Boston Red Sox: Five Possible Trade Deadline Candidates
By Paul Ashley
The Colorado Rockies are most likely not going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Regardless of their chances at the playoffs, they may have trouble keeping LeMahieu in free agency. With Ryan McMahon, Pat Valaika, and Garrett Hampson looming as viable options at second base for the Rockies, it may make sense to move LeMahieu for pieces that can help either now or in the future.
D.J. LeMahieu will most likely require a contract similar to the one Zack Cozart signed with the Los Angeles Angels at 3 years, $38 million. Although that is a reasonable amount, the Rockies are running into possible payroll issues. In 2019, they already have an estimated $131.4 million payroll if all arbitration eligible players are kept. The payroll is also already estimated to be $163.5 million in 2020 and $152.7 in 2021.
The Rockies have team options for Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and Wade Davis that could turn into players options based on performance requirements. If all of the options end up on the payroll, they could increase the above 2021 payroll by an additional $28.0 million.
The Rockies franchise cornerstone, Nolan Arenado, will also be a free agent following the 2019 season. Arenado is not purely motivated by money, but the Rockies will surely have to plan for at least an additional $25 million on top of the above 2020/21 figures if they want to retain the superstar.
Due to all of this, the Rockies may not be able to afford LeMahieu and it may make sense to move him now instead of relying on draft compensation as a possible reward.
The Red Sox have a need a second base as Dustin Pedroia has been unable to stay healthy. Eduardo Nunez and Brock Holt have filled in nicely for the Red Sox, but LeMahieu would definitely be an upgrade.
LeMahieu holds a career .353 OBP and has compiled a 10.1 oWAR in 7 seasons with the Rockies. He has also provided an 8.3 dWAR in those 7 seasons. This season, he holds a 3.26 OBP and a 1.0 dWAR.
Holt has great offensive numbers on the season, but keeping him only at second base takes away from his overall value. He has played second base, shortstop, right field, left field, and first base this season. The defensive versatility and great offensive numbers make Holt a fantastic utility player that should not be limited to one position. So far this season, he holds a .363 OBP and a -0.2 dWAR.
On the other hand, Nunez has a .283 OBP for the Red Sox this season and he holds a -1.2 dWAR on the year. Nunez could either fill in as a secondary versatile infield piece, or as a possible trade piece.
As Nunez does not play the best defense and Holt provides the best value by being able to move around the field, LeMahieu makes sense to provide stability at second base for the remainder of 2018.