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5 players you need to trade for on MLB The Show 23

By Justin Lewis |
Apr 25, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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The beauty of MLB The Show, besides its multi-platform availability, is its multiple options for gameplay.

Gamers can play Road to the Show, creating a player to work through the Minor Leagues and become a pro. Online Dynasty allows players to compete against others across the globe in competition.

Then there is Franchise Mode, in which you can take over your favorite team as coach and GM to build a dynasty for years to come.

This is a trading guide for MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode

No team is perfect and as the general manager of your franchise, you can make the trades you want to improve your roster. Here are some players you should target, that are both gettable and will upgrade your team.

Willy Adames

Shortstop, Milwaukee Brewers 84 overall

Shortstop is a premier position in the pros and this is true on the game. No middle man is without his flaws, but Adames is one of the most well-rounded players on the game.

Guys like Oneil Cruz have cannons for an arm and a lot of pop from one side of the plate, but his fielding is low and cannot hit lefties. Bo Bichette can flat out rake, but he is weak defender.

Adames is tied for the seventh-highest rated shortstop on the game, but he is just entering his prime at 27 years old. He has the highest rating (82) power hitting against right-handed pitchers amongst the top 10 shortstops and the second strongest arm behind Carlos Correa.

The best part? He is only making $8.7 million, making him a budget friendly option as well.

A year of simulated franchise mode led to an interesting result. Adames hit 43 home runs and 116 RBI on his way to winning the National League MVP.

Make him a top priority.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 20: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 20: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Adley Rutschman

Catcher, Baltimore Orioles 89 overall

This feels like a no-brainer. You might jump to the conclusion that he is not gettable, but hang in there.

Rutschman is a trade candidate for all the obvious reasons. He is a 25-year-old catcher who is a switch-hitter. His defensive ratings behind the plate combined with his arm strength make him an elite player already.

Start your franchise in Spring Training and you can extend Rutschman immediately. Take the Atlanta Braves approach to contracts. It says that, after arbitration, Rutschman warrants $35 million minimum per year. But, you can actually get him to agree to a 10-year, $180 million deal.

This sounds insane but, in team building, you have to get creative. I was able to poach the catcher for a package of Max Fried, Travis d’Arnaud and a random prospect with C or D potential.

Jhoan Duran

Relief Pitcher, Minnesota Twins 83 overall

The bullpen ratings have been nerfed this year. Guys rated above an 80 are few and far between. The best reliever to go get is none other than Jhoan Duran.

The 6-foot-5, 25-year-old reliever throws absolute gas. When searching for pitching, finding guys whose control rating is 70+ is crucial. Duran is at a 71 and throws the ball up to 103 mph. If you go to Edit Player and change his primary position to a Closing Pitcher, he immediately bumps up two overall rating points.

He’s another guy who can be extended for cheap as his first extension is pre-arbitration and can be done at two years and $1.5 million.

Apr 25, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull (56) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull (56) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /

Spencer Turnbull

Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers 79 overall

The back end of a rotation is important. You are never going to have a rotation of five guys who are aces. You would deplete your roster doing that. Finding guys like Turnbull can be the difference for your franchise.

Due to his age (30) and his potential (C), you will not have to part with much to acquire the veteran pitcher. Again, when searching for pitching, find guys with 70+ control ratings and go from there. Turnbull has 74 control with 98 velocity and 99 break.

He is easy to pitch with if you play a lot of the games and don’t simulate whole seasons.

Oswaldo Cabrera

Left Fielder, New York Yankees 79 overall

Whether you acquire him to be a starter or first reserve outfielder, Oswaldo Cabrera is a must for your roster. The 24-year-old righty has B potential and is a plus defender. He is also an ultra utility player, listing almost every position on the field as secondary positions.

The bat leaves a little bit to be desired, but he is balanced in terms of facing righties or lefties. Again, at 24 years of age with B potential, the growth will certainly come.

Dealing with the Yankees is tougher than most as they cannot absorb a ton of contractual obligations. To make this deal work, money will have to basically match or be very close. He is gettable, but he will cost a MLB-ready player and a prospect.

Next. 1 exciting young player for these 3 fan bases. dark

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