Power Ranking All 30 MLB Teams Based on Trade-Asset Ammunition
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, we're beginning to get a better sense of each team's intentions come July 31. So what better time to rank each team's trade-asset ammunition for potential trades.
Multiple factors will be taken into account when ranking each organization:
- Tradable Major League Pieces: Teams with multiple players with short-term contracts will obviously have more trade options.
- Farm System Depth: Teams love prospects. The organizations with the most young talent will have more opportunities to swing a deal.
- Overall Standing: It matters where a team is in the standings. Teams that are going to be buyers must have prospects. Sellers must have productive players with tradable contracts.
By the end of this slideshow, we'll have pointed the finger at the teams with the most ammo for the upcoming trade deadline.
Here we go!
30. Detroit Tigers
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The Detroit Tigers will obviously be buyers at the deadline, but it'll be interesting to see if the club can come up with a serviceable trade package.
Before the season, Baseball America ranked the Tigers system as the worst in baseball. Detroit's top five prospects have all struggled in 2015, only diminishing their value.
Detroit desperately needs a starter to help fortify a shaky rotation. David Price and Alfredo Simon are the only two Tigers starters with an ERA under 4.00. There will be pitchers available at the deadline, but it's hard to picture the club outbidding another pitching-needy team with lackluster prospects.
The Tigers will make a move, but it may not be the one that gets them back to the World Series.
29. Baltimore Orioles
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The Baltimore Orioles may have enough to win a competitive American League East, but the club will more than likely have to do so with what it has.
The O's have two top pitching prospects in Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey, both of whom won't be involved in trade discussions. While Bundy and Harvey are extremely talented, the rest of the system lacks the impact prospects to entice teams into making a move.
The good news for Baltimore is that a package of mediocre prospects would likely be enough to bring back a starter that would shore up the back of the rotation. Chris Tillman, Bud Norris and Mike Wright have been horrific in 2015.
On the other hand, the Orioles aren't the only team in need of starting pitching. With a limited prospect pool, Baltimore will likely be shopping at the clearance rack at the deadline.
28. Cleveland Indians
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For a fanbase, nothing is more frustrating than a team in limbo.
That's exactly what's going on with the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe have a young, talented pitching staff that's striking out everything in sight, but the club remains under .500. It's been a disappointing campaign for the Indians, which makes the decision to buy or sell very difficult.
The Indians promoted top prospect Francisco Lindor earlier this month, but have only outfielders Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer remaining in MLB.com's top 100 prospects. Can Cleveland's brain trust really justify parting ways with prospects when the major league club isn't headed to the playoffs?
In terms of selling, Cleveland has even fewer tradable major league pieces. Michael Bourn, Carlos Santana and Nick Swisher are all under contract until 2018 at the earliest.
For Indians fans, clarity one way or the other over the next few months will help the club tremendously.
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27. San Diego Padres
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The San Diego Padres are arguably the most disappointing team in MLB.
After stealing the show this offseason, general manager A.J. Preller has already fired manager Bud Black. Preller acquired the likes of Matt Kemp, James Shields, Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel and Wil Myers this winter, but the wins haven't come with them.
But after all the wheeling and dealing, don't expect San Diego to throw in the towel. Unfortunately, after emptying the farm system, Preller doesn't have much too work with in terms of trade bait.
San Diego has plenty of talent at the major league level, but games aren't won on paper. There just aren't many ways to improve this team via trade at the moment.
26. Los Angeles Angels
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After blitzing the American League during the regular season in 2014, the Los Angeles Angels will have to fight to reclaim the AL West throne.
Los Angeles desperately needs another bat to pair with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Of the players who have suited up more than 60 times for the Halos this season, only Trout and Pujols have a wRC+ higher than 100. That means that the Angels lineup consists of two stars and a group of replacement-level hitters.
With that being said, the club doesn't have the organizational depth with clear-cut prospects.
Baseball America ranked L.A.'s system as the third-worst in baseball before the season. With top pitching talents Andrew Heaney and Sean Newcomb off the table, the Angels will have to be creative in their pursuit of another bat.
25. New York Yankees
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With the New York Yankees cemented in the American League East Race, you can expect the club to be active leading up to the trade deadline.
The Yankees' obvious weakness is at the back end of the rotation. C.C. Sabathia and Nathan Eovaldi haven't been able to give New York consistency every fifth day. With Masahiro Tanaka's shaky health history, it makes all the sense in the world for the Yankees to pursue a starter.
In terms of prospects, the Yankees will want to hold on to pitcher Luis Severino and outfielder Aaron Judge, but infielder Rob Refsnyder will likely be in play. A low-cost hurler like Aaron Harang makes more sense for a Yankees team with limited prospect depth.
