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The Trade Winds Blow
Undoubtedbly the Cubs wil be selling as the July trade deadline approaches with Matt Garza, Scott Feldman, Kevin Gregg & Nate Schierholtz being the most likely chips on the table. There certainly may be others, but those players make the most sense. Let's take a look at some potential trade partners:
When it comes to starting pitching, a contender is one injury away from being in the market, so I'm sure the list will expand, but here are the most obvious candidates (NH stands for not happening):
1. Baltimore (Starters' ERA: 4.88)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects To Target: Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy
More Likely to Get: Jake Arrieta, Mike Wright or Brandon Kline
2. San Francisco Giants (Starters' ERA: 4.50)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Kyle Crick, Chris Stratton or Clayton Blackburn
More Likely to Get: Martin Agosta or Mike Kickham
3. Colorado Rockies (Starters' ERA: 4.41)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Nolan Arenado (NH) or David Dahl
More Likely to Get: Eddie Butler, Tyler Matzek or Tyler Anderson
4. Arizona Diamdonbacks (Starters' ERA: 4.13)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Tyler Skaggs(NH) or Archie Bradley (NH)
More Likely to Get: Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson or Andrew Chafin
5. Oakland Athletics (Starter's ERA 4.11)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Addison Russell or Michael Choice
More Likely to Get: Sonny Gray, Dan Straily or Nolan Sanburn
6. Texas Rangers (Starters' ERA 3.98)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Mike Olt
More Likely to Get: Mike Olt, Cody Buckel, Martin Perez
7. San Diego Padres (Starters' ERA: 4.56)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Jedd Gyorko(NH) or Rymer Liriano
More Likely to Get: Casey Kelly or Robbie Erlin
8. Anaheim Angels (Starters' ERA: 4.49)
Pre-Season Top 20 Prospect List
Prospects to Target: Kaleb Cowart
More Likely to Get: Nick Maronde or R.J. Alvarez
The Angels might seem like an odd choice on this list, but they didn't spend all that money to pack it in. That being said, they'll need a bit of a run heading into the deadline before they start being buyers. The Orioles seem to make the most sense on the list and could easily slot Garza and Feldman in their rotation, Gregg in their bullpen and maybe, just maybe that would be enough to land one of Gausman or Bundy and 3-4 other B/C prospects. Feldman makes a ton of sense for the Rockies if they go shopping (sinkerballers and all in Coors), but who knows how willing they are to move prospects and of what quality. The A's have always been willing to make deals when they feel they're in it, hence their inclusion. I know Adam Eaton might seem like an odd inclusion from the Diamondbacks, but with the emergence of Parra and with Pollock around and Eaton's injuries, they can probably spare a young outfielder.
Relievers/Closers
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. St. Louis Cardinals
5. Cincinnati Reds
6. Baltimore Orioles
7. Anaheim Angels
The Cards, Reds, Angels and Orioles could have a use for Gregg as a set-up man and I'm sure many other teams could emerge in that role. The other 3 could probably use Gregg as a closer, but how much any team is going to give up in a deal for a guy picked off waivers is beyond my prediction capabilities.
Outfielders
1. Kansas City Royals (OPS by RF'ers: .707)
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (OPS by RF'ers: .664)
3. Oakland A's (OPS by RF'ers: .663)
4. New York Yankees (OPS by RF'ers: .679/ LF: .624)
5. Cincinnati Reds (OPS by LF'ers: .669)
I imagine Dejesus might be shopped around as well once he comes back, but Schierholtz seems to be the best best. Royals are in desparate need of power and a Francouer/Schierholtz platoon would be lethal, but who knows if that's on their radar. The Reds are expecting Ludwick back at LF at some point and seem to be doing well enough without him, so I don't expect a move, but I imagine it's a possibility. The A's were without Reddick that got them to that number and while he's struggled since returning, I'm not sure if they're looking for a minor upgrade on offense, especially considering Reddick's far superior defense.
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