MLB trade rumors: Bullpen help
Player: Brad Hand – LHP (Relief)
Current team: San Diego Padres
Teams in the mix: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves
2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 3-4. ERA 2.16/WHIP: 0.93. 791 innings pitched. 104/20 strikeout to walk ratio.
Chances of being traded: Above average, but at a high price.
Current front-runners: Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals.
It will honestly come down to which one of these two, the Braves and Cardinals, is willing to give up the most prospects. With both MLB squads loaded with young talent, it will no doubt be a game of chess for the 2017 All-Star.
The best middle bullpen lefty on the MLB free agency market would make an excellent addition to the inconsistent bullpen of these two teams. Currently, in his second year of arbitration, the salary of Hand for 2017 was under $2 million, which is a steal.
Player: Raisel Iglesias – RHP (Relief)
Current team: Cincinnati Reds
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Teams in the mix: St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins
2017 statistics: Win-Loss record: 2-3. ERA 2.49/WHIP: 1.11. 76.0 innings pitched. 92/27 strikeout to walk ratio.
Chances of being traded: High
Current front-runner: Minnesota Twins
Unlikely to trade within their division, the Reds are likely to deal with the Twins more than any of these teams. Iglesias would fit with any team’s situation — for a squad looking to rebuild or any already built contender.
During his career, he strikes out nearly 11 batters per nine innings. Whoever can land this gem would be set for years to come, who still has three years on his current contract — costing $4.5 this coming season and $5 million the next two.
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With these MLB trade rumors buzzing, will your favorite team land any of these studs or under the radar stars? With the MLB hot stove season in the eye of the Hurricane, look for things to stir up here in the coming weeks.