24. San Francisco Giants
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The San Francisco Giants are another quality team with limited minor league assets. Baseball America ranked the Giants system as the 27th-best organization before the season.
There is a silver lining for Giants fans. Of those prospects, nine of the top 10 are pitchers. In a league where young pitching is a popular commodity, San Francisco can package together multiple young arms if they find a deal they like.
Ironically, the club's major league rotation could use a boost. Madison Bumgarner is a star, and Chris Heston has been an unsung hero, but the rest of the staff has been quite inconsistent.
With another trip to the postseason looking extremely likely, San Fran won't sit pat at the deadline. But Giants fans should expect their club to add a veteran innings-eater as opposed to a front-line ace.
23. Arizona Diamondbacks
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of MLB's most surprising teams in the first half of the 2015 season. The Snakes are hovering around .500 and competing in a loaded NL West.
The Diamondbacks have done a nice job in recent years accumulating young pitching talent. Archie Bradley, Braden Shipley, Aaron Blair and Yoan Lopez make up Arizona's top four prospects.
Judging by Arizona's recent trade with the Atlanta Braves, the club figures to be active over the next month. The Diamondbacks parted with highly regarded pitching prospect Touki Toussant to convince the Braves to take on Bronson Arroyo's salary for the rest of the year.
But Arizona should remain realistic with its expectations. The Diamondbacks don't have enough to hang with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Using lesser-quality prospects to marginally improve should be the club's goal at the deadline.
22. Atlanta Braves
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Like Arizona, the Atlanta Braves have exceeded expectations and find themselves in the thick of the NL East race.
Since taking over the club, John Hart has transformed a barren farm system to one ripe with impact prospects. By trading Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis this offseason, the Braves have greatly expedited their rebuilding process.
With the emphasis now on getting younger throughout the organization, don't expect Atlanta to part with any of their top-tier talents. But if his club continues to hang around, Hart will likely scour the market to improve a bullpen with the third-worst ERA in baseball.
The Braves could also flip veterans like Chris Johnson, Jason Grill, A.J. Pierzynski or Jim Johnson if they fall out of the race by late July, giving the organization plenty of options in the month ahead.
21. Tampa Bay Rays
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In what is becoming an annual tradition, the Tampa Bay Rays are exceeding expectations again in 2015. But for the small-market Rays, it'll be difficult to make any significant moves at the deadline.
However, Tampa Bay has enough quality in its farm system to swing a deal. In Daniel Robertson, Willy Adames and Adrian Rondon, the Rays have three shortstop prospects in their top five overall talents. With shortstops becoming the premier commodity in baseball over the past few seasons, Tampa Bay isn't in a horrible situation.
The Rays rank 25th in runs scored in 2015, so acquiring a dependable bat should be a priority as the deadline approaches. They may not be able to snag a superstar, but Tampa Bay has enough to marginally upgrade its offense.
20. Kansas City Royals
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It's a great time to be a Kansas City Royals fan. With a fantastic major league product and a solid farm system, both the present and future are bright for the defending American League champions.
The Royals aren't a team with many pressing needs. Kansas City position players rank third in baseball in WAR, and we all know about that dominant bullpen.
An area K.C. should explore improvements is in the rotation, where Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy each have an ERA over 5.00. Aaron Harang, Scott Kazmir and Dan Haren should all be available and make sense for the Royals.
Kansas City has enough quality on the farm to achieve that upgrade, especially with four young pitchers in MLB.com's top 100 prospects. Including one of those youngsters is fine, but improving the present while maintaining the future should be the organization's only goal.
19. New York Mets
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The New York Mets have the pitching to contend in 2015, but would they part with one of their young studs in order to do so?
That's highly unlikely. Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz are untouchable, as of course are the established stars of Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom. The Mets are loaded with talent for years to come, but an offense that ranks 26th in runs scored won't get the job done in 2015.
Still, the Mets have enough prospects to swing a substantial deal. Infielder Dilson Herrera, pitcher Marcos Molina and outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto would draw interest from organizations around the league.
The Wilpon family has been notoriously stingy and may want to play it safe at the deadline, but Mets fans are ready to win now. Acquiring an impact bat will come down to whether or not the current regime will part with some of its young pieces.
18. Toronto Blue Jays
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A few weeks ago, the Toronto Blue Jays looked to be sellers come the trade deadline. But after a scorching stretch of play, the Jays will be looking to upgrade over the next month.
Toronto has the best offense in baseball, but the club's overall pitching depth has been its fatal flaw. For the Jays to contend deep into the second half, a reliever and a starter must be added before July 31.
