Call to the Pen Christmas Lists: The National League West
With Christmas just a day away, teams in the NL West are finalizing their wish lists; here’s what should be on them.
The holidays are a time for fun, family, friends, and relaxation, looking towards the new year ahead. For baseball teams, however, the holidays are a busy time with signings, trades, and the tinkering of payrolls for NL West teams.
Each of the squads in the NL West has needs, and changes, that need to be made before winters end, so lets put on our slippers, grab some cocoa, and check these lists…twice.
The San Diego Padres
The Padres are in a very interesting place this holiday season. They were competitive enough last year, especially after the signing of Eric Hosmer. They still have work to do, and after designating Clayton Richard for assignment, they are in need of another arm.
Who that pitcher will be is still TBD but the Padres have their eyes set on Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman.
Starting pitching is huge for the Padres and should be at the top of their wish list, and Stroman is a guy they could potentially get without trading away any of their top three prospects. For example:
This is a trade that can easily be worked out and should be a priority for the Padres.
The Arizona Diamondbacks
At first glance, the D-Backs seem to be in rebuilding mode, after trading Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals. They are rebuilding, but have the chance to still stay competitive despite it. So, that’s what tops the D-Backs’ Christmas list; being able to influence the division race while rebuilding.
It’s possible that Zack Greinke still gets traded, but is only three years into a massive 6 year/$206.5 million dollar contract. There are still teams out there that could use a strong starter like Greinke, but the contract is going to play a role in any trade he’s discussed in.
Arizona played absolutely stellar baseball in 2017 and the first half of 2018, but have since entered a rebuild that hopes to be quick, and successful.
The Colorado Rockies
The Dodgers are the clear favorites to win the NL West again this season, but the Colorado Rockies are going to challenge them.
The addition of Daniel Murphy is huge, giving the Rockies an edge at first base. What the Rockies really need this season is a strong enough team, even more so than what they have now, to challenge the Dodgers. Like this past season, it’s extremely possible that one of the wild card teams will be from the West.
The Rockies need to strengthen any flaws that could potentially be exposed during the season, whether it be trading for a starter, reliever, or outfield bat.
The San Francisco Giants
Like the Padres, the Giants are in a very interesting place. They probably won’t be a threat in the division race this season, but can influence important games by playing well at the right times.
What tops the Giants’ Christmas list is restocking their pipeline with prospects and shining a bright light on the future of this club. Whether or not that means trading Madison Bumgarner is for them to decide, but trading Bumgarner would bring some strong potential stars to the Bay.
Bleacher Report ranks the Giants’ farm system at 24, but a few strategic trades could give the Giants a superb farm system with a ton of talent.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers had a very busy week, trading Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer to the Cincinnati Reds, in a move that shocked fans. The Dodgers, however, are gearing up to make more trades, and there’s one trade that should be a priority; Corey Kluber.
The Dodgers have been in talks with the Indians about Kluber for a while now, and their trade with Cincinnati may have moved them a few steps closer to a deal. Jeter Downs, who came over to LA from Cincinnati, is an elite prospect who could, potentially, be sent to Cleveland in a deal.
This should be a top priority for the Dodgers. Having Corey Kluber in the same rotation as Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler would make the Dodgers’ starting five one of the best in baseball.
What do the Dodgers want for Christmas? Kluber, and hopefully, a World Series parade to fill the streets of Los Angeles next October.
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Happy holidays to the teams we root for every day and, most of all, to all of you!