Buy, Sell, Stand Trade Options for Every MLB Team

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJuly 07, 2018
© USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: Impact Hitter
Potential Fit:

Manny Machado (SS/3B, BAL, 25)
Deadline Salary: $5,333,333

The Diamondbacks sit atop the AL West, tied with the Dodgers - the most likely competition for Machado's serivces this July. Arizona may need to part ways with recently extended infielder Ketel Marte to make the deal work, while the Dodgers will likely be including a Top 10 prospect in P Dustin May. The winner of this prize might just find themselves with a division title in October.

 

Atlanta Braves

Should Be: Small Buyers
Biggest Need: Bullpen
Potential Fit:

Jared Hughes (RP, CIN, 33)
Deadline Salary: $708,333 (signed through 2020)

The Braves have been the surprise-team of 2018 thus far posting a NL East leading 49 wins to date. While the rotation and middle-relief slots could use an upgrade, it’s tough to imagine Atlanta shopping any of their youth (though 3B Johan Camargo could be one to watch if his bat doesn’t heat up this summer). An option like Hughes out of Cincinnati (46 IP, 35K, 1.37 ERA, 6 Saves) shouldn't break their bank as some late game help down the stretch.

 

Baltimore Orioles

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Manny Machado (SS/3B, 25)
Deadline Salary: $5,333,333

Zach Britton (RP, 30)
Deadline Salary: $4,000,000

Brad Brach (RP, 32)
Deadline Salary: $1,721,666

Adam Jones (OF, 32)
Deadline Salary: $5,666,666

The Orioles are having an all-time bad year, and teams across the league know they need to sell off their parts this summer. That's never a good formula for "huge trade returns", even if Manny Macahado appears to be the prize of the deadline. Baltimore clearly needed to start this process last winter.

 

Boston Red Sox

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: RP
Potential Fit:

Brad Hand (RP, SD, 28)
Deadline Salary: $1,166,666

The Padres are 10.5 games out of 1st place in early July, and could be in a much worse spot by the time the deadline comes around. Boston needs a seasoned arm to complement a middling bullpen for their stretch run, and a player like Hand, who has setup & closer experience fits the bill nicely.

 

Chicago Cubs

Should Be: Small Buyers
Biggest Need: Pitching
Potential Fit:

Seth Lugo (P, NYM, 28)
Deadline Salary: $188,000 (controlled through 2022)

If the Mets begin to sell the farm, Lugo is a name multiple teams will likely be asking about as he's now shown flashes of above average both as a starter, and bullpen arm. He's pre-arbitration through 2019, so his team control will mean a decent return for the Mets should he be moved. The Cubs need 3-5 starter help, and setup-role depth as well. Lugo would suffice in both areas.

 

Chicago White Sox

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Jose Abreu (1B, 31)
Deadline Salary: $4,333,333

Joakim Soria (RP, 34)
Deadline Salary: $3,000,000

The White Sox are 27 games under .500 at the time of this article, clearly a year or two away from seeing success with their young talent. While a player like Abreu can still be considered part of the future, listening for an offer that can't be refused makes a lot of sense right now.

 

Cincinnati Reds

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Raisel Iglesias (RP, 28)
Deadline Salary: $1,333,333

Scooter Gennett (2B, 28)
Deadline Salary: $1,900,000

The Reds are 14 games out of first place at the time of this piece, good for last place in the NL Central. With their short term future looking more bleak than hopeful, selling off a few core players like Iglesias and Gennett probably makes business sense. Iglesias is under contract through 2020 ($1.9M, $5M, $5M), while Gennett holds a final year of arbitration under his belt. Each should draw a pretty nice return for Cincy.

 

Cleveland Indians

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: Outfield & Bullpen
Potential Fits:

Zach Britton (RP, BAL, 30)
Deadline Salary: $4,000,000

Blake Treinen (RP, OAK, 30)
Deadline Salary: $716,666

The Indians probably need a depth piece at the outfield position as well, but the main focus is filling up the bullpen not only for the stretch run, but for the immediate future as well. Setup man Andrew Miller and closer Cody Allen are pending free agents, along with a few depth relievers to boot. Britton is a pending free agent himself, but is almost certainly looking to land on a better team going forward, so the Indians could use the remainder of 2018 as a "trial". Treinin has two years of arbitration, and would likely cost a bit more to snag, likely a player like Triston McKenzie.

