With two and half months of play in the books, the line between ‘sellers’ and ‘buyers’ is becoming clearer. Teams with playoff aspirations must begin seriously considering making moves for the present while potentially sacrificing the future. The 2015 season has provided interesting story lines so far, including some surprising contenders (see Houston Astros, New York Mets). Before the July 31st deadline, we could see those teams make major splashes in the trade market.
With a plethora of teams looking to compete this season comes teams willing to sell off useful parts. As I wrote about a couple weeks back, this time of year presents the opportunity for potential contenders to make impact moves. Without further adieu, this is Potential Trades for Potential Contenders Part II.
Tyler Clippard to the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays receive RHP Tyler Clippard
Oakland A’s receive RHP Sean Reid-Foley
The A’s will not be competing this season. That much has become clear at this point. Sure their unfortunate 4-18 record in one-run games suggests they’ve encountered some bad luck along the way; but with the worst record in the American League and a farm system that leaves much to be desired, the A’s will be sellers.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays have been the hottest team in baseball over the past two weeks. Now sitting at 34-30, the Blue Jays are well-positioned to make a push in the AL East. The only problem for them however is, their pitching staff has been atrocious. The Blue Jays pitching staff ranks last in the AL in FIP and HR/9, and second to last in ERA+. While they don’t have the prospects to make a huge splash on a pitcher like Johnny Cueto or Cole Hamels, they can certainly add to their bullpen on the cheap. Enter Tyler Clippard. Clippard has had a fine season posting a 3.20 ERA and a 22:13 K:BB. Those numbers certainly don’t leap off the page, but for a weak Blue Jays’ bullpen, Clippard would be a welcome addition.
Clippard’s contract expires at the end of 2015 meaning the A’s can only expect so much for him. Sean Reid-Foley, the Blue Jays’ tenth ranked prospect according to Baseball America would fit in nicely with a depleted Athletics’ farm system. At 19, he’s striking out hitters at a robust 13.83 K/9 in low-A ball.
Ben Revere to the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners receive OF Ben Revere
Philadelphia Phillies receive C Tyler Marlette and OF Tyler O’Neill
Many of you are likely familiar with the recent rumor surrounding Revere and Mariners prized pitchers’ Taijuan Walker and James Paxton. Assuming we can trust Ruben Amaro Jr. (we might not), that rumor was as bogus as it initially sounded. That does not however mean that Revere to the Mariners is a bogus proposition. The Mariners rank last in the AL in runs with a measly 3.48 per game. Additionally, Seattle outfielders rank 13th in the AL in WAR at -1.2. Currently 6 1/2 games back in the AL West, the Mariners need to make a move to keep this season from becoming a massive disappointment.
Revere hasn’t exactly been tearing the cover off the ball this season (or ever), but he’d be an upgrade over the Mariners current left field situation with Dustin Ackley and Rickie Weeks. For a team devoid of speed (they’re 24 for 47 in stolen base attempts this season), Revere’s decent bat and excellent speed would spark this lackluster offense. The Phillies meanwhile would likely be happy to receive a power-hitting catcher in Marlette and 19-year old outfielder O’Neill for the final 3 months of Revere’s current contract.
Johnny Cueto to the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers receive RHP Johnny Cueto
Cincinnati Reds receive OF Steven Moya, RHP Buck Farmer, and 2B Javier Betancourt
The clock on Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, and Victor Martinez is ticking. Additionally, David Price’s contract expires after this season. The Tigers know these things, and will therefore make another strong push at the 2015 deadline. Johnny Cueto would give the Tigers the most formidable starting rotation in their division. That’s not a bad place to start for the Tigers in what could be their last season as a major contender for some time.
Cueto’s numbers this season are stellar as usual posting a 134 ERA+, 82:14 K:BB, and 0.949 WHIP. Issues with his throwing elbow have raised concerns, but his performance hasn’t dipped a bit and that’s what matters most. For the Reds to resign Cueto this offseason would take a minor miracle, and that is good news for the Tigers and other buyers.
The Tigers farm system isn’t exactly impressive, but a combination of Moya (the Tigers’ #1 prospect), Farmer (already on the 40-man roster) and Betancourt (a potentially useful middle infielder) may be as much as the Reds can get for Cueto at this point. If a team like the Astros or Royals makes a serious push for Cueto they’d like post a stronger offer, but the Tigers should have the strongest interest.
There you have it, part II of Potential Trades for Potential Contenders. Be on the lookout for Part III next week.
