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MLB rumors: 5 underrated players to watch ahead of the MLB trade deadline

By Justin Girshon

Jul 18, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (62) hits a two rbi double against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (62) hits a two rbi double against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Aranda
2023 stats: 4 G, .200/.200/.267 (26 wRC+), 0 DRS, 0 OAA, -0.1 fWAR

In life – no matter the aspect – all anyone needs a chance. Jonathan Aranda is a talented baseball player who hasn’t been given a chance to show what he can do in the big leagues. Despite a 142 wRC+ in Triple-A last year across 465 plate appearances, a 162 wRC+ in Triple-A across 357 plate appearances this season with the ability to play every infield spot and even make spot starts in left field, the Tampa Bay Rays have not given Aranda the chance to prove himself in the majors.

If the Rays aren’t going to play him, they might as well trade him. If Tampa Bay decides to move on, Aranda would be a fantastic addition to any team, whether it’s a rebuild or in hopes of making a deep October run.

Potential fits: Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks

Ramon Urias
2023 stats: 72 G, .251/.319/.383 (96 wRC+), 4 DRS, -3 OAA, 0.9 BsR, 0.7 fWAR

Last year, Ramon Urias won the Gold Glove at third base after posting 14 DRS and 7 OAA. Urias also paired above-average offense (104 wRC+) with his elite defense, making him one of the most underrated players at the hot corner.

However, with the emergence of Orioles prospects Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg on the left side of the infield and the offseason acquisitions of Adam Frazier and Ryan O’Hearn, playing time has been harder to come by in 2023.

While Urias’ offensive and defensive production are both down in 2023, it presents a great buy-low opportunity for teams in need of infield help, and the Orioles should look to flip him for or in a package for starting pitching help.

Potential fits: Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants

Next. Could this team be less aggressive than thought at the trade deadline?. dark

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