 

Colorado Rockies

Should Be: Cautious Buyers
Biggest Need: Starting Pitching
Potential Fits:

J.A. Happ (SP, TOR, 35)
Deadline Salary: $4,333,333

Happ might be a bit optimistic for a team that is right on the line between buyers and sellers currently, but the price and player are good fits for an immediate improvement in Colorado. It can also be argued that first base is a position of need, though Ian Desmond has recently picked up production.

 

Detroit Tigers

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Michael Fulmer (SP, 25)
Deadline Salary: $191, 733

Nick Castellanos (OF, 26)
Deadline Salary: $2,016,666

Moving on from Fulmer and Castellanos would mean tougher times in Detroit for a few years, but it might be necessary to rip the band-aid off completely in order to restock the farm system and get the next phase in motion. Both of these players would bring back a haul, especially as the big dogs (Dodgers, Cubs, Angels) will likely be in the conversation. Fulmer will be starting arbitration in 2019, while Castellanos will be entering his final year.

 

Houston Astros

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: Catcher, Pitching
Potential Fits:

Wilson Ramos (C, TB, 30)
Deadline Salary: $3,500,000

Kyle Barraclough (RP, MIA, 28)
Deadline Salary: $371,000

The Astros don't necessarily need to make a significant deadline move, but it makes sense to speculate in a few areas. With Brian McCann injured, the need for a legitimate everyday catcher down the stretch could be in play, and Ramos has been one of the best offensive catchers in the game this year. Barraclough represents a real upgrade to the bullpen for the Astros who are also likely in the conversation for another starter based on Dallas Keuchel's tough start.

 

Kansas City Royals

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Mike Moustakas (3B, 29)
Deadline Salary: $2,166,666

The Royals have already shipped RP Kelvin Herrera to Washington, signifying the start of their 2018 selling period. KC re-signed Moose late in the offseason to a very team-friendly $6.5M salary, making him an affordable value for a team looking to rent. He's on pace for 35 doubles, 35 home runs, and 100 RBIs.

 

Los Angeles Angels

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Garrett Richards (SP, 30)
Deadline Salary: $2,433,333

Now 13.5 games out of first place, the wheels might be falling off of another season for the Angels, who boast the 6th highest payroll in baseball this year. The disabled list is riddled with Angels' pitchers, with the exception of Richards, who carries a 3.42 ERA, 1.2 WHIP into July.

 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: A little bit of everything
Potential Fits:

Manny Machado (SS/3B, 25)
Deadline Salary: $5,333,333

Michael Fulmer (SP, 25)
Deadline Salary: $191, 733

Raisel Iglesias (RP, 28)
Deadline Salary: $1,333,333

The Dodgers turned a miserable start to the season completely around, and now find themselves tied atop the NL West with Arizona. A few weeks ago they were prepped to sell, but now, may be one arm/bat away from becoming serious National League contenders yet again. They'll need to overpay for Machado, but with Corey Seager on the shelf all year, his acquisition would be a big upgrade.

 

Miami Marlins

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

J.T. Realmuto (C, 27)
Deadline Salary: $966,666

Starlin Castro (2B, 28)
Deadline Salary: $3,333,333

Realmuto has been trying to get out of Miami for months now as the franchise pushes through yet another rebuild. The distraction has done little to his production though, as the 27-year-old boasts 20 doubles, 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a .310 average through 3+ months. With two more years of arbitration still left, he'll be on a few teams' radars this month, most notably the Nationals.

