Dream trade deadline deals that probably won’t happen
After seeing Cubs fans rejoice over the Aroldis Chapman trade, I thought it might be fun to hypothesize over trades that will probably not happen this year outside of fantasy baseball.
Ivan Nova (NYY) for Jason Rogers and Kyle Lobstein (PIT)
Right now, the Pirates need help in their starting rotation. Their season ERA is 4.85 and it doesn’t look like that number is going to be improving anytime soon. Gerrit Cole just got off the DL and has been shaky in his two starts since, Tyler Glasnow was just placed on the DL after looking good in his first two starts, and the rest of the starting pitchers haven’t been consistent. Ivan Nova could be this years JA Happ for the Pirates (4.64 ERA for Seattle, 1.85 ERA for Pittsburgh) with the help of pitching coach Ray Searage. Jason Rogers is one of the Pirates’ prospects that they could probably use as a trade piece without long term issues as they have a few other options ahead of him (Jaso, Rodriguez, Bell). Rogers is hitting .292 with 33 RBIs so far in 70 games in the minors. The Pirates could also afford to trade reliever Kyle Lobstein, an average reliever (3.96 ERA) as an added bonus for the Yankees.
Andrew Cashner (SD) for Christian Walker and Tanner Scott (BAL)
One thing is almost certain, Andrew Cashner will not be in a Padres uniform come August 1st. The question is, where will he be? Baltimore needs starting pitching, San Diego needs some solid, young prospects as they look to the future, this trade might work. Cashner has had some ups and downs but is a relatively dependable pitcher (career ERA of 3.73). Christian Walker is a 25 year old first baseman that could be a potential everyday player in the majors after some grooming and Tanner Scott is a left handed pitcher with a huge arm averaging around 98 mph while flirting with triple digits as well. Both players are doing well in the Orioles farm system but could be used in a “win now” situation.
Jonathan Lucroy (MIL) for Charlie Blackmon (COL)
This is a win-win for both teams but I don’t think Colorado is willing to move Blackmon right now. Colorado isn’t too far from reaching the playoffs (provided the next 2months go very well for them) and the addition of a power hitting catcher like Lucroy could be the addition they need. The upside for Milwaukee is they get a potential 5 million dollars off of the books (Lucroy has a club option for 2017) and can begin a true rebuilding process with either Jacob Nottingham (AA) or commit to Martin Maldonodo. Blackmon would also be a potential re-sign for the Brewers after this season provided things go well.
Jeremy Hellickson (PHI) for Tyler Beede and another prospect (or two) (SF)
SF could use another starting pitcher to compliment Johnny Cueto and Madison Bumgarner; Hellickson could fit the void. Philadelphia has a high asking price (some say too high) for Hellickson but the Giants may be able to afford it if they believe Hellickson will help them get a ring (after all, it is an even year). Beede is a solid pitching prospect in Richmond right now, but it would take at least one more (if not two more) add-ons to get this deal done.
Josh Reddick (OAK) for Matt Shoemaker and a prospect (LAA)
Reddick isn’t going to be getting an extension from Oakland and they should get something in return for him before free agency. The Angels need another batt in the outfield and Reddick would be a great addition. Matt Shoemaker is a solid pitcher they could work with and another prospect would be helpful for an Oakland team that has been trending downwards since the departure of Josh Donaldson.
