.
Guys like Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman and Mike Leake could also wind up on the block, with the core guys becoming Joey Votto, Devin Mesoraco, Billy Hamilton and the incoming wave of high-end prospect talent led by Jesse Winker and Robert Stephenson.
It's tough to peg where All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier would fit into all of that. He's already 28 years old and about to get a lot more expensive in his first year of arbitration eligibility.
If the rebuild does come, one has to think the Reds would at least entertain offers for him. With productive third basemen in short supply, his value is definitely high.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Devin Mesoraco
CF Billy Hamilton
OF Jesse Winker
SP Robert Stephenson
SP Tony Cingrani
SP Michael Lorenzen
SP Anthony DeSclafani
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Mike Fiers (29 Years Old)
23 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2020)
2014 Stats
| 14/10 | 6-5 | 2.13 | 2.99 | 0.879 | 17 | 76 | 71.2 | 2.5 |
Overview
With Yovani Gallardo already traded earlier this offseason and veteran Kyle Lohse headed for free agency next offseason, the lone veteran arm in the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation next year could be Matt Garza.
The continued development of Wily Peralta and Jimmy Nelson will be the key moving forward, while someone else from the group of Taylor Jungmann, Johnny Hellweg, Tyler Wagner and Tyler Thornburg will presumably need to step forward once Lohse leaves.
With that in mind, Peralta and Nelson are likely untouchable, but the team could consider moving Mike Fiers, especially if someone from that aforementioned group does in fact emerge.
Fiers is already 29 years old, but he's under team control through 2020, and he has been terrific at times over the past few seasons, so his value is still as high as anyone the team would consider moving for the right return.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Jonathan Lucroy
2B Scooter Gennett
CF Carlos Gomez
SP Wily Peralta
SP Jimmy Nelson
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Tyler Glasnow (21 Years Old)
24 of 30Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats
| 23/23 | 12-5 | 1.74 | - | 1.054 | 57 | 157 | 124.1 | - |
Overview
Tyler Glasnow has been one of the fastest-rising pitching prospects in baseball over the past two seasons, and with Gregory Polanco now in the majors, he is undoubtedly the top prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
As such, he won't be traded unless it's for a significant return, but for a Pirates team looking to win now, he might not be untouchable in the right deal.
A fifth-round pick in 2011, the same year the team selected Gerrit Cole with the No. 1 overall pick, Glasnow has shown nasty strikeout stuff in his career (12.0 K/9), but he has struggled with his command (4.4 BB/9) at times.
He has also yet to pitch above the High-A level, so it will be interesting to see how he makes that adjustment this coming season when he'll likely open the year in Double-A.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
2B Neil Walker
LF Starling Marte
CF Andrew McCutchen
RF Gregory Polanco
SP Gerrit Cole
St. Louis Cardinals: RF Stephen Piscotty (24 Years Old)
25 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Triple-A)
| 136 | 500 | .288/.355/.406 | 144 | 32 | 9 | 69 | 70 | 11 | - |
Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals are not in the business of giving up young, controllable talent, as they've done as good a job as any team in baseball drafting and developing their own players over the past decade.
With that in mind, the list below of players unlikely to be traded in any scenario could probably be significantly longer, as the Cardinals simply don't deal their high-end prospects or homegrown talent very often.
However, one player who could be on the move is outfielder Stephen Piscotty, especially if the team comes to an extension with recently acquired Jason Heyward at some point in the near future.
Piscotty is not a flashy prospect, but he profiles as a solid everyday corner outfielder, and after a terrific season in Triple-A, he doesn't have much left to prove at the minor league level.
Should the Cardinals decide to make a play for another starting pitcher at some point, there's a good chance Piscotty will be the centerpiece of the deal.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Yadier Molina
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Michael Wacha
Arizona Diamondbacks: CF A.J. Pollock (27 Years Old)
26 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2019)
2014 Stats
| 75 | 265 | .302/.353/.498 | 80 | 19 | 7 | 24 | 41 | 14 | 3.8 |
Overview
After a disappointing 2014 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks' new front office duo of Dave Stewart and Tony La Russa has set to work reshaping the roster this offseason. Miguel Montero, Wade Miley and Didi Gregorius have all been traded, and there are likely more moves to come.
Sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Yasmany Tomas won't be going anywhere, and the same can probably be said about shortstop Chris Owings after the team dealt Gregorius. There are also a handful of high-end pitching prospects, led by Archie Bradley, who figure to make up the future of the rotation.
One area the D-backs could trade from is the outfield, with Mark Trumbo and A.J. Pollock both looking like attractive chips who could potentially be moved in the right deal.
