And here we go!
The 2021 MLB trade deadline is just five days away, giving contenders one last chance to improve before the stretch run for a pennant.
Two serious contenders made significant moves over the weekend: The always-aggressive San Diego Padres got the big-name hunting going by swinging a trade for MLB hits leader Adam Frazier, and the Tampa Bay Rays added thump by acquiring veteran slugger Nelson Cruz from the Minnesota Twins.
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We know the other big names that could be involved, but where will they land? Here’s a guess at where each available star lands at the MLB trade deadline.
Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers
Why it makes sense: Let’s start off with a stunner, but one that shouldn’t truly knock us off our feet. The Dodgers continue to look up at the San Francisco Giants in the NL West standings. Clayton Kershaw is on the IL. Trevor Bauer may never pitch for this franchise (or in MLB for that matter) again. The need for pitching is paramount, especially if this team wants to avoid a one-game NL Wild-Card Game vs. the Padres.
Destination: Mets
Why it makes sense: The Mets need one more thumper, especially from the right side. Bryant is a winner who can bring October experience to a clubhouse that lacks it. Versatile enough to move around the field as the rest of the team gets healthy.
Destination: Yankees
Why it makes sense: A down year and eye-opening lack of suitors on the trade market gift wrap this idea to the Yankees. It won’t take a franchise-altering haul for a rental, even one of this caliber. If Story gets hot, he could be the best bang for the buck of any deadline acquisition.
Destination: Staying put
Why it makes sense: Plug Gallo into any lineup and its instantly better. You can make a case for him landing with any of baseball’s eight-or-so best teams by July 30, but Texas could try to keep him on a long-term extension when the winter arrives
Destination: Giants
Why it makes sense: The Giants are so good in so many areas that it’s tough to find the one area of need other than health to veteran players. I’ll assume front office czar Farhan Zaidi adds starting pitching depth, but doesn’t pay an outrageous cost for a rental arm or reliever. Instead, adding Marte to cover either center or left field gives manager Gabe Kapler one-more big-time everyday player in a lineup full of platoons. It makes the regular lineup better. It improves the bench. It helps with late-game situations. It fits how this franchise does things.
Destination: Phillies
Why it makes sense: The Phillies are desperate to fix the bullpen, and this could be a fix for both 2021 and 2022. Dave Dombrowski’s first big move in Boston: Trading for Kimbrel.
Destination: Staying put
Why it makes sense: Minnesota isn’t ready to waive the white flag on 2022 yet.
Destination: Houston Astros
Why it makes sense: This franchise has been connected to Marte, so the want for a center field upgrade is there for the baseball to see. Buxton will cost a big amount, but could add another MVP-caliber player to a lineup full of them.
Destination: Boston Red Sox
Why it makes sense: This Red Sox team is ahead of schedule, but could use a grinder and winner to help get over the top. It’s even better if that player is a left-handed hitting first baseman with a good glove. Other than Kimbrel-Phillies, there’s not a more obvious fit on the board.
Destination: Seattle Mariners
Why it makes sense: The rebuilding Mariners are ahead of schedule, have a great farm system to tap into and can land a difference-making player on a team-friendly, long-term contract. What’s not to like?
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Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected].
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