The MLB trade deadline is one of the most compelling days during the season and 2019 will not be an exception. Here are three potential MLB trades involving important players will definitely remain a possibility in the coming months.
Once the season enters June, a domineering force overtakes the thoughts of most fanbases and nearly all teams. This feeling commences once the MLB Draft is complete and lingers through the end of July, with the closing of the trade deadline window.
The 2019 draft begins on June 3 and lasts through June 5, from there any action by a player or team may have implications for their futures – in the minds of many.
Potential MLB trades are casually bandied about by television commentators, writers of all forms, and fans alike. General managers and team presidents will begin to reach out to many different clubs to begin the groundwork and communication that are required to complete MLB trades down the line- deep into trade season.
Most importantly teams must make the internal decision of buyer- in hopes of a postseason berth- or seller- in an attempt to cut their losses and try again next season.
Some clubs need to let the current team solve the question for them in the coming weeks, while others believe strongly and act proactively by making a trade and keep their clubs in contention. The point is that there are plenty of uncertain teams for the time being, who will not act without being convinced either way.
The San Francisco Giants, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Baltimore Orioles are some of the many teams that have proven to be sub-par and are committed to selling.
MLB Trades: Prediction #1
The Deal: Madison Bumgarner to the Brewers
The Brew Crew were a single victory away from the World Series in 2018 and with a similar roster construction in 2019, they could use an extra arm to propel them further. Bumgarner would be a major upgrade to the Milwaukee rotation of Zach Davies, Jhoulys Chacin, Gio Gonzalez, and Brandon Woodruff– with Chase Anderson and Freddy Peralta filling in.
The addition of Bumgarner would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the average Brewers rotation. His playoff experience is not the only aspect that is a perfect match- for a club that had only one playoff run in 2018. A left-handed option- along with Gonzalez- provides a different look for the opposing batters in a postseason series. Not to mention the unquestionable postseason success of Madison Bumgarner.
The largest impediment to such a deal getting done would be the restricted list of teams that Bumgarner’s contract would require his approval to be traded to. Among the teams on this list are the Brewers. Yet, the rental nature of such a deal and the promise of playoff baseball would be more than alluring for the intimidating left-hander.
Therefore it is evident that there is a great potential for a deal such as this. It would be beneficial for all parties involved and would not be overly costly for anyone.
MLB Trades: Prediction #2
The Deal: Will Smith to the Braves
Smith is a crafty left-handed reliever that would be of great service to any club in contention this season. He has proven to be capable of recording outs at the end of the game both with the Giants and the Brewers over his career. The Braves are a perfect destination for such services, considering the current status of their bullpen and Craig Kimbrel‘s signing with the Cubs.
A.J. Minter– someone who was believed to be a future closer- has been demoted to AAA in the first half of the season. He is working on his issues, yet he cannot be counted on in any way by the Braves. They must adjust their plan and whatever he can provide is a welcome bonus. The exit of Johnny Venters leaves only Sean Newcomb and Jerry Blevins as the principle left-handed relievers. More so, Smith adds closing experience, which the entirety of the bullpen is bereft of otherwise.
Even if the youth of the Braves pen rounds into form it would be massively beneficial to add a veteran arm in Smith. Kimbrel would have been an ideal fit, however, the reports are that he has been signed to a three-year deal worth approximately $43 million. With his name off of the market, Atlanta can easily pivot and address an even bigger chasm with the addition of a left-handed reliever.
Also, he would be a rental, as he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2019 season.
MLB Trades: Prediction #3
The Deal: Marcus Stroman to the Padres
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Stroman is a solid middle of the rotation arm for any roster, however, once he if he were to be added to the Padres rotation he could prosper. They are determined to rest starters such as Chris Paddack and Eric Lauer, who are getting their first look at the big leagues. Therefore, adding Stroman would be logical and it would prevent them from having to force Cal Quantrill into the rotation.
The Blue Jays are open for trades and Stroman is on an expiring deal, thus there will be much competition over him. Therefore, a quick strike from the competitive Padres could net an important piece without surrendering much of value.
Petco Park and the NL West provide an advantage to a pitcher, which is most often a disadvantage in the AL East. They are not seeking top end of the rotation help and that is why Stroman fits in so well with the Padres.
All of this discussion could be easily wiped away with a simple signing of Dallas Keuchel, who is a superior pitcher to Stroman and simply costs money. The Padres have proven that they are not averse to spending money- with the main piece of evidence being the Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer contracts.
With the draft completed the compensatory pick is no longer attached, either. Whichever way it goes the Padres have ample options to choose from.