With the Trade Deadline coming up in two days, the ATB – Baseball staff consisted of Ronnie Harter, Luke Krumich, and Peter takes a look at 12 of the biggest names and predict where they will be come the deadline.
Ronnie’s Predictions:
Max Scherzer to the Dodgers
Trevor Bauer is not likely going to pitch for the Dodgers again, leaving a big void in the rotation. The Dodgers have a ton of ammo and would like to win another World Series this year and acquiring Scherzer gives the best change.
Package: Max Scherzer to the Dodgers in exchange for 2B Michael Busch & RHP Ryan Pepiot.
Trea Turner stays in Washington
Turner was taken out in the First Inning. This sparked some conversation on whether or not he was pulled due to a trade, butTurner unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. Not that you cannot be traded while injured but I don’t foresee a trade of this magnitude happening until the off-season.
Trevor Story to the Brewers
With Story set to become a free agent after the season, the Rockies should look to try and get the most out of Story at the deadline. The Brewers have been getting nice production from the Shortstop position with Willy Adames, but can use another jolt on offense in Story.
Package: Trevor Story to the Brewers in exchange for SS Freddy Zamora & RHP Dylan File.
Richard Rodriguez to the A’s
Rodriguez is a premier bullpen arm at the deadline and the Pirates are selling HARD. It’s hard to come by really good bullpen pitchers and the A’s need some help there as they make another playoff push. The price isn’t too high and the A’s need to do something after years of disappointing playoff endings.
Package: Richard Rodriguez to the A’s for OF Jordan Diaz and RHP Tyler Baum
Luke’s Predictions:
Joey Gallo to the Yankees
As one of the best lefty hitters in the game and a gold glover, Gallo is going to have a high asking price. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, The Yankees and Padres are the two main suitors for Gallo. I have already made a mock trade for Gallo to the Yankees in a previous article. Last night, the Yankees opened two 40 man roster spots so be on the lookout for a trade to happen soon.
Package: Joey Gallo to the Yankees for RHP Deivi Garcia, OF Estevan Florial, SS Alexander Vargas and, RHP Matt Sauer
Jon Gray to the Yankees if Story is packaged with Gray
The only way Gray moves is if he heads to NYC with Story. This would be a blockbuster deal for New York and would put them back into contention. If Story goes anywhere but New York, Gray stays put.
Package: SS Trevor Story and RHP Jonathan Gray to the Yankees in exchange for SS Oswald Peraza, RHP Luis Medina, C Josh Breaux, and RHP Albert Abreu
Craig Kimbrel to the Padres
With the Cubs clearly selling, reliever Craig Kimbrel will be one of the big names on the move. As it looks right now, two NL west teams are in on Kimbrel, those being the Padres and the Dodgers. The Padres seem more willing to move prospects, for that reason they snatch Kimbrel.
Package: RHP Craig Kimbrel to the Padres for INF Victor Acosta and RHP Carlos Guarate
Eduardo Escobar to the Brewers
Escobar is the age old story of an all-star on the bad team at the trade deadline… He’s going to get moved to a contender as “the missing piece”. with the White Sox and Brewers in on Escobar, the Diamondbacks are going to their third baseman fast. I see the Brewers being more eager to get another all-star so this is where Escobar lands.
Package: 3B Eduardo Escobar to the Brewers in exchange for RHP Dylan File and OF Micah Bello
Peter’s Predictions:
Brad Hand to the Red Sox:
This may be a bold trade prediction, but Boston can use an extra arm. The team will be in the playoffs and have received solid production from their pen thus far. Hand shouldn’t be too costly and will provide help in their bullpen.
Package: Brad Hand to the Red Sox in exchange for LHP Kyle Hart and RHP Daniel Gonzalez
Kris Bryant to the Mets
The Mets offense has struggled significantly this season and have lacked production at 3B and LF. Bryant would provide a huge boost offensively and should not be as expensive as Story or Gallo. This seems like a perfect fit as the Mets need an upgrade and can compete for a title if they add a bat.
Package: Kris Bryant to the Mets in exchange for RHPJ.T. Ginn, OF Khalil Lee and OF Alex Ramirez
Jose Berrios stays put in Minnesota
Berrios has an extra year of control beyond 2021 so the Twins do not have much urgency to move him. Unless a team seriously overpays, the Twins may not trade him since they have until the 2022 deadline to make this decision. The Twins also were expected to compete this year and may have similar goals for 2022.
Merrifield stays in KC
Merrifield also has an extra year of control and seems like a player the Royals will want to keep like they did Perez. Merrifield’s production has dipped in 2021 so the Royals may not receive significant assets in a trade for him.