The Seattle Mariners are actively shopping Robinson Cano and the Arizona Diamondbacks are actively shopping Paul Goldschmidt. I decided to look at possible destinations.

Photo courtesy for NBCsports.com.

1. SEATTLE TRADES CANO TO THE NEW YORK YANKEES FOR OF JACOBY ELLSBURY

This trade has already been considered but didn’t happen because the Bronx Bombers wanted “significant cash” as part of the deal. Still, this trade makes too much sense. New York needs a second baseman so they could shift Gleyber Torres to his natural position (shortstop) and Ellsbury has no room on the team with its crowded outfield. Ellsbury however is a Washington state native and could fill Seattle’s vacancy in left field.

2. SEATTLE TRADES CANO TO THE CHICAGO CUBS FOR SP YU DARVISH

The Cubs are looking to improve their offense and have a vacancy at second base with Daniel Murphy currently a free agent. Cano is a veteran who can stabilize the lineup. He is also projected by Steamer to produce a 122 WRC+ in 2019, while he produced a WRC+ of 136 in 2018. The Cubs have a stacked pitching mix and after Darvish’s disaster of 2018, may want to get out of that contract. Seattle is a popular location for Japanese players, so Darvish may waive his no-trade clause to go there, Cano may waive his to play for a contender.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

1. ARIZONA TRADE GOLDSCHMIDT TO THE HOUSTON ASTROS FOR LF/1B SETH BEER, LHP CIONEL PEREZ & OF YORDAN ALVAREZ

Houston could use another big bat in the lineup and first base is one of the positions that they could definitely improve upon. Yuli Gurriel is not hitting good enough for a first baseman and Goldschmidt gives them another middle of the order bat that can take them back to having the best offense in the game. Due to him only having one year of team control left, but with his below market value salary and elite level production, I think that this is a good trade for both teams. Arizona can also add Zack Greinke to the deal and Houston can add a few more (non-elite) prospects.

2. ARIZONA TRADE GOLDSCHMIDT TO THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS FOR RHP RYAN HELSLEY, RHP DAKOTA HUDSON & OF TYLER O‘NEILL

St. Louis needs a big bat and Goldschmidt easily fills that need. There’s a problem with them already having Matt Carpenter at first base, but they can move him to third base at least for a season. They also already are interested in acquiring him.

3. ARIZONA TRADE PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT TO THE NEW YORK METS FOR 1B PETER ALONSO & RHP JUSTIN DUNN

If the Mets plan to contend in 2019, then they need to improve their offense. First base is the clear hole in their lineup and a middle of the order bat is exactly what they need to contend. Alonso is a direct replacement for Goldschmidt and the Mets should act as a big market team and extend Goldschmidt. Personally I think that the Mets should rebuild, but if they plan to contend, then this is one of the moves that they have to at least attempt to do.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.