The Blue Jays have already given a handful of their top prospects meaningful roles this season. Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris, Roberto Osuna and Miguel Castro have performed with varying levels of success so far. Those names figure to be prominent in any potential trade talks, while catching prospect Max Pentecost is another player to keep an eye on.
Pitchers will be available, but Toronto will have to give up a chunk of its young talent to significantly improve. For a team with such a deadly offense, it would be a shame for the Jays to not treat the deadline with a win-now approach.
17. Seattle Mariners
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The Seattle Mariners have underachieved in 2015 and need to get hot over the next month to get back in the AL West race.
Despite a poor record, Seattle isn't waving the white flag yet. The addition of slugger Mark Trumbo indicates the Mariners still believe they can contend this season.
Offensive upgrades are Seattle's biggest need, as the Mariners rank 28th in runs scored in 2015. But with only Alex Jackson and D.J. Peterson cracking MLB.com's top 100, improvements to the lineup may not be easy to come by.
On the other hand, Seattle has plenty of ammunition if it decides to sell. J.A. Happ, Austin Jackson, Hisashi Iwakuma and Fernando Rodney will all be free agents at the end of the season.
The next month will tell us plenty about the 2015 Seattle Mariners, but more importantly, it will solidify the organization's strategy for the deadline.
16. St. Louis Cardinals
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The St. Louis Cardinals have clearly been the best team in MLB over the course of the first half of 2015.
The Cardinals don't have many holes, but one area of concern is at first base. Matt Adams was recently placed on the 60-day disabled list due to a quad injury, opening the door for a potential trade. Mark Reynolds hasn't been horrible in replacement duty, but St. Louis would probably prefer to use him in a bench role.
If the Cardinals decide to pursue an upgrade, the Cardinals have the prospects to get what they need. Pitching prospects Marco Gonzales, Alex Reyes and Rob Kaminsky are high-upside arms that teams always covet.
There have been whispers regarding Ryan Howard, but St. Louis will likely be in the market for a more short-term option. Mike Napoli or Justin Morneau are names to watch.
15. Chicago White Sox
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Another team that's played below expectations in 2015 is the Chicago White Sox. Sitting in the cellar of the AL Central, the White Sox figure to be sellers at the deadline.
Fortunately, Chicago has some assets that figure to be available.
The most intriguing option is right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who will be a free agent after the season. Samardzija has a plus-4.00 ERA, but his FIP and WAR suggest he's pitched better than perceived. Regardless, he's a proven major league arm that pitching-needy teams will covet.
Utility man Emilio Bonifacio, infielder Gordon Beckham and catcher Geovany Soto are also on the last year of their contracts. The White Sox could also dangle 2017 free agents Adam LaRoche and Alexei Ramirez to see if a desperate team bites.
2015 hasn't gone the way White Sox fans would have liked, but the club is in a decent position with the deadline approaching. By dealing away some of the players mentioned above, Chicago should be comfortable with its future.
14. Miami Marlins
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We've seen a trend over the slides so far—teams with lofty aspirations in 2015 that have failed to reach them.
That continues with the Miami Marlins, who have one of the worst records in the National League. Miami has already fired one manager this season and should be considering what it can get for it's tradable assets at the deadline.
The Marlins actually have quite a few attractive trade chips on their roster.
Mat Latos, Dan Haren, Ichiro Suzuki and Jeff Baker will all hit free agency once the 2015 season is complete. After next season, veterans Michael Morse, Martin Prado and Mike Dunn will follow. Each of those players would interest any buyer over the next month.
For a team with an established young core, trading away veterans should be a no-brainer. The Fish need to swallow their pride and capitalize on a treasure trove of assets.
13. Texas Rangers
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The Texas Rangers suffered through a sluggish start but have turned their season around to become players in the AL West.
Texas has the farm system to acquire an impact starter if they so desire.
The Rangers have five prospects in MLB.com's top 100, and that doesn't even include more likely trade bait like Lewis Brinson, Luke Jackson, Nick Williams and Anthony Ranaudo. Many sellers will be interested in partnering up with the Rangers.
With holes at the back end of the rotation and in the bullpen, Texas could be a team to watch in a Johnny Cueto/Aroldis Chapman blockbuster. The Rangers may also be in business for Cole Hamels if they choose to go that route.
With impact prospects and significant depth, Texas shouldn't have those weaknesses for long.
12. Colorado Rockies
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There's no doubt that the Colorado Rockies will be sellers on July 31, but how far the club is willing to go remains to be seen.
Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are two of the best players to be mentioned in trade rumors this season. Both sluggers are signed to long-term deals—Tulowitzki through 2022 and Gonzalez through 2018—and have proved their worth throughout their big league careers.
Of Colorado's two stars, Gonzalez is the more likely to pack his bags. He's struggled this season, but his talent is unquestioned, and teams in need of an outfield spark will look his way. Elsewhere, LaTroy Hawkins, Rafael Betancourt and Kyle Kendrick are Colorado's 2016 free-agents-to-be, while Justin Mornaeu comes off the books after next season.
Both Colorado's major league product and farm system could look vastly different after the deadline passes. One thing's for sure—the Rockies will be a popular target for buyers over the next month.
11. Chicago Cubs
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The Chicago Cubs have a legitimate opportunity to make the postseason in 2015 due to a talented core of young players. Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber have all contributed to the big league club this season.
With more highly regarded prospects in the minors, Chicago is poised to succeed in the present and the future.
But parting with their top youngsters is against everything the Cubs are trying to do. Sellers will understandably attempt to pry those talents away from Chicago, just don't expect the Cubs to give in to those demands.
Instead, look for the Cubs to scan that market for cheaper alternatives to bolster their rotation and bullpen. Chicago has numerous assets, but trade ammunition is a different ballgame.
10. Philadelphia Phillies
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Unless you've been under a rock for the past year or so, it's common knowledge that the Philadelphia Phillies need to get younger. By trading Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd over the past year, the Phillies brain trust has begun to put that plan in motion.
While Philadelphia's plan might be evident, it doesn't mean it's easy to execute.
Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jonathan Papelbon and Carlos Ruiz are all big-name players with long-term contracts on Philadelphia's payroll. In 2015, Papelbon has continued to be a stud, Howard has increased his value and Utley and Ruiz have decreased theirs.
The interesting piece is Hamels, who is under contract through 2019 with a $20 million team option ($6 million buyout) in 2020 and must approve a potential trade. The left-hander is in his prime and has seemingly been linked to every team with pitching needs. If an organization can match Philly's asking price, Hamels would change the playoff landscape in 2015.
Aside from the names listed above, Aaron Harang and Jeff Francoeur are two veterans who could be acquired for cheap. Ruben Amaro Jr. will be a busy man over the next month, and it'll be interesting to see how many Phillies veterans remain once the smoke clears.
9. Minnesota Twins
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The biggest surprise of the 2015 MLB season has to be the Minnesota Twins. The Twins are in second place in the AL Central and in the thick of the AL playoff picture.
The good news doesn't stop there for Twins fans. Minnesota's farm system is loaded with talented youngsters. Top rated prospect Byron Buxton may have already made his debut, but Miguel Sano, Alex Meyer, Jose Berrios, Nick Gordon and Kohl Stewart all rank in the top 30 in MLB.com's top 100 prospect list.
If we were judging on prospects alone, Minnesota would have a case for the top spot. But for a team that's ahead of schedule, it's imperative that the Twins don't mortgage their future at the deadline.
Using some lesser talents to upgrade the back end on the cheap is one thing, but pushing all the poker chips to the center of the table in 2015 is another. Minnesota should be hesitant to do that, and they will, which diminishes their chances to truly improve.
8. Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Los Angeles Dodgers may be the most talented organization from top to bottom in baseball.
Needless to say, L.A. has plenty of assets they can include in a potential deal. When you include major league pieces like Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford, the Dodgers have the firepower to make significant upgrades.
The Dodgers have been linked to multiple starters around the league. Clayton Kershaw, Zack Grienke and Brett Anderson have been fantastic, but with Hyun-Jin Ryu's injury concerns, Los Angeles could use a dependable arm for the stretch run.
L.A. should be able to improve without giving up any of its top prospects. For a team built to win in 2015, that's a luxury.
7. Boston Red Sox
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The Boston Red Sox have been nothing short of horrendous in 2015. Although the club sits in last place in the AL East, don't expect the Red Sox to engage in a fire sale.
Sure, Boston could move Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Alejandro De Aza and Koji Uehera over the next month. Still, Boston will have its ears pinned for word that a high-profile target becomes available.
The fact is that few teams have a farm system that can compete with Boston's. If a productive player on a long-term contract becomes available, the Red Sox have the resources to acquire him if the desire.
With a healthy blend of talented prospects and seasoned veterans, there's no telling which direction the Red Sox will go over the next few weeks. With a few tweaks, this roster could be among baseball's best in 2016.
6. Milwaukee Brewers
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The Milwaukee Brewers will have some decisions to make over the next month. After a horrific start, the Brewers will be active sellers up until July 31.
