1 Potential Trade Idea for All 30 MLB Teams Heading into June
The 2015 MLB season is now nearly two months old, and at this point, teams are starting to indicate whether they will be in a position to contend this season or will be turning their attention toward the future.
While it's hard to call anyone a clear seller here at the end of May, especially with two wild cards now up for grabs in both leagues, there are at least a few teams that already look destined to sell come July.
With an eye ahead to what promises to be another busy trade season, what follows is one trade idea for each of the 30 MLB teams.
In many cases, the same trade is featured for two teams, giving us a chance to dive into what makes the move a potential win for both sides. So don't be surprised when the same deal pops up twice in the following slides.
Will all of these moves happen? Of course not, but don't be surprised if at least a few of these proposed trades wind up being more than just speculation.
Note: All prospect rankings referenced in the following article come courtesy of the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
The Trade
To ARI: Player to be named later (PTBNL)
To LAA: 3B Aaron Hill, cash
Overview
It seems as though I've been hypothetically trading Aaron Hill for years now, yet he still remains on the Arizona Diamondbacks roster.
That being said, his playing time has taken a hit with Chris Owings taking over as the primary second baseman and Yasmany Tomas stepping into an everyday role at third base.
As a result, Hill has seen just 118 plate appearances so far this season, splitting his time between the two positions. From the Diamondbacks perspective, it just makes more sense to play the two young guys that figure to be long-term pieces.
That's made Hill an expensive part-time player, as he has a $12 million salary this season and $12 million salary again next season.
It would take eating a decent chunk of that remaining salary and settling for a minimal return, but if the Diamondbacks can move him and save some money in the process, it would be worth their while.
The Angels currently have Johnny Giavotella (.264 BA, .635 OPS) and David Freese (.220 BA, .676 OPS) playing second and third, respectively, so adding a decent bat who is capable of playing both positions would make sense.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
The Trade
To ATL: SP Andrew Faulkner, C Jose Trevino
To TEX: RP Jason Grilli
Overview
The Atlanta Braves already sold off their most attractive trade chips during the offseason, so don't expect them to be too busy on the market.
However, one player who figures to be of interest to contending teams is veteran reliever Jason Grilli.
Count the Texas Rangers among the teams that figure to be interested, as they have climbed back into the playoff hunt despite one of the worst bullpens in baseball.
The Braves won't land a top-tier prospect for Grilli, even with him signed to a team-friendly deal for next year, but they should be able to net a decent return.
In this case, we'll say left-handed starter Andrew Faulkner and catcher Jose Trevino.
Faulkner, 22, entered the season as the Rangers' No. 20 overall prospect. He was 12-5 with a 2.74 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 134.2 innings last season, and while he's off to a slow start in Double-A, he has some legitimate upside.
Trevino, 22, was drafted out of college and offers a solid bat and legitimate receiving skills. He has nine doubles and six home runs through his first 40 games for Single-A Hickory this year and would add to what has become a depleted pool of catching talent in the Braves system.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
The Trade
To BAL: IF Cesar Hernandez
To PHI: SP/RP T.J. McFarland
Overview
With J.J. Hardy missing time early, Jonathan Schoop currently on the disabled list and Everth Cabrera (.205 BA, .469 OPS) providing little in the way of production, the Baltimore Orioles have seen their middle infield depth tested early this season.
While they won't be in the market for an everyday-caliber player, a versatile utility infielder could be a nice addition to their bench while they work their way back to full strength.
Ryan Flaherty recently came off the disabled list, and he should be able to help fill that need in some capacity, but more depth in that area wouldn't hurt.
At this point, trading for someone like Cesar Hernandez of the Philadelphia Phillies and releasing Cabrera might be their best move.
The 25-year-old Hernandez was a career .294/.352/.388 hitter during his eight seasons in the minors, and he's capable of providing solid defense at both middle infield spots.
Swapping T.J. McFarland, who has spent the past few seasons shuttling between the big league bullpen and Triple-A, would give the Phillies a serviceable arm in exchange for their utility infielder.
.png?w=256)
Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
The Trade
To BOS: SP Cole Hamels
To PHI: SP Joe Kelly, SP Eduardo Rodriguez, 3B Rafael Devers, IF Sean Coyle
Overview
The Cole Hamels-to-Boston rumors have been swirling since before the winter meetings, and they haven't slowed down.
It doesn't help that the Red Sox starters currently rank dead last in the majors with a 5.17 ERA, and if they hope to contend this season, they will need to pull the trigger and trade for an ace.
It's fairly clear at this point that they are not willing to part with Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts or Blake Swihart in any trades, but they still have enough minor league talent to put together a good enough package to land Hamels.
