10 Sell-High Trades MLB Teams Must Take Advantage of ASAP
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, plenty of names will be thrown onto the hot stove.
Some of those rumored names will get dealt, while others will stay put. The next few weeks could go a long way in deciding which teams will be more willing to part with their assets.
Players like Aaron Harang, Scott Kazmir and Dan Haren can already see the writing on the wall. Other players like Mark Trumbo, Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura may not be as easy to acquire.
Then there's the curious cases of Jose Bautista and Aroldis Chapman. Both players are among baseball's best at their respective positions, but each could become expendable as the summer rolls on.
Trust me, I'm not crazy! Let's dig in and analyze why the following 10 players should be traded while their value is at its peak.
Jean Segura
1 of 10
2015 Stats
.282/.318/.403, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 6 SB, 95 wRC+, 0.3 WAR
Contract Details
Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2016
Earliest Free Agent: 2019
Why It Makes Sense
In theory, trading away young talents under team control is something teams try to avoid. But in the case of Jean Segura, the Milwaukee Brewers should consider striking while the iron is hot.
Segura's numbers have returned to what they looked like during his breakout season in 2013. The 25-year-old has seen significant improvements in his soft- and hard-contact percentages this season and he's using the whole field more than he did a year ago.
However, Segura's always had trouble drawing walks. His BABIP is almost fully dependent upon how hard he hits the ball, which makes him awfully susceptible to prolonged slumps. That's not to say Segura can't improve in that area, but his free-swinging mentality isn't conducive to potential improvement in his walk rate.
Segura would be a useful piece on a contending team, but the Brewers seem light-years from competing once again. He'll surely continue to improve, but Segura's always going to be extremely streaky at the dish.
Let's put it this way: Milwaukee won't rue the day they traded perennial All-Star Jean Segura.
Potential Suitors
Mets, Padres, Orioles, Yankees
Jason Grilli
2 of 10
2015 Stats
15 SV, 1 BS, 4.15 ERA, 3.05 FIP, 12.46 K/9, 3.63 BB/9, 0.3 WAR
Contract Details
Signed two-year, $8 million deal through 2016 with a $3 million team option in 2017.
Why It Makes Sense
Although his ERA is a little bloated, Jason Grilli has proven he can be a dominant reliever once again in 2015.
As is customary with closers, a few bad outings can cause an ERA explosion. That's the case with Grilli, as his FIP indicates he's actually pitched quite well. The right-hander has increased his strikeout percentage to 32 percent this season.
Velocity-wise, Grilli has plenty left in the tank. His fastball is a tick higher than it was last season, which has befuddled opponents. Opposing batters hit .289 against his heater last season, as opposed to .214 this year.
The Atlanta Braves have surprised many this season, playing .500 ball into June. But President of Baseball Operations John Hart can't forget the bigger picture at the trade deadline. Flipping a 38-year-old reliever for additional prospects is a no-brainer, regardless of where the Braves sit in the standings.
Potential Suitors
Cubs, Rangers, Padres, Blue Jays, Mariners
Jesse Chavez
3 of 10
2015 Stats
2-5, 2.11 ERA, 2.64 FIP, 59.2 IP, 7.69 K/9, 2.26 BB/9, 1.6 WAR
Contract Details
Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2016
Earliest Free Agent: 2017
Why It Makes Sense
It's June and the Oakland A's are 12 games below .500. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that general manager Billy Beane is going to revamp his roster by the trade deadline.
A player that may be attractive to pitching-needy clubs is Jesse Chavez. The right-hander has been fantastic for the A's in 2015, posting a 2.11 ERA in 12 games (eight starts). Chavez ranks seventh in the American League in pitching WAR and fifth in ERA and FIP.
On the surface, two more years of that production seems like a pretty good deal. But Chavez will be 32 by the end of the season and wasn't a full-time starter until last season. Chavez was a perfect low-risk, high-reward option for the A's, but he's outlived his usefulness with the the small-market franchise.
Chavez's versatility makes him an attractive trade chip for a team in need of some pitching help. He was valuable to the A's over the past three seasons, but he'll likely be suiting up elsewhere in the second half of the season.
Potential Suitors
Dodgers, Rays, Royals, Astros, Cubs, Giants
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Aaron Harang
4 of 10
2015 Stats
4-5, 2.02 ERA, 3.07 FIP, 71.1 IP, 6.69 K/9, 1.89 BB/9, 1.8 WAR
Contract Details
Signed one-year, $5 million deal through 2015.
