5 trade packages that could move Jazz Chisholm from Miami
#1: Chicago White Sox
I think Chi-Town could be the best place to house Chisholm’s electric personality, forming a double-play duo with Tim Anderson and filling one of the team’s most significant holes. However, I don’t think they have the best package to offer Miami.
Crochet was a fantastic pitcher last season but is out all year with a torn UCL, and the Marlins already have a plethora of young pitchers. Sheets has been disappointing this season compared to his 2021. Montgomery is an excellent prospect hitting well across A-Ball and High-A this season and is expected to have a lot of power.
I see this deal getting down only if Chicago includes Andrew Vaughn, which seems doubtful.
#2: Toronto Blue Jays
This one is a bit of an odd fit due to Santiago Espinal’s successful season so far as Toronto’s second baseman, but you cannot deny the high-end potential of Chisholm. He gives them a solid lefty bat that could play up to being one of the best second basemen in MLB. This deal also includes a young, controllable starting pitcher, filling the Jays’ need for rotation help.
Moreno is the third-best prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com, and is a lot to give up, but Kirk and Jansen are already filling the catcher role. Dealing from a place of strength to acquire players that can help push for the playoffs long-term seems like a strong move.
This trade would also require the Marlins valuing Moreno enough to consider moving him for two significant pieces. I think given Braxton’s play so far that it could be a lot to ask for but they do have a lot pitching prospects.
#3: Kansas City Royals
This trade is probably a little premature for Kansas City, but with so much time under team control, I think this could give the Royals one of the most compelling infields in MLB. Between Bobby Witt Jr., Nicky Lopez, Nick Pratto, and Chisholm, it would be one of the best defensive infields in baseball and still provide a lot of hitting with everyone outside of Lopez.
The Royals already have Pratto, so Pasquantino is expendable. They also have a lot of outfield talent, so moving Kyle Isbel is viable and could open the door for a Andrew Benintendi extension which I think could make sense for this team. Nick Loftin is seen as a very reliable hand at the plate and in the field with Frank Mozzicato in there as a high-upside very young pitcher at only 19 years old.
I am not sure if the Royals would make this move in a rebuild, and I also believe my leading trade destination could beat this package but it depends on how Miami values all of these prospects.
#4 San Diego Padres
Admittedly, I think this is the most egregious trade presented here as the fit doesn’t really work for San Diego, and they are giving up a lot, but it was still fascinating. Chisholm would be at second base, and Jake Cronenworth would be moved to first base as he has played there before.
C.J. Abrams and Robert Hassell III are highly valued prospects, but the Padres’ move off Eric Hosmer’s money and still receive a great piece and a young pitcher in return. San Diego has many players to re-sign this offseason in Rogers, Sean Manaea, Mike Clevinger, and Joe Musgrove, so getting off $13 million per season for the next three years could help to bring some of those guys back. Chisholm is a better hitter than Hosmer to help them now (when he gets back from injury), and Fulton resupplies some pitching depth which could be valuable with all those guys being free agents.
Miami is getting two of the best prospects in these offers and only takes on $13 million when they are planning to move on from several veterans making a few million here and there anyways.
The Padres, White Sox, Blue Jays could also be in sweepstakes for big names like Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, which might keep them out of the running for a guy like Jazz.
The Seattle Mariners
Seattle is in a great position to make a big move for a young stud like Chishom. He fits their team amazingly, plugging their most prominent hole and one they have tried and failed to fill a couple of times over recent years. They get him to be a long-term central piece of this franchise moving forward, matching up wonderfully with the rest of the players in the lineup.
I wanted to provide two options for the primary team involved as I think Seattle might have some pieces they don’t want to give up, and Miami might have some players they specifically want. There could be a meeting in the middle of both options to get each team comfortable with the deal.
Trade Package #1:
Noelvi Marte is the first trade’s centerpiece, and I think the primary player Miami would want in the deal. Marte is just 20 years old and crushing the ball in High-A this season, and evaluators expect him to be at least an average defensive shortstop.
J.P Crawford has been the shortstop in Seattle, but due to Marte’s potential and Crawford only really being a slightly above-average hitter, I could see them wanting to hold on to Noelvi.
I included Taylor Trammell because the Marlins have been looking for their future center fielder, and he could fill that role nicely with his plus speed and defense. His bat has held him back so far in his career, but he did make it to The Show this year and did well. His expected numbers say his stats should regress, but with more time in the majors, there is potential to be at least an average hitter to go along with those other tools.
Trade Package #2:
The second trade package looks more long-term and provides lower level but still high potential prospects along with Jarred Kelenic as a bounce-back candidate. This trade offer is mainly an alternative to not include Noelvi Marte and still give the Marlins good value with three top prospects in the Mariners system.
Harry Ford is a 19-year-old catcher that could be a five-tool backstop. The team could move him from catching in the future, but either way is a good young player. Edwin Arroyo is only 18 with a .899 OPS and 131 WRC+ in High-A this season, with 21 stolen bases and a solid glove at shortstop.
Kelenic could be the wildcard here as he was the ninth-ranked prospect in all of baseball in 2020 but has struggled any time he has played with the MLB squad. He has hit very well in Triple-A this season, and a change of scenery could be what he needs to bring out his A game in The Show.
The best package depends on what the Marlins are looking for in return. Both trade offers provide a bit of now and the future between the MLB-ready outfielders and their prospect counterparts.
The 10 likeliest players moved at the MLB trade deadline. dark. Next
I think if Miami does decide to engage in deeper trade talks for Chisholm, Seattle has the most significant need and could supply the best prospect options for now or later.