 

Milwaukee Brewers

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Needs: 2B, C, SP
Potential Fits:

J.T. Realmuto (C, MIA, 27)
Deadline Salary: $966,666

Starlin Castro (2B, 28)
Deadline Salary: $3,333,333

Garrett Richards (SP, 30)
Deadline Salary: $2,433,333

The Brewers probably don't have enough ammo to ge to the finish line in 2018, but also don't have players they need to ditch this summer either. For this, it's expected they'll buy heavily, but at a cost to their farm system. A Realmuto-Castro deal out of Miami kills two birds, while a Kyle Gibson or Garrett Richards type pitcher makes sense for Milwaukee's stretch run.

 

Minnesota Twins

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Kyle Gibson (SP, 30)
Deadline Salary: $1,400,000

Eduardo Escobar (SS, 29)
Deadline Salary: $1,616,666

Many had high hopes for the 2018 Twins, who now find themselves 11.5 games behind the Indians and on track to sell off a few pieces this summer. 2B Brian Dozier has been the likely trade option for months now, but he's been lost at the plate most of the year. The Twins will likely still dangle the 31-year-old free agent to be on the block, along with Gibson (1 more year of arbitration), and Escobar (pending UFA).

 

New York Mets

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Asdrubal Cabrera (INF, 32)
Deadline Salary: $2,750,000

Jeurys Familia (RP, 28)
Deadline Salary: $2,641,666

Much has been made about the possibility that the Mets (13 games back) might look to shop star pitchers Jacob deGrom & Noah Syndergaard. Neither seem likely to be going anywhere this summer. Cabrera hasn't just been the Mets best hitter, he's been one of the best hitters in the National League thus far. Still a strong infielder at age 32, he'll be a valuable asset for a team making a postseason run. Familia faced a suspension, battled a few injuries, got knocked around a bit, but now appears to be righting the ship just in time for trade talks. Both he and Cabrera at slated for free agency this winter.

 

New York Yankees

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: A little bit of everything
Potential Fits:

Kyle Gibson (SP, MIN, 30)
Deadline Salary: $1,400,000

Michael Fulmer (SP, DET, 25)
Deadline Salary: $191,733

Mike Moustakas (3B, 29)
Deadline Salary: $2,166,666

This is a VERY good team, but also in many regards a very young team. There's no question a back of the rotation starter is in need, along with a more consistent bat at first base. Fulmer would require a major haul as he's yet to hit arbitration, while Gibson has one more year in 2019. Moustakas has quieted his doubters from this past free agent period, on pace for 35 doubles, 35 home runs, and 100 RBIs

 

Oakland Athletics

Should Be: Buyers (or Blake Treinen Sellers)
Biggest Need: Impact Bat, Starting Pitcher
Potential Fits:

Michael Fiers (SP, DET, 33)
Deadline Salary: $2,000,000

Maikel Franco (3B, PHI, 25)
Deadline Salary: $983,333

The A's have been playing great baseball of late, climbing back into the American League conversation - something we havent been able to say in a bunch of years. To this regard, Oakland should be looking to push, even if a World Series run isn't likely. HOWEVER, Blake Treinen has been lights out in the back of the bullpen since taking over the role. With 2+ years of team control still remaining, the A's would be in a position to reel in an Andrew-Miller type haul for Treinen right now - and the Indians may just be the best trade partner here as well.

 

Philadelphia Phillies

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: Manny Machado
Potential Fits:

Manny Machado (SS/3B, 25)
Deadline Salary: $5,333,333

The Phillies were expected to improve in 2018, but breakout seasons from Odubel Herrera & Aaron Nola have this team primed to win now. Reeling in the big fish that is Machado this summer would take a mini-haul, and some positional shifting as well (Scott Kingery currently locked in at SS), but the Phillies should consider themselves a Top-2 target for Manny this month.

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Should Be: Stand Patters

The Pirates are in that difficult to decide place in the standings where buying could work, selling might be better, but doing nothing is probably the safest bet for the good of the team. OF Corey Dickerson & C Francisco Cervelli represent a few possible sell options if it gets to that point.

 

San Diego Padres

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Tyson Ross (SP, 31)
Deadline Salary: $583,333

Brad Hand (RP, 28)
Deadline Salary: $1,166,666

The Padres signed Ross to a no-risk minor league contract in January, and he’s been one of the surprises of the year to date (3.87 ERA, 1.24 WHIP through 17 starts). Now he and veteran RP Brad Hand stand to be two of the top trade targets this July.

