With the July 30th trade deadline being less than three weeks away, some big names will be on the move. We examine five possible trade scenarios and what they could mean for teams going forward.
Kris Bryant to the Mets:
The New York Mets made quite the splash this offseason when they signed catcher James McCann and traded for former AL MVP Francisco Lindor. Could more be on the horizon?
With J.D. Davis out due to a hand sprain, third-base has become somewhat of a weak spot for the Mets. Enter Bryant.
Bryant has had a renaissance year after struggling during the pandemic shortened 2020 season, and with the Cubs primed to be sellers, they could get something big in return for KB.
SNY’s Andy Martino has stated that he doesn’t see anyone in the Mets system as “untouchable”, but that there will be plenty of prospects that the Mets will prioritize as potential pieces for the future.
We could see the Cubs asking for some top prospects such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Khalil Lee, but the Mets might want to be careful, as Bryant is a free-agent after the season is over. But considering they were able to extend Lindor, it’s possible they could get Bryant for more than just a rental.
Jose Berrios to the Yankees:
Berrios is a name that’s been thrown around lately. His name was brought up when news broke of preliminary trade talks occurring between the Twins and Cardinals. While it’s unlikely he goes to St. Louis, there’s another team that could really use him; the New York Yankees.
The bombers have had a disappointing season so far, as they sit just three games over the .500 mark and are eight games behind the Red Sox in the AL East. But a move for Berrios could give them another ace to go with Gerrit Cole and help them jump back into the division race.
The price would have to be right for the Yankees, as the Twins, who have had quite a disappointing season themselves, would be asking for something major in return, but MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi thinks it’s possible, as he stated that he could see the Yankees “making a major bid” to acquire the star right-hander.
Berrios is just 27 years old, and is enjoying another solid season, with a 3.48 ERA and a 7-3 record, so a move like that could easily help change the fortunes of the Yankees season.
It’s also worth noting that owner Hal Steinbrenner has also indicated that the Yankees would be doing anything necessary to improve the team, including something that could put them over the luxury tax threshold, so it’s hard not to see them at least trying to make a play for Berrios.
Anthony Rizzo to the Red Sox:
The Red Sox have had quite a surprising season so far, as they lead the AL East with a 55-36 record after being projected to finish around the .500 mark at the start of the year.
That said, the Red Sox will definitely try to make a splash at the deadline. One Sox blog lists Anthony Rizzo as a potential fit, with current first-baseman Bobby Dalbec struggling.
Rizzo was drafted by the Red Sox in 2007 and was in the system until being traded to the Padres in the Adrian Gonzalez deal after the 2010 season. Rizzo was then flipped to the Cubs a year later and became a star, helping Chicago to win their first title in 108 years.
He has since tapered off a little, hitting only .222 in the truncated 2020 season and continuing to struggle this year. The article published by the Red Sox blog mentions that due to his struggles, his stock could be going down.
At the same time, that could allow Boston a chance to make a play for their former farmhand, and given his track record of success at Fenway Park, it would only make sense for Boston to try to bring him home.
Max Scherzer to the Dodgers:
This is probably one a lot of people are predicting, but with the uncertainty surrounding Trevor Bauer, it makes sense.
We don’t know if and when Bauer will make another start for the Dodgers, but Scherzer would be quite a compliment to Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
The right-hander is a free-agent to be and with the Nationals slumping again, it’s not out of the question that they’ll decide to sell. They’ll obviously want something major in return, but Los Angeles has the pieces and the farm system to do it.
According to Scott Boras, Scherzer’s agent, it would take a contract extension for him to waive his no-trade clause, but the Dodgers also have the financial resources to pull it off.
An already stacked ball club would become instant favorites to repeat as World Champions if this were to happen.
Josh Harrison to the Cardinals:
Speaking of the Nationals, another player that could be dealt is Josh Harrison.
Though they’re not out of the race yet in the NL East, it’s looking more likely that they will sell, given their 42-47 record, and there are plenty of teams who could come calling for Harrison.
One such team is the St. Louis Cardinals.
There’s no indication that a deal is in the works, but the Cardinals are having quite a calamity of a year offensively, especially on the bench. It certainly doesn’t help that they let Brad Miller walk after last season.
Harrison could be just what they need. He’s no stranger to St. Louis, having spent the early part of his career with the division rival Pirates.
Harrison is also incredibly versatile. If one of St. Louis’ outfielders goes down again or starts to struggle, simply plug in Harrison at second and move Tommy Edman to the outfield. You can even play Harrison in the outfield if it comes to it.
Harrison is having a solid season too, hitting .271 with five homers, while driving in 32 runs. He provides a little more consistency, which the Cards desperately need. This wouldn’t even be a major move, but rather, something within the Cardinals price range.
It’ll be an interesting couple of weeks for sure, but don’t be surprised if some of these names get moved as we get closer and closer to the deadline.
As always, expect the unexpected.
