5 trades that should happen when the MLB lockout ends
The period following the MLB lockout promises to be chaotic. There will be a pent up flurry of activity as free agents fly off the boards and trades are made. Teams that are slow to react could find themselves with players they do not want, gaping holes on their roster, and/or scrambling to catch up to the rest of the division.
Even though trades cannot happen, and deals cannot be signed with players that were on the 40 man roster last year, one has to imagine that unofficial talks are taking place. MLB front offices are not likely to be sleeping at their desks waiting for the lockout to come to an end. Instead, they are setting the groundwork for these deals which are likely to come quickly once transactions are allowed.
Five trades that should happen when MLB lockout ends
There are some deals that seem to be inevitable. Between teams with specific weaknesses and other teams that are looking to sell off players on their rosters, there are trades just begging to be made once the lockout comes to an end.
There will be plenty of action once the MLB lockout ends. Let’s take a look at five trades that should happen when the transaction freeze is over.
Didi Gregorius to the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees were expected to pursue one of the top shortstops in free agency this offseason. Instead, they have done virtually nothing.
For the Yankees, it is a matter of economics. They have two shortstop prospects that are both on the verge of being MLB ready, and should reach the majors by the end of this season. With that in mind, they are looking for a stopgap at the position for the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have a shortstop they would love to be rid of. Didi Gregorius has not been guaranteed a spot on the roster, let alone the starting lineup. It is understandable as to why that would be the case; after a career year in 2020, he posted the worst season of his career in 2021.
There is clearly a rift between the Phillies and Gregorius. He was working out with his former Yankees teammates while the rest of the team has been practicing together. He wants out, the Phillies want him out, and the Yankees need a shortstop. It would not take much to make this deal happen.
Matt Olson to the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees could use help in the rotation as well, which the Oakland A’s could easily provide. It is, however, a matter of cost.
As it is, Matt Olson is going to be a highly sought after commodity once the lockout ends. The A’s have virtually every team that could possibly need a first baseman lining up and are probably receiving plenty of interesting offers.
The Yankees actually have the pieces to make a deal work. While they have been reluctant to discuss trading either of their top shortstop prospects, they still have pieces that could land Olson without either Oswald Peraza or Anthony Volpe being involved in a trade.
Chances are, any deal would involve Luke Voit going back to Oakland, providing the A’s with an MLB caliber first baseman. He could even be a bargain, especially if he finds his form from 2020. The Yankees also have enough intriguing arms in their system where they would be able to add to the offer.
Such a deal may end up cleaning out the farm system, but the Yankees have the pieces to bring in a player such as Matt Olson. They are just going to be facing stiff competition to get it done.
J.D. Davis to the Rays for bullpen help
J.D. Davis is a man without a position for the New York Mets. He has predominantly appeared at third and left in his time in the majors, two areas that the Mets have upgraded already. Mark Canha has taken over in left field, while Eduardo Escobar is currently listed as the Mets’ new third bsaeman.
In theory, Davis could get time as the Mets’ designated hitter. The problem is that there is a logjam for plate appearances there as well, since Dominic Smith and Robinson Cano are likely to get most of the playing time at the position.
The Rays, meanwhile, are looking to upgrade their offense. Although they are reportedly putting virtually everyone on the trade block, they are still on the lookout for power bats that could improve their lineup. As Davis also has the defensive flexibility that the Rays covet, he could be a perfect fit.
At the same time, the Rays are known for their ability to find relievers. They have a knack for being able to produce MLB caliber arms in their bullpen, cycling through players on a seemingly never ending conveyer belt. As the Mets could use help in the bullpen, this seems to be a perfect deal.
The New York Mets need bullpen help and do not have a place for J.D. Davis. He would be a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Sonny Gray to the Seattle Mariners
Although the Seattle Mariners added Robbie Ray to the rotation, they are still looking to add to their starters. The problem is that the vast majority of what is left in free agency is best suited for the back of the rotation, while the Mariners need a solid second or third starter.
The answer to their problems could be in Cincinnati. The Reds are looking to pare down their payroll, having already let two players leave the organization for practically nothing. They are not done either, as other players are on the trade block as well.
One of those players could be exactly what the Mariners need. Sonny Gray has been a dependable middle of the rotation arm for much of his career, excluding his time with the Yankees. He is also under team control through next season due to a $12 million team option, making him more than a rental for a team looking to bring him on board.
It is also possible that the Mariners could take on another contract to lower their prospect cost. The Reds also want to be rid of Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez, and the Mariners need a third baseman. Moustakas would be an expensive gamble at $34 million over the next two years, but he would provide another power bat in the lineup and solid defense at the hot corner.
The Seattle Mariners are looking to get back into the postseason. For the cost of a mid-tier prospect, they may get the pieces they need.
Sean Manaea to the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been a part of the MLB postseason since 2013. However, as the NL West has gotten much better, they need to work to keep that streak going.
Part of that involves filling out the rotation. While Walker Buehler and Julio Urias are a great start, they are the only sure things to take the ball right now. Clayton Kershaw is a free agent, Trevor Bauer’s fate is still yet to be determined, and neither Andrew Heaney nor Tony Gonsolin should be trusted on a team with playoff aspirations.
Manaea can change the narrative quickly. He is the type of pitcher that the Dodgers need to bring in, even if Kershaw does return. Even if he can be somewhat inconsistent at times, he would be a perfect fit in the middle of the Dodgers rotation, giving them that buzzsaw of a rotation they will need to keep up with the Giants and Padres.
It certainly helps that the Dodgers have an incredibly deep farm system as well. Not only are they at the top of the payroll lists, but they have the prospects needed to go out and land the players needed to supplement the roster. That will make a major difference for a team such as the A’s, especially as they look to land players that are close to ready to make an impact in the majors.
Next. 20 strangest trades in MLB history. dark
The Los Angeles Dodgers need to find another piece for their rotation. Sean Manaea could be the answer.