The 31-year-old Hamels has been terrific so far this season, going 5-3 with a 2.98 ERA, 1.131 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 66.1 innings.
He's been particularly good of late, going 4-0 with a 1.53 ERA in his last four starts, and there is no doubt he would give Boston an immediate shot in the arm.
Parting with Eduardo Rodriguez (who was recently called up for a spot start, according to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal) and Rafael Devers would be particularly tough.
However, this is a Red Sox roster built to win now, and it's a move the team has to make if it's serious about contending in 2015.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
The Trade
To CHC: RP Tyler Clippard
To OAK: 1B Dan Vogelbach, SP Eric Jokisch
Overview
On their way to an 89-loss season last year, the Chicago Cubs quietly had one of the best bullpens in baseball, as they posted a 3.61 ERA as a group.
This season, they find themselves in a position to legitimately contend for a playoff spot, but the bullpen has been by far their biggest weakness.
Their relief corps currently ranks 22nd in the league with a 4.07 ERA, and they've converted just 11-of-19 save chances.
A healthy Neil Ramirez will help, but acquiring a front-line setup arm to join Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon in the late innings could be the missing piece of the puzzle on the North Side.
While Tyler Clippard is currently closing games for the Oakland Athletics, he's long been one of the best setup guys in baseball. As a free-agent-to-be for the struggling A's, he'll almost certainly be available at some point.
Dan Vogelbach still has big offensive potential, but he's blocked long-term by Anthony Rizzo, so he figures to be a trade chip sooner or later. He's hitting .320/.436/.497 in Double-A, so his value may be as high as it's ever been.
Eric Jokisch has put up solid numbers in the high minors the past three seasons, and while he's a fringe starter at the big league level, he's useful depth from the left side with some upside at the age of 25. He'd make a nice secondary piece of the deal for Oakland.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
The Trade
To CWS: SP Bryan Mitchell, SP Jaron Long, RP Jose A. Ramirez, OF Mason Williams
To NYY: SP Jeff Samardzija
Overview
It's too soon to call the Chicago White Sox sellers just yet, but with a 20-24 record, they currently sit in last place in a talented AL Central.
If the team were to wind up selling, chances are they wouldn't be overly aggressively, one guy they could look to flip is starter Jeff Samardzija.
While it did not cost them a top-tier prospect to acquire Samardzija from the Oakland Athletics in the offseason, it did take a quality package of four young players, headlined by shortstop Marcus Semien and right-hander Chris Bassitt.
A similar return is not out of the question, even with Samardzija posting a 3.84 ERA on the year, and in this case we're looking at a four-player package of Bryan Mitchell, Jaron Long, Jose A. Ramirez and Mason Williams coming from the New York Yankees.
Mitchell (24) and Long (23) are both currently pitching in Triple-A, and while neither rank as top-flight prospects, they are capable of emerging as big league starters and are almost ready for the majors.
In fact, Mitchell has already gotten a taste of the big leagues, posting a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings of work for the Yankees last season.
Ramirez, 25, has the best arm of the bunch and has moved from starting to relieving this season in Triple-A due to a nagging oblique issue. He has the power stuff to make an impact in the late innings, or he could give starting another go as well.
The X-factor here is Mason Williams, who was ranked as the No. 32 prospect in baseball heading into the 2013 season.
He's hit .223 and .245 the past two seasons, struggling to make the jump to the high minors, but he's off to a terrific start this year and earned a quick promotion from Double-A to Triple-A.
Still only 23 years old, Williams is the type of outfielder the White Sox love, and he could be a terrific post-hype pickup.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
The Trade
To CIN: SP Vincent Velasquez, OF Preston Tucker, 2B Tony Kemp, RP Jandel Gustave
To HOU: SP Johnny Cueto, RP Manny Parra
Overview
All signs point to Johnny Cueto finishing the 2015 season somewhere other than Cincinnati, but just how much is the Reds ace worth as a rental player?
There will no doubt be more than a few teams interested, but at the end of the day, the Reds don't have a ton of leverage when it comes to dealing him as he's all but gone in free agency this coming offseason.
That being said, they should still be able to land an impressive package of prospects, and in this scenario, that comes from the Houston Astros in the form of Vincent Velasquez, Preston Tucker, Tony Kemp and Jandel Gustave.
Velasquez would be the centerpiece of the deal, as he entered the season ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Astros system and currently ranks as the No. 78 prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
The 22-year-old has made the jump to Double-A this season, where he currently has a 1.40 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. Injuries have been an issue in the past, but all the pieces are there for him to be a front-line starter.
Meanwhile, Tucker would give the team a potential replacement should they decide to deal Jay Bruce or Marlon Byrd. The 24-year-old was crushing Triple-A pitching to the tune of a 1.028 OPS and 10 home runs in 25 games before being called up, and he's already made some noise in the majors.
