After the buzz about crazy NBA trades, the MLB got in on the fun. After a underwhelming first half, the Cubs made a blockbuster deal acquiring Jose Quintana from the White Sox, in exchange for four prospects. Two of which ranked in Baseball America’s top 100 prospects.
With the trade deadline less than three weeks away, rumors are flying. Let’s look at five trades that need to happen before the MLB trade deadline.
1. David Robertson to the Nationals:
The Nationals were looking for a closer last season, but missed out on Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller. The Nationals need help at the back of their bullpen, and with the White Sox in a full rebuild, Robertson is certainly available.
With a 2.87 ERA while converting on 13-of-14 save opportunities, Robertson is having a strong season. The Nationals could acquire him and build on a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
2. Sonny Gray to the Yankees:
Sonny Gray is available but many teams concerned about his ability to stay healthy and just how good he is #Yankees #Athletics
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 14, 2017
The Yankees have been one of the surprises this season, due to their potent offense. While enjoying a strong season from Luis Severino, they need help in their rotation. Reports are that Michael Pineda may need Tommy John surgery.
Gray is coming off an injury, but has started to show a return to form. Gray is 27 and entering his prime years. With the Yankees farm system full of prospects, they can make a move for a premier pitcher.
With the Rays, Twins and Royals on their heels, the Yankees need to make a move. Those teams won’t be buying at the deadline, so the Yankees could pull away with a trade. Masahiro Tanaka’s pending opt out could provide more incentive for the Yankees to make a move.
3. Jose Bautista to the Dodgers:
The Dodgers all but locked up the NL West before the All-Star Break. Behind dominant starting pitching and huge seasons from Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner, one of the team’s weaknesses has been their outfielders. Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig have been inconsistent.
Bautista got off to a terrible start, but improved throughout the season. With the Blue Jays in the AL East basement, moving 36-year-old Bautista makes sense. A veteran bat with postseason experience could be exactly what the Dodgers need.
4. Pat Neshek to the Brewers:
Raise your hand if you had the Brewers as buyers at the deadline before the season. Me neither, but here we are. The Brewers are sitting atop the NL Central and could use bullpen help to hold off the Cubs. Neshek is having a spectacular season and the Phillies are likely to move him.
With a young core and more prospects still to come, the Brewers can use a taste of the postseason. Neshek offers a veteran presence to a young team and help them get to the playoffs.
5. Todd Frazier to the Red Sox:
BREAKING: Pablo Sandoval designated for assignment by #RedSox, 1-1/2 seasons into a guaranteed five-year, $95 million contract. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 14, 2017
The Pablo Sandoval experiment has ended in Boston. The team designated the third baseman for assignment Friday. With their top prospect third baseman Rafael Devers newly promoted to AAA, the Red Sox could use a rental. With Frazier in the final year of his deal, the White Sox could move him for next to nothing.
Frazier had a rough start to the season but still has power, with 16 home runs at the break. If the Red Sox want to compete with the explosive offense of the Astros, Frazier could be the missing piece.