Why It Makes Sense
The Philadelphia Phillies potentially dealing Aaron Harang is the first of three no-brainers on this list, as the right-hander will be a free agent at the end of the season.
While the Phillies were always likely to move Harang before the trade deadline, the right-hander's elite production could not have been predicted. Harang ranks fourth in the National League in pitching WAR and fifth in ERA.
Not bad for a 37-year-old on a one-year deal. While the Phillies have plenty of unmovable contracts on the payroll, Harang presents an opportunity to get younger.
"Oh, things are going to change, all right," said Randy Miller of NJ.com. "As long as he stays healthy, Harang probably is a lock to be elsewhere in July. He could bring a nice return, too, because he's pitching like an ace and he's on a one-year, $5 million contract that won't scare anyone off."
Potential Suitors
Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals, Astros, Cubs, Royals
Scott Kazmir
5 of 10
2015 Stats
2-3, 2.93 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 58.1 IP, 8.79 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, 0.6 WAR
Contract Details
Signed two-year, $22 million contract through 2015.
Why It Makes Sense
Like Harang, Scott Kazmir is certain to be wearing a different uniform by season's end.
Kazmir has resurrected his career over the last two seasons with the A's. After winning 15 games and posting a 3.55 ERA in 2014, the left-hander has lowered his ERA to a 2.93 mark this year.
The 31-year-old has improved his ground-ball rate to a career-best mark of 47.1 percent while also bettering his career strikeout percentage. Ground balls and K's normally result in positive results, and Kazmir is the latest example of that.
There's some concern regarding Kazmir's recent shoulder injury, but the southpaw told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that he felt great after a pain-free bullpen session.
If healthy, Kazmir could provide a significant upgrade for plenty of contenders. For teams that don't want to open the vault for the left-handed Cole Hamels, Kazmir might be a more cost-effective option.
Potential Suitors
Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals, Royals, Red Sox
Dan Haren
6 of 10
2015 Stats
5-2, 3.03 ERA, 4.44 FIP, 62.1 IP, 6.21 K/9, 1.73 BB/9, 0.3 WAR
Contract Details
Signed two-year, $20 million contract through 2015.
Why It Makes Sense
Remember the Dan Haren soap opera that took place during the offseason?
Well, Haren eventually balked at his trade demands and has actually pitched quite well for the Miami Marlins. Haren's 3.03 ERA is second among Miami starters.
What Haren has done for the Miami rotation would have been perfect if not for the lack of production from the rest of the Marlins starters. Jose Fernandez and Henderson Alvarez remain on the shelf, while Mat Latos and Jarred Cosart have bombed in 2015.
The Fish have floundered in the season's first two months and will likely be sellers at the trade deadline. With numerous teams in need of starting pitching, Haren presents a cheap, productive hurler with plenty of experience.
Potential Suitors
Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Mariners
Mark Trumbo
7 of 10
2015 Stats
.259/.299/.506, 9 HR, 23 RBI, .247 ISO, 115 wRC+, 0.5 WAR
Contract Details
Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2016
Earliest Free Agent: 2017
Why It Makes Sense
After some fairly self-explanatory ideas, Mark Trumbo begins a run of unconventional trades.
Trumbo has one of the rarest commodities in the game today—right-handed power. Trumbo has bashed nine homers already this season. He also ranks 10th among NL hitters in isolated power and 16th in slugging percentage.
The 29-year-old also holds the 11th-best batted ball distance in the majors, while also ranking in the upper echelon (20th) in hard-contact percentage. When Trumbo hits it, the baseball is smoked.
While Trumbo has been one of the most productive Diamondbacks this season, general manager Dave Stewart told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that he'll listen to potential trade suitors:
"With all of our players, if you overwhelm me with something, I’ve got to listen. I guess most people would say the trade deadline is where we’ll find the best value. But at this moment, Mark Trumbo is my guy. He gives us something in our lineup that none of our other guys do other than Goldschmidt—a guy who can hit the ball out of the ballpark. (David) Peralta does when he plays. But right now, our main home run threats are Goldschmidt and Trumbo.
"
With $68.5 million invested in Yasmany Tomas, Trumbo's days are numbered in Arizona anyway. Why not enhance his value by allowing a potential trade partner to benefit from an extra year of team control?
Potential Suitors
Mets, Twins, Orioles, White Sox
Carlos Gomez
8 of 10
2015 Stats
.264/.307/.451, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 5 SB, 106 wRC+, 0.6 WAR
Contract Details
Signed four-year, $28.3 million contract through 2016.