Kemp, the former Vanderbilt star, is a .305/.400/.407 hitter in three minor league seasons, and he's raking in Double-A right now. He would become the heir to Brandon Phillips at second base.
Throw in the hard-throwing Jandel Gustave, who was taken in the Rule 5 draft and passed around to a few teams before returning to the Astros, and you'd have an awfully intriguing package of players for the Reds to consider.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
The Trade
To CLE: RP Francisco Rodriguez
To MIL: SP Cody Anderson
Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers waited until late in the offseason to re-sign All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez, but the two sides eventually agreed on a two-year, $13 million deal that includes a $6 million option for 2017.
Two months into the season, it doesn't look like the Brewers will have much use for a top-notch closer, and they may not in the near future as they appear to be headed for a rebuild.
For his part, Rodriguez has converted all eight of his save chances with a 1.59 ERA, 0.765 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 over 17 appearances.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Indians have charged back into contention despite a bullpen that has gone 3-8 and converted only nine out of 14 save chances.
Incumbent closer Cody Allen has pitched better this month with a 3.00 ERA and all five save chances converted, but that comes on the heels of an 11.57 ERA, two losses and a blown save in April.
Whether they view someone like K-Rod as an immediate replacement in the ninth inning or an insurance policy in a setup role, he would undoubtedly help the relief corps as a whole.
As for the cost, right-hander Cody Anderson entered the season as the team's No. 10 prospect, and while he has legitimate starter upside, he also remains something of a project.
The 24-year-old was 4-11 with a 5.44 ERA in a full season in Double-A last year, but he's looked much better in his second go-around this season, posting a 1.69 ERA and 1.062 WHIP over his first nine starts.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
The Trade
To COL: SP Steven Matz, SP Rafael Montero, SS Gavin Cecchini, SP Robert Gsellman
To NYM: SS Troy Tulowitzki, $25 million
Overview
"We're not trying to trade him, there's no story there," Colorado Rockies owner told Jon Morosi of Fox Sports in reference to star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
However, at some point, drastic change needs to come to this Rockies franchise if they are ever going to climb back into legitimate contention in the NL West.
So just how much is the injury-prone but dynamic Tulowitzki worth on the trade market? In this scenario, he heads to the New York Mets for an impressive return.
While the deal doesn't include Noah Syndergaard, it does center around a pair of high-ceiling arms in Steven Matz and Rafael Montero.
Matz, 23, is the latest front-line arm to emerge from the Mets system as he's gone 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.042 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 63.1 innings while pitching in the hitter's paradise that is Triple-A Las Vegas.
Montero has a live arm as well, and while it's unclear whether he would land in the rotation or the bullpen, he'd be a welcome addition regardless.
Add in rising right-hander Robert Gsellman who is 6-0 with a 1.76 ERA in eight starts for High-A St. Lucie, and a potential Tulowitzki replacement in Gavin Cecchini who is batting .285 with a .797 OPS in Double-A, and that would be a tough package to turn down.
The big question is how much cash the Rockies would be willing to include to land a prospect haul of that caliber, and in this case, they eat $25 million of the $94 million he is owed over the next five years.
Trading the face of the franchise is never easy, but at this point, the fanbase is so disillusioned with the organization, it's something that would likely be welcomed more than protested.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
The Trade
To DET: SP Jesse Chavez
To OAK: SP Kevin Ziomek
Overview
No Max Scherzer and no Rick Porcello has spelled trouble for the Detroit Tigers this season.
The duo of David Price and Alfredo Simon has been terrific, but the rest of the rotation has been a significant question mark, as no other starter has an ERA under 4.00.
Anibal Sanchez and Justin Verlander were expected to pick up the slack, but Sanchez has a 6.12 ERA in 10 starts and Verlander has yet to make his 2015 debut, though he is set for a rehab start on Sunday.
That all adds up to the Detroit Tigers being in need of some pitching help, and while they likely won't be in the market for any big names, a second-tier pickup like Jesse Chavez could make all the difference.
While the Oakland Athletics may not be as motivated to deal Chavez as some of their other pieces, it's doubtful they would balk at the idea entirely. After all, he doesn't offer much upside at the age of 31 and is set to get relatively expensive next season in his second year of arbitration.
Chavez has gone 9-13 with a 3.19 ERA in 28 starts and 15 relief appearances since the start of last season, pitching well in both roles, and he would give the Tigers a valuable swingman.
Kevin Ziomek entered the season as the No. 4 prospect in a thin Tigers system, and the left-hander projects as a decent back-end starter.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
The Trade
To HOU: SP Johnny Cueto, RP Manny Parra
To CIN: SP Vincent Velasquez, OF Preston Tucker, 2B Tony Kemp, RP Jandel Gustave
Overview
The Houston Astros look like the real deal so far this season, and in a wide-open AL West, they could be aggressive on the trade market as they look to secure their spot in the postseason.
While the one-two punch of Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh has been great, the general consensus is that this team is still one quality arm away from being a serious threat, and that could put them in the market for some big names this summer.
In this case, that big name happens to be free-agent-to-be Johnny Cueto, who would be an expensive rental piece, but one capable of pushing this team over the top.
Parting with Vincent Velasquez and Preston Tucker would be a steep price to pay, but this is a franchise loaded with young talent. In fact, rumors have already swirled about the team potentially using Tucker as a trade chip, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The health of Cueto will be watched closely after his last start was pushed back due to elbow soreness, but an MRI revealed no structural damage, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Cueto has a 3.03 ERA, 0.964 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 65.1 innings so far this season.
Manny Parra, who is also a free agent at the end of the season, would be a useful addition as a quality left-handed reliever. He has a 1.80 ERA in eight appearances.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
The Trade
To KC: OF Drew Stubbs
To COL: PTBNL
Overview
With Alex Rios sidelined, the Kansas City Royals have gone with an unproductive platoon of Paulo Orlando (.250 BA, .681 OPS) and Jarrod Dyson (.206 BA. 528 OPS) in right field.
Rios is currently on the rehab trail and could rejoin the team as early as Friday, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.
However, the team would still benefit from upgrading their backup outfield situation, and the Colorado Rockies have an abundance of outfielders with which to trade from.
The Royals love defense and speed, and those are two tools that Drew Stubbs brings to the table, as well as some decent pop and a very high strikeout rate.
He's struggled this season, to the tune of a .118/.182/.255 line and 31 strikeouts in 51 at-bats in the majors, and he's currently playing for Triple-A Albuquerque.
It would take the Rockies eating some of his $5.875 million salary to get a deal done, but he could be a nice buy-low pickup for the Royals.
Just last season, Stubbs hit .289/.339/.482 with 22 doubles, 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases for a 2.7 WAR.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
The Trade
To LAA: 1B Adam Lind, RP Neal Cotts
To MIL: SP Nate Smith, 3B Kaleb Cowart
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels were the highest-scoring team in the league last season, averaging 4.77 runs per game, but that number has dropped by over a run to 3.72 this season, as only the Chicago White Sox have scored less among American League teams.
Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun have been solid, and Erick Aybar is hitting .310 in May, but the rest of the offense has been a mess.
In particular, the team is in need of a left-handed power bat, a role that was supposed to be filled by Josh Hamilton (traded), C.J. Cron (demoted) and Matt Joyce (.176 BA, .536 OPS).
While a potential deal for Ryan Howard might make some sense, a shorter commitment to someone like Adam Lind looks like the best-case scenario here for the Angels.
Lind is strictly a platoon player, as he's hit .212/.258/.329 against left-handed pitching in his career, but that is offset by a .292/.350/.510 line against right-handers.
The 31-year-old has a $7.5 million salary this season and an $8 million option for next year, so he would be more than just a rental player. He currently has an .819 OPS with 11 doubles and seven home runs in 153 at-bats.
Throw in lefty reliever Neal Cotts, as the Angels remain thin on southpaw relievers. He's pitched to a 5.89 ERA so far this year, but he's been solid the past two seasons, and likely wouldn't cost more than taking on what's left of his $3 million salary.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
The Trade
To LAD: SP Scott Kazmir
TO OAK: SP Jose De Leon, OF Scott Schebler
Overview
A season-ending injury to Brandon McCarthy and ongoing shoulder issues by Hyun-Jin Ryu have left the Los Angeles Dodgers scrambling to fill out their rotation behind the trio of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Brett Anderson.
Arizona Diamondbacks castoff Mike Bolsinger (4 GS, 3-0, 0.71 ERA) has been a revelation, but even if he can keep it up the No. 5 starter spot is still up in the air, and at some point the team figures to make a move to add an arm.
An unwillingness to part with Julio Urias, Corey Seager or Joc Pederson (and rightfully so) probably takes them out of the Cole Hamels sweepstakes, but a solid consolation prize could be Oakland Athletics left-hander Scott Kazmir.
Kazmir resurrected his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2013, and he's gone 17-12 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.178 WHIP since joining the Athletics the following season.
Set to hit free agency at the end of the year, Kazmir will almost certainly be dealt at some point this year, and he'd give the Dodgers a third quality left-hander and another proven veteran arm.
