Every baseball season, playoff contenders look to upgrade at the July 31 trade deadline. Sometimes it works… sometimes is backfires. The 2002 mega deal that sent Bartolo Colon to Montreal netted the Indians a haul of three prospects named Brandon Phillips, Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. It’s safe to say that one backfired for the Expos.
This season will be no different and we highlight some of the players that could be shipped to contenders before the non-waiver trade deadline.
Waiver Wire: Pitcher | Hitters
Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles – Cruz took a one-year deal in the hitting-friendly Camden Yards in order to increase his stock for a larger payday after the 2014 season. He’s the type of hitter that could impact any lineup with a midseason deal.
Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers – We don’t expect the big-spending Dodgers to be out of contention by the deadline, but stranger things have happened. Ramirez should command a huge payday after the season and he’s a player that the Yankees and Red Sox have coveted for years. If the Dodgers struggle to meet expectations, they could get a nice haul for Han-Ram.
Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants – The Kung Fu Panda is in his walk year and could easily slide into the lineup of a contending team is the Giants are disappointing at the deadline.
Emilio Bonifacio, Chicago Cubs – Bonifacio can play multiple positions and will have to surrender his job to the terrific class of prospects the Cubs have waiting on the farm. His versatility will make him attract for contenders, and a valuable chip for the rebuilding Cubs.
James Shields, Kansas City Royals – A lot of people are picking the small-market Royals to contend in 2014, so hopefully this doesn’t happen. However, after losing elite-talent Wil Myers to acquire Shields, the Royals would be silly not to move him for parts if their season unravels.
Justin Masterson, Cleveland Indians – Masterson will be a free agent after the year and right-hander was reportedly willing to accept a very reasonable two- or three-year extension worth around $17 million per season, but the Indians weren't willing to give him more than around $14 million per year. The Indians would be wise to get something in return.
Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers – Everyone expects the Tigers to contend, so they wouldn’t trade the 2013 Cy Young winner… would they? The Tigers are a bold and brash organization, evident by trading Prince Fielder and handing Miguel Cabrera a $308 million deal. Scherzer, who allegedly turned down a six-year, $144 million offer from the Tigers, could be shipped out of town if the Tigers disappoint in the standings.
Ervin Santana, Atlanta Braves – Santana couldn’t get the massive contract he was looking for on the open market and signed a one-year deal with the Braves. If Atlanta falls from contention, look for it to swap Santana for a prospect that would help rebuild a depleted farm system.
Jim Johnson, Oakland Athletics – The A’s are notorious for trading players while their value is peaked. If Johnson, who can test free agency after the season, has elite-closer stats in July, look for him to land on a contender at the deadline
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Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod already has a save in 2014 and could be traded to a team that would use him as a ninth-inning man if the Brewers receive market value.
Questions? Hit me on Twitter @briansflood
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