Neil

6 PLAYERS THAT SHOULD BE TRADED BUT PROBABLY WON‘T BE

The trading deadline promises to have some interesting players available to contending teams, but there are some players who will likely not be moved, but should be.

1. SP MAX SCHERZER, WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Washington Nationals aren’t going to the playoffs this year. They also clearly have significant areas to improve in a competitive division that includes the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies, two teams that just simply look better going forward. Scherzer is the best Starting Pitcher in the game, but is also 34 and making $42 million a year for the next 3 years. If he declines and they’re not contending, that becomes a major burden. Does anyone see them winning the World Series in the next 3 years? Why not trade him now? Scherzer would almost guarantee the Houston Astros a championship, push the Milwaukee Brewers ahead in their division, give the St. Louis Cardinals an ace and put them ahead in the division and potentially make the Minnesota Twins contenders.

2. SP STEPHEN STRASBURG, WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Another Washington starter. Strasburg is very good but has an injury history and is owed $138 million through 2023. He is 30 and still in his prime, as well as in the middle of a big year. He can also opt out of his contract after this season and next. Does it make sense for them to re-sign him if he opts out? Would it make more sense to trade him and get value in return for a potential future dynasty headlined by Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Victor Robles. The teams that I mentioned for Scherzer could still be in the mix for Strasburg.

3. 3B ANTHONY RENDON, WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Continuing with Washington, Rendon is another player who should be traded. A free agent at the end of the season, Rendon is yet to sign an extension with the team and at this point risking losing him for free in free agency just doesn’t make any sense. Even if they would like to keep him, why not try to bring him back in the off-season? The Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and the division rivals Philadelphia Phillies could be destinations.

4. SP TREVOR BAUER, CLEVELAND INDIANS

Cleveland’s chances of going to the playoffs are seemingly declining daily. I expect them to buy at the trading deadline (just look at Rendon above), but I recommend for them to sell. They had a nice window but it’s over. Bauer is a free agent after next season and will almost certainly be out of their price range at that point. Considering his peripherals, it’s possible that last year was unrepeatable and his value is at its highest now. The same teams that would be in the mix for Scherzer and Strasburg, should be in the mix for Bauer.

5. SS FRANCISCO LINDOR, CLEVELAND INDIANS

Cleveland will not extend Lindor. If they rebuild as they should, then can you imagine the haul that they can expect for the game’s best SS?! The Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, the Houston Astros and the New York Mets (just kidding Cleveland don’t have big enough bad contracts to add to the deal) come to mind as potential trade partners.

6. RF WHIT MERRIFIELD, KANSAS CITY ROYALS

It’s simple, why does a rebuilding team need a 30 year old whose game largely depends on his speed? He should be traded and teams such as Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Milwaukee should be in the mix.

14 comments

  2. I want Merrifield on the Padres. Leadoff hitter has been a huge hole, 2B LF and CF are the positions that have failed at the leadoff spot and he can play all three without hurting the team defensively.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Merrifield would significantly improve them. If they plan to be contenders from now on, he would be an excellent addition exactly because of what you said, as they need a lead off man they can trust.

      Like

      Reply

  3. CC is a top SS when healthy, but to dream of teaming up Lindor w Altuve, Bregman, Springer, (et al) is a true nightmare for opposing pitchers. Maybe Boston can find a way to pair Trout w Betts, Benitendi & Martinez to level the playing field. Hey, btw, when is Halley’s Comet due to hit?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I agree but the key part is “when healthy”, I don’t know if he’s just really unlucky or injury prone. That would definitely be horrifying for pitchers for sure. Boston acquiring Trout would be huge though I’m not sure if Anaheim would ever trade him. Trout made a huge mistake signing an extension because he would’ve made more money and actually had a chance to win if he hit free agency and signed with Boston or Philadelphia or the New York Yankees.

      Like

      Reply

      • Does not seem like Trout made a “huge mistake.” He said he’s happy being in the Angel organization; therefore, why leave it….a half billion dollars is enough money; plus, he probably asked Albert how he liked leaving a team & city which adored him for a few extra million….a team’s chance of competing & winning can turn on a “dime”….maybe the Angels will put it together soon…just like the Cardinals did after Albert departed!!

        Liked by 1 person

      • I mean you might be right, maybe he really is genuinely happy playing for them. It’s just he kept talking about how much he loves Philadelphia and the Phillies are a better team that would’ve paid him more. He would’ve received more as a free agent and I don’t understand why he thought that Harper and Machado’s free agency was comparable to what would’ve happened to him.

        I like your point on Pujols, St. Louis won that situation! That said, Pujols was older and in decline, Trout would’ve still been in his prime.

        Like

      • I mean you might be right, maybe he really is genuinely happy playing for them. It’s just he kept talking about how much he loves Philadelphia and the Phillies are a better team that would’ve paid him more. He would’ve received more as a free agent and I don’t understand why he thought that Harper and Machado’s free agency was comparable to what would’ve happened to him.

        I like your point on Pujols, St. Louis won that situation! That said, Pujols was older and in decline, Trout would’ve been in his prime.

        Like

  4. Hate the Nats much? I mean Rendon for sure but 3 players? Come on. A bad year should have been expected. They were hung out to dry by Harper. More so why would the Astros be interested in Lindor? They have a SS and a 3n who can play ss, and an of prospect who is learning SS. Come on!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I don’t hate them. Rendon is a free agent after the season and unless they extend him why risk him leaving for free like Harper? They could’ve traded him and received something back last year.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment