Here is my first write up on the 2016 trade deadline. This will be an interesting deadline, especially since the free agent market doesn’t look too strong this offseason. These rankings are according to player’s value, their contract and I think each player on this list will be moved this season. I also include teams that could be interested in that player and what it might take for a contender to land that player.
Without further ado here is my trade candidates for the 2016 deadline:
1. Julio Teheran, SP, Atlanta Braves
Atlanta’s front office is split on whether or not to deal their ace, but getting a king’s ransom for the 25-year-old should be enough. Teheran is having a great rebound season, posting a 2.93 ERA and a 2.2 WAR in 14 starts after struggling in 2015.
What makes Teheran the most valuable trade candidate is his contract, the righty is owed around $37.3 million from 2017 until 2020. That contract is a steal for any team in the league, especially after Stephen Strasburg signed his extension with the Nationals. That means there won’t be any high value arms available this offseason.
What would the Braves want for Teheran? I wrote about some trade options in an earlier post here. It would mostly like take a team’s top two prospects or an established, young major league talent and more prospects for a team to acquire Teheran.
Teams that could be interested – Cubs, Red Sox, Astros, Rangers, White Sox, Pirates
2. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Milwaukee Brewers
In my opinion, Lucroy is still as valuable as he was in 2014 and is having another great season at the plate, putting up a slash of .307/.366/.528 with 10 homers and 31 RBIs. He also has a team option for 2017 worth $5.2 million, so you’ll get a very good catcher for a year and a half. Lucroy does have a no-trade clause, which allows him to block eight teams a season.
What would the Brewers want for Lucroy? It would probably take a team’s top prospect and other low-level guys to acquire the 30-year-old catcher. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team send two top prospects if they get desperate enough.
Teams that could be interested – Rangers, Red Sox, Mariners, White Sox, Mets, Indians. Astros
3. Jay Bruce, OF, Cincinnati Reds
Bruce is having a great season at the plate and it reminds me of what he did from 2010-2013. He’s still limited defensively though and will probably be best suited in a DH role. He’s hitting a slash of .271/.329/.584 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and a league leading 6 triples. Bruce has a team option for 2017 worth $13 million with a buyout of $1 million.
What would the Reds want for Bruce? He won’t be as expensive as most of the players on this list, but he should still garner a team’s top five prospect and a few low-level players.
Teams that could be interested – White Sox, Royals, Blue Jays, Rays, Cardinals, Giants
4. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Braun is probably the most valuable player on this list, but injury issues and the whole PED thing knocked him down. He has a big contract that is worth $76 million from 2017 to 2020, with a $15 million mutual option in 2021 and a buyout of $4 million. Braun, 32, is having a solid season, hitting a slash of .307/.367/.522 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs and a 1.7 WAR. His age is also a concern, especially since he will be 37 when his contract expires.
What would the Brewers want for Braun? Milwaukee feels like Braun is an elite talent and they believe they should receive elite talent in return. I think it will be tough for the Brewers to convince a team that Braun is worth elite prospects, especially with all the baggage that he brings with him. I believe the Brewers could sway a team that is desperate for outfield help to give up a few of their top prospects and some low-level guys.
Teams that could be interested – Giants, Cardinals, Phillies, Red Sox, White Sox, Mets, Astros
5. Danny Valencia, 3B, Oakland Athletics
It looks like the A’s may be selling this July, with Valencia being the primary candidate to be on the move. He’s having a career season in Oakland, posting a slash of .335/.379/.567 with 10 homers and 25 RBIs. He does struggle defensively, but another AL team could use him in the DH role. Valencia is under team control through the 2017 season.
What would the A’s want for Valencia? He’s the cheapest option on the list and should cost a team a top-1o prospect and a low-level guy or two.
Teams that could be interested – Mets, Royals, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees
Part 2 Coming Soon