It's worth noting that he left his start on Wednesday with shoulder tightness and is set to undergo an MRI, per Fox Sports, so keep an eye on his health.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30The Trade
To MIA: SS Dawel Lugo, SP Matt Boyd
To TOR: SP Mat Latos
Overview
Things have not gone as hoped for the Miami Marlins this season, as two months into what was expected to be a shot at contending they are 18-30 and in last place in the NL East.
If they continue to struggle, expect them to sell what they can at the deadline or sooner, and the first piece to go will likely be right-hander Mat Latos.
Despite his early struggles (1-4, 6.12 ERA), Latos is still a power arm with a good track record, and his 3.47 FIP is a good sign better days are ahead.
Moving him to a pitching-starved team in the Toronto Blue Jays well ahead of the deadline could be the best way to maximize his value.
The centerpiece of this proposed deal is 20-year-old shortstop prospect Dawel Lugo, who is obviously still a work in progress, but has a high ceiling at a premium position.
Matt Boyd began the season as the No. 29 prospect in the Blue Jays system, but he's off to a terrific start in 2015, going 4-1 with a 1.05 ERA, 0.838 WHIP and 9.8 K/9 in Double-A.
After giving up Anthony DeSclafani to acquire Latos, the Marlins will want to recoup some prospect value if they aren't going to be in a position to contend.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
The Trade
To MIL: SP Nate Smith, 3B Kaleb Cowart
To LAA: 1B Adam Lind, RP Neal Cotts
Overview
Unless they pull the trigger on trading someone like Carlos Gomez or Jonathan Lucroy, the Milwaukee Brewers' best trade chip may wind up being first baseman Adam Lind.
Offense is at a premium these days, and he has been productive so far this season, posting an .819 OPS with 11 doubles and seven home runs in 153 at-bats. Add in his reasonable $8 million option for next year, and the Brewers should be able to pick up a solid prospect.
Here we have him going to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-hander Nate Smith and third baseman Kaleb Cowart.
Smith, 23, checks in as the No. 14 prospect in the Angels' system and he's off to a good start in 2015. The former eighth-round pick is currently 4-4 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.211 WHIP and 8.2 K/9 for Double-A Arkansas.
Then we have Kaleb Cowart, who was once viewed as the Angels' No. 1 prospect prior to the 2013, when he also ranked as the No. 60 prospect in all of baseball.
Still just 22 years old, Cowart has struggled making the jump to the upper levels of the minors, and he was sent back to High-A to begin this season, and he's currently batting .218/.293/.335 with 13 extra-base hits.
He'd be nothing more than a flier by the Brewers, but a change of scenery could do him good, and Milwaukee does have an opening at third base with Aramis Ramirez set to retire at the end of the year.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
The Trade
To MIN: 1B Ryan Howard, $35 million
To PHI: CF Max Kepler
Overview
The Minnesota Twins have been the biggest surprise of the 2015 season so far, as they are currently tied atop the AL Central standings at 28-18, after most picked them to finish in the cellar once again.
Despite their success, there are still some clear areas of need, and chief among them is adding more pop to a lineup that ranks 13th in the American League with 37 home runs on the season.
Is that need big enough to go after someone like Ryan Howard? Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com is among those that thinks it's at least a possibility.
While he'll never be the 50-homer MVP threat he was in his prime, Howard has shown there is still something in the tank with a big month of May, as he's hitting .307/.340/.602 with six doubles and six home runs in 24 games.
Previous reports had indicated that the Phillies were willing to eat as much as $50 million of the $60 million left on his contract before the season started, according to Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth.
That remaining money now stands at about $52.44 million, and given his increased production, something in the $30 million-$35 million neighborhood may be enough to get a deal done.
Max Kepler is hitting .331/.372/.518 with 16 doubles and seven stolen bases this season, with most of that production coming in Double-A. However, the center fielder will always be blocked by Byron Buxton in Minnesota.
New York Mets
18 of 30
The Trade
To NYM: SS Troy Tulowitzki, $25 million
To COL: SP Steven Matz, SP Rafael Montero, SS Gavin Cecchini, SP Robert Gsellman
Overview
Let me preface this by saying that while Wilmer Flores has flashed some decent pop and a better-than-expected glove, in no way has his .245/.277/.417 batting line convinced me that he is the long-term answer at shortstop for the New York Mets.
To be blunt, the Mets need to get better offensively if they're going to contend, it's as simple as that.
We all know how good their pitching is, but a team that's batting .238 and averaging 3.75 runs per game is going to have a hard time contending, regardless of the arms at their disposal.
Enter Troy Tulowitzki, who has a length injury history, but is the kind of bat capable of stepping in alongside Lucas Duda and making a team-changing impact.
He won't come cheap, but the above package allows the team to keep Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, both young catchers in Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki and outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto.