Why It Makes Sense
Carlos Gomez is a fantastic all-around player, which is why the Milwaukee Brewers should cash in on his extensive talents before he reaches his contract year in 2016.
Gomez has battled injuries this season, but has still managed to post a wRC+ over 100. In 2013 and 2014, the outfielder ranks fourth in the majors in WAR and hit over 40 homers to go along with 70-plus steals.
That kind of production is rare in today's game, which could equal a significant haul for the Brewers.
Why would Milwaukee pull the trigger? For one, Gomez will be 31 by the start of his next contract. He figures to be paid—and deservedly so—but the Brewers would be wise to avoid an injury-prone outfielder on the wrong side of 30.
Speaking of injuries, Gomez played in 148 games last season, which was the most in his career since the 153 he played in 2008. Gomez plays hard, but it often leads to lengthy stints on the disabled list.
Plus, the Brewers need to revitalize a farm system that could use an influx of top-tier talent. Flipping Gomez's undeniable talents would provide Milwaukee with that opportunity.
Potential Suitors
Orioles, Blue Jays, Indians
Jose Bautista
9 of 10
2015 Stats
.242/.378/.471, 7 HR, 30 RBI, .229 ISO, 136 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
Contract Details
Signed five-year, $64 million contract through 2015 with a $14 million team option for 2016.
Why It Makes Sense
The Toronto Blue Jays have some interesting decisions to make over the next couple of seasons, but none will be more scrutinized than their decision regarding the future of Jose Bautista.
The slugger is currently in the last year of his five-year deal, although the Blue Jays can bring him back on a $14 million team option for 2016. Nobody would blame Toronto for retaining the services of one of the game's top run producers, but trading Bautista may be the better, albeit unpopular, decision.
From 2010 to 2014, Bautista ranked first in homers, sixth in RBI, first in isolated power, second in slugging, fourth in wRC+ and sixth in WAR. He's performed unbelievably well while on his current contract and should be in line for one last monumental payday.
The problem for Toronto is that Bautista will be 35 in October. How many years and dollars will he desire on his next deal? With Josh Donaldson ready to replace Bautista in the middle of the Toronto lineup, think of the return the Jays would get back for their perennial All-Star.
Bautista's situation makes the next two months critical for Toronto. The club is 24-30, but just 4.5 games back in the AL East. A few winning streaks during June and July would put Toronto right back in the playoff mix.
But if the Jays continue to slide, trading Bautista should become a legitimate possibility, no matter how unpopular it would be in Toronto.
Potential Suitors
Yankees, Mets, Orioles, Angels
Aroldis Chapman
10 of 10
2015 Stats
9 SV, 1.61 ERA, 1.72 FIP, 15.31 K/9, 5.24 BB/9, 0.9 WAR
Contract Details
Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2016
Earliest Free Agent: 2017
Why It Makes Sense
Prior to the 2015 season, not many people would have believed the Atlanta Braves would trade closer Craig Kimbrel. Atlanta parted ways with arguably the best ninth-inning commodity in the game in order to jump-start its rebuilding process.
That particular move said more about the state of closers than it did Kimbrel. With hurlers throwing harder and harder these days, teams feel that they can cultivate closers easier than any other position.
Which brings me to Aroldis Chapman.
In the history of baseball, there hasn't been a pitcher quite like Chapman. The southpaw has struck out over 42 percent of the batters he's faced in his career. Think about this—Chapman's 15.31 K/9 mark this season is considered a disappointment by his standards.
But with the Cincinnati Reds headed for obscurity in 2015, dealing Chapman becomes an interesting thought. He's under contract through 2017, but what good is a flame-throwing closer on a bad team?
With Johnny Cueto expected to leave in free agency at the end of the season, Cincinnati's rotation is in dire straits. The Reds do have some genuine pitching talent in the minors in Robert Stephenson, Nick Howard and Michael Lorenzen, but it'll take some time for those youngsters to make an impact in the majors.
By then, Chapman will be seeking a new deal that will likely make him the wealthiest reliever of all time. Will the Reds be ready to pony up? That's doubtful.
If Cincinnati chooses to follow Atlanta's blueprint, the club would greatly expedite its rebuild. If not, Chapman will continue to strike out everything in sight for a losing team.
Potential Suitors
Dodgers, Marlins, Blue Jays, Cubs, Tigers
Advanced stats courtesy of FanGraphs. Stats accurate as of June 2. Contract information courtesy of Baseball-Reference.
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