Milwaukee won't be short for suitors with some of its major league talent that's been rumored to be available. Headlined by Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy, the Brewers could kick-start their rebuilding efforts with impressive returns for those two stars.
Gomez is the more likely to be dealt, as his contract expires after next season. He's 29 and has stolen over 100 bases and hit over 70 homers since 2012. Lucroy's deal doesn't expire until 2018 and he plays a more important position. Still, those two would be difference-makers for any team.
Elsewhere, Geraldo Parra, Kyle Lohse, Aramis Ramirez, Francisco Rodriguez, Adam Lind and Johnathan Broxton will all be free agents over the next two winters. Each of those players would bring something valuable to the table for a contender.
After a bleak 2015, all is not lost for the Brewers. Milwaukee has the top-tier talent and veterans to completely redefine its future over the next month.
5. Oakland A's
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Of the teams expected to sell, the Oakland A's may have the best crop of major league pieces to include in potential deals.
Of the 2016 free-agents-to-be, the best of the bunch is left-hander Scott Kazmir. Kazmir has a sub-3.00 ERA in 2015 and has reinvented himself while in Oakland. In terms of hitters, the versatile Ben Zobrist will be highly sought-after as well.
Oakland also has attractive bullpen chips as well. Tyler Clippard and Edward Mujica are proven late-inning commodities that are always coveted around this time.
If Billy Beane really wants to blow up his roster, names like Josh Reddick, Ike Davis and Jesse Chavez could also find themselves on the block. Beane has an extensive track record of rebuilding organizations, so the Athletics' future isn't as bleak as their 2015 fortunes.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
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After overcoming a slow start, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a dark-horse World Series contender in the National League.
The Buccos also possess a handful of impact talents that could be included in a potential trade. Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon, Josh Bell and Austin Meadows all rank in the top 40 of MLB.com's top 100 prospect list. Three other Pittsburgh prospects appear within the top 80.
That's not a bad pool to pick from for a team looking to upgrade for a World Series run.
While Pittsburgh has an elite rotation and bullpen, its offense ranks 22nd in runs scored. There's not an obvious fit in the Pirates' everyday lineup, but Pittsburgh has the pieces to flirt with any team looking to deal a top bat.
3. Washington Nationals
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The Washington Nationals were a trendy pick to win the 2015 World Series. Despite a slow start, the Nats have managed to climb to the top of the NL East.
But if Washington's ultimate goal is to win a World Series, the Nats have some holes they need to plug. Fortunately, the Nationals have plenty of ammunition to improve over the next month.
In terms of prospects, Washington has multiple youngsters that teams will be trying to acquire. With right-hander Lucas Giolito the only one that will be off limits, the Nats aren't limited in terms of the packages they can craft.
At the major league level, Washington can include the likes of Jordan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond in potential deals.
While trading two key players may be unlikely and unpopular, both will be free agents after the season. The Nationals have both the infield and pitching depth to justify that decision if it means acquiring a difference-maker.
Washington needs to do something before July 31 but has the luxury of being creative with their offers due to skilled everyday players and talented prospects.
2. Cincinnati Reds
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The Cincinnati Reds need a reboot. Fortunately for Reds fans, the club has the pieces in place to replenish the farm system.
Let's start with the 2016 free agents. Johnny Cueto is one of baseball's unheralded aces and should demand a pricey return despite his rental status. Mike Leake and Manny Para will also be coveted by teams with needs.
Looking past 2016, the Reds have even more assets. That includes flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman, whose contract expires after the 2016 season. When you consider the haul the Atlanta Braves received for all-star stopper Craig Kimbrel, what can Cincinnati get for two years' worth of Chapman?
Need more persuading? If the Reds fully commit to a rebuild, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier all could be used to add top-tier prospects.
Nobody likes to rebuild, but the Reds make it a swift one if they act accordingly.
1. Houston Astros
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The rich got richer during the MLB draft earlier this month. The Houston Astros added to a stellar farm system by adding three of the top seven talents in the draft, according to MLB.com.
With Alex Bregman, Daz Cameron and Kyle Tucker on board, six prospects on MLB.com's top 100 list and Lance McCullers and Preston Tucker already with the major league squad, Houston has plenty of flexibility to make a deal.
That's good news for the first-place Astros considering the club's need for another starting pitcher. Outside of Dallas Keuchel and McCullers, Houston has no hurlers it can rely on in a pennant race. The Astros can put a package together for Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto, or settle for a short-term fix like Aaron Harang or Scott Kazmir.
Houston's future is bright no matter how it decides to play the deadline. But with some shrewd decision-making, there's no reason the Astros can't take the AL West earlier than expected.
Stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of 6/23.
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