Also, with the health of David Wright once again in question, Flores could slide over to third base and still see regular playing time to get his bat in the lineup.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
The Trade
To NYY: SP Jeff Samardzija
To CWS: SP Bryan Mitchell, SP Jaron Long, RP Jose A. Ramirez, OF Mason Williams
Overview
Despite a disastrous 1-10 stretch, the New York Yankees still sit atop the AL East standings, having just wrapped up a three-game sweep of a good Kansas City Royals team.
Michael Pineda (6-2, 3.36 ERA) has emerged as the ace of the staff, with Adam Warren and Nathan Eovaldi both providing viable back-of-the-rotation production, but this still does not look like a rotation capable of legitimately contending.
Masahiro Tanaka is on the rehab trail, but even if he can return to form and stay healthy (which is a big if), the team still looks to be one quality arm short.
They don't have the pieces to deal for Cole Hamels, but taking a run at someone like Jeff Samardzija could be all they need to secure their place atop the AL East.
The big right-hander is 4-2 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.250 WHIP, and he's hit his stride of late, going 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA in his last three starts.
The four-player package of players listed above includes three of the Yankees top 30 prospects, but none ranks higher than Mitchell at No. 12 overall, so if the Yankees could pull off that deal they'd be improving their staff without mortgaging the future.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30The Trade
TO OAK: SP Jose De Leon, OF Scott Schebler
To LAD: SP Scott Kazmir
Overview
The Oakland Athletics bought as aggressively as any team in baseball at the deadline last year, but they could find themselves on the other end of the spectrum this time around.
If nothing else, expect upcoming free agents Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard to all be moved, and of that group Kazmir could bring the biggest return.
The centerpiece of this proposed deal sending the left-hander to the Los Angeles Dodgers would be pitching prospect Jose De Leon.
The 22-year-old was a 24th-round pick in 2013, and he debuted with a 6.96 ERA in 53 innings that season.
However, improved conditioning and mechanics made all the difference last season, and he went 7-0 with a 2.22 ERA, 1.026 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 77 innings between rookie ball and Single-A.
That vaulted him up to No. 6 among Dodgers prospects entering this season, and he's continued to impress, going 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA, 0.893 WHIP and 66 strikeouts in 43.2 innings, recently earning a promotion to Double-A.
Packaging him with outfielder Scott Schebler, who has posted back-to-back 20 double, 10 triple, 20 home run, 10 steal seasons while climbing the organizational ladder, may be enough to get a deal done.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
The Trade
To PHI: SP Joe Kelly, SP Eduardo Rodriguez, 3B Rafael Devers, IF Sean Coyle
To BOS: SP Cole Hamels
Overview
It's been no secret that the Philadelphia Phillies asking price for Cole Hamels has been incredibly high, and understandably so as he's one of the game's best pitchers and is more than just a rental with his current contract running through 2018 with an option year tacked on.
It's clear they won't be able to pry Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart away from the Red Sox, but that doesn't mean Boston is not still capable of putting together the most enticing trade package.
We'll start with an immediate replacement for Hamels in Joe Kelly, who has struggled some this season, but is still 26 years old, is controllable through 2018 and has some legitimate upside.
From there, the centerpieces of the deal would be prospects Eduardo Rodriguez and Rafael Devers.
Rodriguez, 22, was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles last season in exchange for Andrew Miller. He's currently pitching for Triple-A Pawtucket, where he's gone 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA, 1.097 WHIP and 8.2 K/9, as he too could step in and help immediately at the big league level.
Devers, 18, is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the game right now. The team sent him to full-season ball at Single-A Greenville to begin this season, and he's responded by hitting .328/.363/.474 with 15 extra-base hits in 35 games.
He's still a work in progress at third base, but a case could be made that he would immediately become the top prospect in the Phillies' system.
Add in infield prospect Sean Coyle, who posted an .883 OPS with 16 home runs and 13 steals in Double-A last season and could serve as a potential replacement for Chase Utley, and that's an impressive package of talent heading to the Phillies.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
The Trade
To PIT: RP Rafael Betancourt
To COL: SP Wilfredo Boscan
Overview
While the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen currently ranks seventh in the league with a 2.80 ERA, that number is accompanied by 10 losses and five blown saves, and adding another arm to the mix figures to be in the cards.
They don't need a closer, as Mark Melancon (12-of-13 SV, 2.86 ERA) has been solid, but a proven veteran capable of pitching in a setup role alongside Tony Watson would be a nice addition.
It looked at one point as though Rafael Betancourt's career may be over after he underwent Tommy John surgery at the age of 38, but he's returned strong and been the Colorado Rockies most consistent reliever this season.