Pollock was on his way to a breakout season last year before missing 79 games with a fractured hand. It would take a big return, but with David Peralta and Ender Inciarte also in the mix, it's not unreasonable to think he could be moved.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Yasmany Tomas
SS Chris Owings
SP Archie Bradley
SP Braden Shipley
SP Yoan Lopez
Colorado Rockies: 3B Ryan McMahon (20 Years Old)
27 of 30Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (Single-A)
| 126 | 482 | .282/.358/.502 | 136 | 46 | 18 | 102 | 93 | 8 | - |
Overview
Given the recent track record of general manager Jeff Bridich, the entire Colorado Rockies roster might be untouchable, as he has been unwilling to pull the trigger on any significant trades despite the team's continued struggles.
At some point, the idea of trading Troy Tulowitzki and/or Carlos Gonzalez has to be seriously considered, but even if they are legitimately shopped, there are significant red flags given both players' remaining contracts and lengthy injury histories.
Instead, the team's most attractive trade chip in its ongoing search for quality pitching looks to be third base prospect Ryan McMahon.
The former standout prep quarterback and 2013 second-round pick has piled up 64 doubles, six triples and 29 home runs in 700 pro at-bats so far, and he has shown the glove to stick at the hot corner long term.
With Nolan Arenado entrenched at third base long term and perhaps among the most untouchable players in all of baseball, McMahon looks expendable, and if he continues to produce like he has, his stock will only climb.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
3B Nolan Arenado
SP Jon Gray
SP Eddie Butler
SP Kyle Freeland
Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Chris Anderson (22 Years Old)
28 of 30Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (N/A)
2014 Stats (High-A)
| 27/25 | 7-7 | 4.62 | - | 1.563 | 63 | 146 | 134.1 | - |
Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made it abundantly clear that they have no intention of trading anyone from the prospect trio of Joc Pederson, Corey Seager or Julio Urias, so we can go ahead and cross them off the list right away. The same goes for last year's first-round selection, Grant Holmes.
Pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kenley Jansen are also untouchable, as is outfielder Yasiel Puig. Zack Greinke and Adrian Gonzalez are in that group as well, especially if Greinke decides not to opt out of his deal or re-signs long-term.
That leaves a handful of prospects to choose from as the team's most attractive trade chip. Pitcher Zach Lee, Chris Anderson and Chris Reed and outfielder Scott Schebler look like the top candidates.
An argument can certainly be made for Schebler after the numbers he's posted the past two seasons, but we'll go with the big 6'4" right-hander Anderson. His control still needs some refining, but he has the four-pitch repertoire and the durable frame to emerge as a legitimate front-line starter.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
SS Corey Seager
CF Joc Pederson
RF Yasiel Puig
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP Julio Urias
SP Grant Holmes
RP Kenley Jansen
San Diego Padres: SP Tyson Ross (27 Years Old)
29 of 30
Contract Status: Arbitration-Eligible (Free Agent in 2018)
2014 Stats
| 31/31 | 13-14 | 2.81 | 3.24 | 1.211 | 72 | 195 | 195.2 | 2.5 |
Overview
Given how much offensive talent the San Diego Padres managed to add this offseason, it's almost hard to believe they did not have to part with top prospects Austin Hedges, Matthew Wisler and Hunter Renfroe. It's fair to assume all three of those guys will be staying put, and the same goes for recently acquired Wil Myers and his five remaining years of team control.
If things don't go according to plan this year, the Padres could certainly put Justin Upton on the block at the trade deadline, but 2014 All-Star Tyson Ross still looks like their most valuable trade chip.
The team was shopping Ross, along with fellow starters Ian Kennedy and Andrew Cashner, when it began its hunt for offensive upgrades, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
It would take a huge return to land him given his remaining years of team control, but that shows the team is not completely against the idea of trading him in the right deal.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Austin Hedges
CF Wil Myers
OF Hunter Renfroe
SP Matthew Wisler
San Francisco Giants: C Andrew Susac (24 Years Old)
30 of 30
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration (Free Agent in 2021)
2014 Stats (Triple-A)
| 63 | 213 | .268/.379/.451 | 57 | 9 | 10 | 32 | 34 | 0 | - |
Overview
At some point, Buster Posey will likely move out from behind the plate in an effort to extend his career, but the San Francisco Giants have made no indication that such a move is in the works.
That leaves catching prospect Andrew Susac blocked for the time being, and it raises the question whether he's more valuable as a backup for a few years with an eye on starting down the line or as a trade chip right now.
The team's decision to select college catcher Aramis Garcia in the second round of the 2014 draft could be an indication that it is leaning toward the latter, and Susac could be on the move at some point.
Chances are pitching prospects Kyle Crick and Tyler Beede are untouchable, so if the team does find itself in a position to make a significant trade, Susac would likely need to be the centerpiece.
Unlikely to Be Traded in Any Scenario
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
RF Hunter Pence
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Kyle Crick
SP Tyler Beede
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
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