MLB Trade Options: Where does Marcus Stroman go?

As we approach the trade deadline, multiple GM’s expect Marcus Stroman to be dealt. With that in mind, here are some MLB Trade options for ‘Stro.

In order to determine the best MLB Trade options for right-hander from Toronto, let’s take a look at the teams that need him the most.  I’m going to strictly base this off playoff-likely team’s ERA.  Keep that in mind as we take a look at where Marcus Stroman will end up.

First off here is how Stroman has done so far this year.  He is 5-10 with a 3.25 ERA in 19 starts.  He also has 88 strikeouts and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.  His record is a tad bit deceiving as he is receiving about 3.89 runs of support each start.

Another thing to keep in mind as we look through this is Stroman is only signed through this year, is eligible for arbitration next year and a free agent in 2021.  He would essentially be a one year rental.

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As far as the playoff teams in the American League, currently they are the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians and the Oakland Athletics.

Of those six teams, the Yankees have the worst team ERA at 4.04 and are a very likely team to make a move.  They also happen to have the best record in baseball despite that ERA, so if the asking price for Marcus Stroman is too high, I could also see them passing.

The next two teams, the A’s and the Astros at 3.95 and 3.94 respectively, I could also see making a move.  The A’s are currently tied for the final wild-card spot in the AL and adding a key starter would strengthen their team tremendously.

This would allow them to lock up one of the wild card spots and have an ace for the postseason.  My best guess for the AL, based on the parameters we set at the beginning, is Oakland.

Here are the MLB Trade options for the NL: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers.  I will focus on these ones as there are three other teams within a half-game of the final wild card spot.

The two most likely destinations here are the Nationals (4.31 team ERA) and the Brewers (4.59 team ERA).  Both of these teams are currently sitting in the two wild card spots, but have plenty of teams hot on their trail.

I think of these two teams the Nationals would be the team to make a splash and go after Marcus Stroman to strengthen their playoff position and guarantee them a spot in the playoffs.

We’ll now just have to wait and see where he goes and I will definitely be keeping a lookout for either Oakland or Washington.