In 19 appearances, he has a 3.00 ERA, 0.722 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 with five holds and one save, and all on a one-year, $1 million deal.
Well-traveled Wilfredo Boscan is currently 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA in 36.1 innings of work for Triple-A Indianapolis, and he would give the Rockies a useful arm capable of eating some innings.
Still only 25 years old, Boscan is not considered much of a prospect, but he does have a decent track record in the high minors.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
The Trade
To SD: SS Jordy Mercer
To PIT: 1B Alex Dickerson
Overview
The San Diego Padres biggest issue may be their bullpen, but the easiest issue to address might be upgrading at the shortstop position.
Led by a platoon of Alexi Amarista and Clint Barmes, the shortstop position has produced a .197/.278/.280 line with just nine RBI and 14 runs scored so far this season.
While a significant upgrade may be tough to come by, they may be able to land Jordy Mercer from the Pittsburgh Pirates for relatively cheap now that he's been pushed out by rookie Jung-ho Kang.
Mercer is hitting just .189/.248/.221 in 122 at-bats himself on the year, but he is coming off of a terrific 2014 season, and could return to that level of production with a trade.
Last year, the 28-year-old hit .255/.305/.387 with 27 doubles, 12 home runs and 55 RBI, which coupled with his good glove made him a 2.8 WAR player. Along with that upside, he also has the added value of being under team control through the 2018 season.
In return, this deal has the Padres sending first base prospect Alex Dickerson back to the team that drafted him in the third round back in 2011.
Dickerson, 25, was traded prior to last season for Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas, and he is currently hitting .315/.399/.500 with 11 doubles, three home runs and 25 RBI in 40 games for Triple-A El Paso.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
The Trade
To SF: IF/OF Ben Zobrist
To OAK: SP Ty Blach, SP Chris Stratton
Overview
The San Francisco Giants made a run at acquiring Ben Zobrist during the offseason before he eventually landed in Oakland, and they could target him once again if and when the Athletics make him available.
After designating the struggling Casey McGehee, the Giants have inserted Matt Duffy as the everyday third baseman, and while he will get every chance to hold onto that job Zobrist would certainly be an upgrade.
He could also provide depth at the corner outfield spots and all around the infield, but the most likely scenario would be to either slot him at third base or to move Joe Panik to the hot corner and keep Zobrist at second base.
Regardless, the 34-year-old Zobrist will first need to prove he's healthy and productive, as he missed time with a knee injury and is hitting just .259/.313/.414 on the year in 58 at-bats.
Provided he rebounds to his previous level of production, there will be a ton of teams interested in acquiring him, so the asking price could be a bit higher than you might think.
This deal has the Giants surrendering a pair of solid arms in starters Ty Blach (No. 7 prospect) and Chris Stratton (No. 12 prospect), but there are currently five pitchers ranked ahead of Blach in a pitching-rich system, so it's a move the team can afford to make.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
The Trade
To SEA: SP Aaron Harang
To PHI: 1B/3B Patrick Kivlehan, C John Hicks
Overview
The Seattle Mariners entered the season as favorites in the AL West, but they have come up short in a number of areas, and currently sit at 23-23 overall.
While the offense has been something of a disappointment, their biggest issue has been the starting rotation, with Hisashi Iwakuma hurt and Taijuan Walker (1-5, 7.33 ERA) struggling mightily.
Veteran Chris Young played such an important role in the team's success last season, and picking up a similar pitcher in Aaron Harang could help bring some stability to their staff.
Despite solid numbers last year, Harang had to settle for a one-year, $5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, and has been one of the biggest steals of the offseason.
The 37-year-old is currently 4-4 with a 1.93 ERA, 1.026 WHIP and nine quality starts in 10 games for a 2.8 WAR that ranks second among NL pitchers.
His performance figures to level out some between now and the time the Phillies start to shop him, but he should still be able to bring a solid return.
Patrick Kivlehan (No. 4 prospect) has some legitimate offensive tools, but is blocked long term by D.J. Peterson and Kyle Seager at the corner infield spots. The 25-year-old posted an .870 OPS with 20 home runs and 103 RBI last season.
John Hicks (No. 13 prospect) is blocked by Mike Zunino and now Welington Castillo, and while he doesn't offer a ton of upside, he should be able to carve out a solid career as a backup.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
The Trade
To STL: SP Kyle Lohse
To MIL: IF Greg Garcia
Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals were loaded with starting pitching depth not all that long ago, but this season is a different story entirely.
With Shelby Miller traded, Adam Wainwright out for the season and Marco Gonzales nursing an injury in Triple-A, the team is relying heavily on newly healthy Jaime Garcia to stay that way, something he has struggled to do over the years.
They probably won't look to make a splash, but picking up some depth capable of stepping into the rotation should injury strike would be wise.
Kyle Lohse will be available in the final year of his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, and a return to St. Louis could help snap him out of his early struggles.
The 36-year-old is currently 3-5 with a 5.80 ERA (4.75 FIP) in his first 10 starts. He was a member of the Cardinals from 2008-12, going 55-35 with a 3.90 ERA during that five-year span.
It probably won't cost much to acquire him outside of picking up what's left of his $11 million salary, and a useful big league piece like utility infielder Greg Garcia could get the job done.
Garcia, 25, has hit .281/.380/.394 in parts of six minor league seasons and he's capable of playing second base, shortstop and third base.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
The Trade
To TB: 1B Garrett Jones
To NYY: PTBNL
Overview
With James Loney sidelined four-to-six weeks with a fractured finger and some less-than-inspiring in-house options to replace him, the Tampa Bay Rays could turn to the trade market for a stopgap option at first base.
The New York Yankees acquired Garrett Jones from the Miami Marlins in the Martin Prado/Nathan Eovaldi trade this offseason, and he was expected to serve as insurance for Mark Teixeira at first base and Alex Rodriguez at designated hitter.
With both of those veterans producing at a high level, he's essentially just taking up a roster spot at this point, and he's seen just 51 at-bats on the year.
Jones is best served as a part-time player, but he does have some pop, as he posted a .720 OPS with 33 doubles and 15 home runs as the Marlins primary first baseman last year.
Agreeing to take on the remainder of his $5 million salary could be enough for the Rays to land him as a temporary replacement for Loney, and they could wind up getting some decent production out of the deal.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
The Trade
To TEX: RP Jason Grilli
To ATL: SP Andrew Faulkner, C Tomas Telis
Overview
After a 7-15 start to the season, the Texas Rangers have been as hot as any team in baseball over the past few weeks, going 16-9 in their last 25 games.
The team recently pulled the trigger on moving setup man Shawn Tolleson into the closer's role, and he's thrived so far, converting all five save chances during a run of 10 consecutive scoreless appearances.
While the 27-year-old has been great in the role so far, and was one of the team's best relievers last season when he posted a 2.76 ERA over 64 appearances, the bullpen as a whole remains a weakness.
The relief corps currently ranks 25th in the league with a 4.26 ERA, and outside of Tolleson they have converted just 7-of-15 save chances.
Adding a veteran arm with closing experience like Jason Grilli wouldn't cost a wealth of prospects, it would bolster the setup role and it would provide the team with some insurance to the previously untested Tolleson.
The 38-year-old Grilli signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Atlanta Braves during the offseason, and he's gone 13-of-14 on save chances with a 4.11 ERA, 1.370 WHIP and 13.5 K/9.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
The Trade
To TOR: SP Mat Latos
To MIA: SS Dawel Lugo, SP Matt Boyd
Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays currently boast the highest-scoring offense in baseball at 5.20 runs per game, but a 4.97 ERA from their starting rotation has undermined that, and they currently sit at 22-27 on the year.
Rookie Aaron Sanchez (4-4, 3.98 ERA) is currently the only starter with an ERA under 5.00, though Drew Hutchison may have turned a corner with a four-hit shutout in his last start.
Regardless, this is a team that is in desperate need of at least one more arm if they have any chance at contending, and one guy that could be available right now is Mat Latos.
The Marlins have quickly fallen out of the race, and Latos is a free agent at the end of the season.
While his 6.12 ERA is not pretty, a 3.47 FIP is a positive sign moving forward, and an aggressive offer now could give the Blue Jays a chance to buy low.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
The Trade
To WAS: OF Gerardo Parra
To MIL: SP Taylor Hill
Overview
The Washington Nationals won't have any glaring areas of need once Anthony Rendon returns, outside of figuring out what's wrong with Stephen Strasburg, but a contender can always use more depth off the bench.
With Denard Span and Jayson Werth both missing time, the team has been stretched fairly thin in the outfield, with Tyler Moore (48 AB, .208 BA, .721 OPS) and Michael Taylor (96 AB, .219 BA, .640 OPS) both seeing more playing time than the team would probably like.
Trading for someone like Gerardo Parra to fill the fourth outfield spot Nate McLouth was supposed to would be a nice addition both in the short term with Werth on the disabled list and for the remainder of the season.
Parra, a former Gold Glover winner, is hitting .287/.317/.461 with 10 doubles and 14 RBI in 115 at-bats, so he would immediately become the team's best bat off the bench.
Taylor Hill went 11-7 with a 2.81 ERA in 144 innings at Triple-A Syracuse for the Nationals last season, and while he's not much of a prospect at 26 years old, he's ready to help at the big league level right now.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
.png?w=480)
