With only 30-somewhat games played thus far this season (some teams fewer because of Covid), the MLB trade deadline is a hard one to pin down this year.
A few minor deals have already happened, but the deadline is lacking the big blockbuster that shakes things up.
Of course, this is no ordinary year, but there are still star players who could be available for the right price. We take a look at some of the biggest stars who could be moved by the Aug. 31 deadline.
Mike Clevinger, SP, Cleveland Indians
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Clevinger is among one of the better arms in the American League, but he has fallen out of favor in Cleveland after violating Covid-19 protocols and going out on the town with teammate Zach Plesac and not telling his teammates after Plesac was disciplined.
The Indians also have a wealth of young arms and can afford to turn one of their more veteran pitchers – as they did last year with Trevor Bauer -- into a package of prospects and potentially a MLB outfielder – where they could use the help.
The Yankees have unsurprisingly been linked to Clevinger, especially since James Paxton hit the IL, and others will certainly be calling up Cleveland with interest in the right-hander with few top rotation arms available.
J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies
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The 29-year-old Phillies catcher is putting together and impressive season, entering Thursday with a .933 OPS, nine home runs and 25 RBI.
The Phillies are at a sort of crossroads. They entered Thursday in third place in the NL East just four games behind the Atlanta Braves and a half-game out of the eighth playoff spot, but just two games ahead of the last-place Washington Nationals.
So, the margin of error is thin and time is running out on whether or not they should buy or sell. Realumuto is a free agent after this year, and there is no guarantee he will be in Philadelphia next year unless they work out an extension immediately. Realmuto is arguably the best all-around catcher in the majors and he would warrant a hefty return.
If the Phillies don’t expect to compete for a World Series and are unsure of Realmuto’s future, it could be worth dangling him in front of some contenders to see what they would give up. Of course, he would only be a rental for teams and that could stray some away from meeting what would probably a high asking price.
Trevor Bauer, SP, Cincinatti Reds
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For the second consecutive year, Bauer’s name is at the forefront of trade rumors heading into the deadline. The Indians sent him to Cincinnati last year and after struggling with the Reds to close 2019, Bauer appears to be pitching his best yet.
He entered Thursday with two complete game shutouts and a microscopic 1.65 ERA and league-leading 0.74 WHIP. He would be an immediate boost to any team – and there are many – looking for rotation help.
Bauer, like Realmuto, is a free agent after the season. It’s unlikely the small-market Reds will be able to re-sign him so trading him would get them some value back and Bauer’s value has likely never been higher.
Josh Hader, RP, Milwaukee Brewers
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The Brewers reliever is probably less likely to be dealt compared to some of the other aforementioned names, but he is currently the best reliever in the game and Milwaukee is reportedly listening to offers for the All-Star closer.
One rival executive told MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal that Hader, who has yet to allow a hit in 9.1 innings this season, is only available at a “bananas price.”
He is also under control through 2023, so while Milwaukee is lingers around a playoff spot there is still no urgency to trade him.
But what if there is a team that is desperate enough to meet that “bananas” price? The Yankees could certainly be one team with the loss of Tommy Kahnle, Zack Britton on the IL and Adam Ottavino underperforming.
Or, dare we say it, the Tampa Bay Rays make an unexpected splash for Hader? They just lost left-hander Jalen Beeks for the season, Chaz Roe and Nick Anderson are also on the IL and Tampa has possibly the best farm system in all of baseball to put an enticing package together.
Hey, this MLB season is already out of the ordinary, why not get bananas for Hader?
J.D. Martinez, DH, Boston Red Sox
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The Boston Red Sox are one of the few teams who are undeniably sellers and have already dealt two bullpen arms to the Phillies. But there are plenty of more moves they could make as a fire-sale seems imminent.
Among the star players who could be on the move includes DH J.D. Martinez. The Red Sox certainly have incentive to move Martinez. He is 33 years old, underperforming and is owed a hair under $40 million the next two seasons.
But finder a taker for him may prove difficult. While the right-handed hitting slugger may need a change of scenery to tap back into his power bat, he has a contract that makes things complicated for both the Red Sox and any potential buyers.
Martinez has the ability to opt out of his current contract this season, and next. It’s seems unlikely he would do so this year, but it creates a dilemma for potential trade partners not knowing how long they are getting him for. If he does not opt out, he is owed $19.35 million over each of the next two seasons – a lot of money for a team to take on.
Still, the Red Sox would be remiss not to explore a potential trade for Martinez and a team needing a spark to its lineup could enter the fray.
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