Atlanta Braves: Possible Matt Adams Trade Destinations
If the Atlanta Braves decide to trade Matt Adams, which teams would he fit in with best?
The Atlanta Braves pulled off one of the more mysterious yet effective trades this year when they acquired first baseman Matt Adams from the St. Louis Cardinals. Almost immediately, this was a trade St. Louis regretted. Adams powered his way into the hearts of many Braves fans and made life without Freddie Freeman a little easier.
Of course, that life was only a temporary one. Freeman eventually returned from the disabled list with a bat full of talent. The Braves tried a few things to keep both in the lineup. This included Freeman playing third base and Adams logging innings in the outfield.
Although this benefitted the offense, the defensive alignment was frightening. Freeman is not a third baseman. Even more obvious is how much Adams does not fit into the corner outfield. These two are first basemen who don’t belong on the same roster.
No one should sleep on the Braves this offseason. They are in the perfect position to make lots of moves to improve their roster. One of those moves is to deal away Adams while the price is still high.
Colorado Rockies
Do the Colorado Rockies have an opening at first base next season? That really depends on how they plan to align the rest of the defense. Sure, they can play Ian Desmond there or re-sign Mark Reynolds. However, Desmond is probably better suited at a position where his speed can play a factor. Reynolds also has a chance to land himself a pretty good contract in free agency.
This could mean the Rockies talk with the Braves about Adams’ availability. He’d certainly have no gripes about it. By joining the Rockies in his last year of arbitration, Adams gives his free agent value a huge boost.
Adams is not someone we should expect to turn a franchise around. He may not even stick around in the lineup when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound. Because of this, the Rockies actually make a whole lot of sense.
Colorado has several notable rookies knocking on the big league door. Brendan Rodgers is a top ten prospect. The also very talented Ryan McMahon should pique their Opening Day roster interest and find his way onto the roster in some role. Perhaps one way to help the rookie slugger ease his way into big league action is to allow him a chance to share first base duties with Adams. The big issue here is that both hit left-handed.
Never fear, McMahon is athletic enough to play third base and the corner outfield as well until he officially takes over as the Rockies’ starting first baseman.
Kansas City Royals
Long time Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer is a free agent after 2017. And while he’ll give the Royals a hometown discount, it’s not going to be anything significant. The man will and deserves to get paid. Hosmer is not about to let Kansas City ribs affect the size of his wallet.
This leaves the Royals with a vacant first base and a couple of minor leaguers who could fill the role. Or, rather than put someone green out there too soon, they could bring Adams back to the “Show Me State” to play for the other Missouri team. Could this work?
Adams fits best in the American League. With the DH available most nights, he’d fit in nicely as a part-time first baseman. The Royals already have Brandon Moss taking over a similar role. For the purposes of depth, they could still go out and add Adams. If they happen to lose Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Lorenzo Cain this offseason, they’ll need all of the help they can get.
It’s not as if the Royals can go into full rebuild mode. Several players are signed to big contracts. Alex Gordon isn’t going to disappear with his low batting average nor will Ian Kennedy and his high ERA.
By picking up players like Adams who are earning more modest contracts, the Royals can put themselves in a good position to compete in 2018 without bankrupting themselves.
Seattle Mariners
Many years have gone by since the Seattle Mariners relied heavily on a big-name first baseman. While they may go after Eric Hosmer in free agency, it’s more likely that they settle on a guy like Adams.
If Yonder Alonso tests the free agent waters and departs from the M’s after one half season, Adams could take over. He’s not someone who would cost the Mariners all that much in salary or prospects. They could use those savings to fill other needs.
This year, the Mariners aren’t short on options when it comes to first base. Utility man Danny Valencia was their primary first baseman before the Alonso trade, but he too is a free agent. Dan Vogelbach has not hit well at the MLB level leaving Seattle poised to search outside of the organization.
Adams would fit in well with the Mariners. They already have a rather impressive starting lineup which includes Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager. My only worry is that they may end up too left-handed.
Next: Odd home run totals in power boom
Of course, the Mariners could always protect Adams and platoon him. This is likely the route many teams would take with Adams anyway considering his regular splits. Even though this didn’t work out too well for the Mariners in recent years, it’s still worth a try. Adams brings with him over 26 postseason career games played. Seattle, meanwhile, has not been to the playoffs since 2001.