 

San Francisco Giants

Should Be: Stand Patters

The N.L. West is a toss-up, with the 4th-place Giants just 3.5 games back. With major acquistions done this past winter (McCutchen, Longoria), and the team financially very close to the Luxury Tax line, it stands to reason that San Francisco will operate with their current roster for the majority of the year, barring a few smaller moves (possibly Matt Harvey, SP, CIN, Nathan Eovaldi, SP, TB).

 

Seattle Mariners

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: Manny Machado
Potential Fits:

Cole Hamels (SP, TEX, 34)
Deadline Salary: $7,500,000

Shin-Soo Choo (OF, TEX, 35)
Deadline Salary: $6,666,666

Chris Archer (SP, 29)
Deadline Salary: $2,083,333

The Mariners are currently just 1.5 games back in the AL West, but many are just waiting for this train to fall off the tracks. Seattle can stop that from happening with a few impact deadline moves - if they think they can afford it. Their current ace Felix Hernandez has the worst ERA on the team, so an immediate upgrade to the rotation seems likely. Cole Hamels has long been talked about here, and the timing seems right to make that happen. However a cheaper, and possibly more effective option might be Happ out of Toronto who has posted better numbers pound for pound.

 

St. Louis Cardinals

Should Be: Ride Out the Stormers

The Cardinals always seem to be hanging around this time of year, and find themselves just 6.5 games back in the NL Central. It seems unlikely they'll have enough juice to push past both the Cubs & Brewers though, putting their deadline status in question. It doesn't even seem certain the Cardinals will keep their manager for another month, let alone a specific player. The roster is in a bit of peril, with Dexter Fowler having a career worst year, injuries riddled throughout the lineup, and the Greg Holland experiment failing a little bit more every day. It will be tough for St. Louis to move any of these contracts this month.

 

Tampa Bay Rays

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Wilson Ramos (C, 30)
Deadline Salary: $3,500,000

Chris Archer (SP, 29)
Deadline Salary: $2,083,333

Ramos has been one of the best catchers in all of baseball in 2018, while Archer should be activated from the DL next week, just in time for a July showcase. Ramos is a pending free agent, while Archer has 3 years remaining on his current contract. Both players shoud gain Tampa a nice return.

 

Texas Rangers

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

Cole Hamels (SP, 34)
Deadline Salary: $7,500,000

Adrian Beltre (3B, 39)
Deadline Salary: $6,000,000

Hamels has $7.5M remaining in 2018, and a $6M buyout for 2019 ($20M salary), so he's an expensive rental with not great numbers, but it stands to reason that a few teams will be in on his services. Beltre hasn't found the power this year much at all, but still hits for average, and plays a strong third base. OF Shin-Soo Choo, INF Jurickson Profar, & RP Tony Barnette could also be in play.

 

Toronto Blue Jays

Should Be: Sellers
Potential Sales:

J.A. Happ (SP, 35)
Deadline Salary: $4,333,333

Josh Donaldson (3B, 32)
Deadline Salary: $7,666,666

Donaldson's status remains a big question mark as the 32 year old remains on the DL. It's possible he's not healthy in time for a deadline swap, meaning Toronto will watch him walk for free this winter. Happ should be a different story, as the veteran has been linked to multiple teams, and has the numbers to back up a nice deal. OF Curtis Granderson, RP John Axford & RP Tyler Clippard could also be trade chips this July.

 

Washington Nationals

Should Be: Buyers
Biggest Need: C, SP
Potential Fits:

Wilson Ramos (C, 30)
Deadline Salary: $3,500,000

Chris Archer (SP, 29)
Deadline Salary: $2,083,333

The Nats have been linked to Marlin's catcher J.T. Realmuto since the beginning of the season, but the asking price continues to be too rich for Washington to consider. So we'll assume this as a likely Plan B. Ramos has been fantastic, and Archer is days away from an activation from the DL, and would pose as a nice fit for the back of the Nationals' rotation. He's signed through 2021.


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