Trade Deadline thoughts featuring Trevor May

Trevor May and his production team break down some of the biggest storylines as the Trade Deadline approaches.

Trevor May joins this week to help break down some of the biggest Trade Deadline storylines.

IF Eugenio Suarez is traded, where will he go?

Trevor May:

Now that the Yankees got their guy in Ryan McMahon, I tend to lean towards a Cubs/Detroit landing spot for Suarez. I will say, my not-so-high opinion of Jerry Dipoto would get a really big boost if the Mariners suddenly pulled off acquiring him to add to the pop of Josh Naylor.

David Korn:

After the Yankees made the decision to trade for Ryan McMahon to fill their hole at third base, the most obvious fit for Eugenio Suarez is the Cubs. Third is the one spot with some question marks in the Cubs lineup, and with Kyle Tucker’s impending free agency, there should be a strong sense of urgency on the North Side to make the most of this season. Even as a rental, Suarez will be pricey, but the Cubs have a strong enough farm system to be able to make a competitive offer to the D-backs.

One team I would watch out for in the Suarez sweepstakes–the Brewers. I recently wrote about the Brewers’ recent hot streak, and even without adding a significant piece like Suarez at the deadline they are looking like World Series contenders. Trevor May’s Foul Territory colleague Ken Rosenthal has been clamoring for the Brewers to make a push for Suarez, and it makes a lot of sense for a team that is sorely missing a true power bat. If Suarez ends up in Milwaukee, he could have a CC Sabathia-like impact.

Henry Neiman:

I’m obviously biased but he will be a Seattle Mariner. It is clear that the Mariners’ main goal at the deadline is to get Geno back and trading is the main thing that Jerry Dipoto is good at. The Mariners have a loaded farm system, and if the D-backs want pitching then Ryan Sloan or even Logan Evans could be on the move. The Mariners have beaten the Yankees for a big-name trade piece before in recent years with Luis Castillo and they will do it again with Suarez.

What will the Red Sox do about their outfield surplus?

Trevor:

This is fascinating because I don't think they NEED to move anyone, as they are currently in the 3rd wild card spot. That being said, when you have depth in an area, the time to maximize trade return is at the deadline. If anyone, I’d say Jarren Duran brings the most to Boston. Is that value enough to make missing the playoff palatable for the Boston executives? I’m not so sure.

David:

I do not think the Red Sox should do anything at this point. They are at their best when all four of Jarren Duran, Ceddane Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony are on the roster and contributing. Unless a deal for a front-end starting pitcher with multiple years of control (*cough cough Joe Ryan*) materializes, most likely for a deal centered around either Duran or Abreu, it would be in the Red Sox’s best interest to keep their outfielders. Alex Cora has shown that he is as aggressive as any manager in the game and frequently platoons and pinch-hits late in games, meaning that even if certain players are not starting, they will still have the opportunity to contribute in high-leverage situations. Additionally, Rafaela’s ability to play second base and shortstop gives the Red Sox even more ways to work everyone in.

Henry:

If the Red Sox aren’t buyers, which nobody really thinks they will be, the most likely person out the door is Jarren Duran. Rafaela isn’t going anywhere, Abreu is playing well and wouldn’t get massive trade value, and obviously they aren’t shopping Roman Anthony. Duran is an established piece that can help a playoff team, and the Sox won’t be dead in the water without him. The other name to look out for on the trade block is Masataka Yoshida, but I think his injuries this year keep him from having too much interest.

Which starting pitcher are the Cubs most likely to trade for?

Trevor:

Joe Ryan would be a massive upgrade, But I think the Twins have him highest in the keep column of guys floated, so I think it will be more of a depth situation most likely. Patrick Corbin, Charlie Morton, or Mitch Keller are probably more realistic, with Keller asking for the biggest haul.

David:

I think Mitch Keller will end up with the Cubs. It looks like everyone on the Pirates except for Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz are up for grabs, and if the Cubs are willing to dangle their top prospect, 23-year-old power-hitting outfielder Owen Caissie (MLB No. 38 per MLB Pipeline), they should have no problem prying Keller out of Pittsburgh. Looking at some of the other pitchers rumored to be available, I have my doubts about the Twins actually moving Joe Ryan and believe the Padres would want Major League talent back for Dylan Cease.

Henry:

The Cubs are really, really good, and they know it. They will want to target a big name to cement their team as a true World Series contender. The price would be very high and unlike Chicago to make such a splash at the deadline, but Joe Ryan could be a target for an all-in team like the Cubs. The Twins have made it clear it would take a lot to get Ryan, but for the best team in the National League (unless the Brewers retake the lead today), no price should be a dealbreaker.

Will Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies make a splash?

Trevor:

They need more than David Robertson to shore up that bullpen. I’d like to see them grab Emmanuel Clase (if the Guardians like the haul) or Jhoan Duran to get the games finished effectively. If those aren’t on the table, Griffin Jax has to be the next target.

David:

I do not think most people realize how old the Phillies core is. Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper are 32. Nick Castellanos is 33. J.T. Realmuto is 34. Zack Wheeler is 35. Dave Dombrowski is known for his aggressiveness, and I expect him to do everything he can to make the most of his top players still being in their prime. Either of the Guardians’ relief aces, Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith, or an outfielder like Jarren Duran, Luis Robert Jr. or Cedric Mullins would make a lot of sense.

Henry:

The Phillies need help in the bullpen as always, so I can absolutely see Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran in the sights of Dombrowski. The Twins want a high price for either of them but Philly is known to spend big for the October push.

Do the Marlins sell low on Sandy Alcantara?

Trevor:

I don’t think they should, because he will simply have more value in the offseason regardless of how this season ends up for him. A team looking for an ace that doesn't want to go the free agency route (which is just about everyone) will push hard for him and for a team that needs to get a future core assembled quickly, having 10 teams bidding is the best case scenario for him.

David:

It would be silly for the Marlins to move on from Sandy Alcantara while he has struggled so much this season after returning from Tommy John surgery unless they truly believe he will never come close to the Cy Young-caliber pitcher he was before his injury. Especially with how well Edward Cabrera has performed this season, the Marlins will still be able to capitalize on a sellers market this deadline if they move him instead of Alcantara. If Alcantara does end up being traded, take that as a sign that the Marlins do not have a lot of faith in his ability to return to peak form.

Henry:

The Marlins can always afford to do nothing. If they were on the verge of contending and needed one more piece to really become good, shipping off Sandy for a fresh face while you can would be the move. But the Marlins can afford to wait and see if he returns to his Cy Young form before pulling the trigger. The team is stuck in the mud again and do not need an immediate solution.

Who will be a surprise buyer or seller?

Trevor:

The Rays will offload a reliever almost certainly, as they always do. They are close, so there will likely be some lateral moves to shore up holes, they will sell a little more than they buy.

David:

I could see the Reds getting aggressive. Unfortunately, for a small-market team with a player as talented as Elly De La Cruz, his future in Cincinnati is uncertain. Just two games back of the third NL Wild Card spot, the Reds are very much in contention for the postseason. Any team with Terry Francona at the helm has potential. Do not be shocked if the Reds go all-in.

Henry:

The Rangers will be surprise buyers. The team has a lot of pieces to be a threat just like last year, and underperformance from the lineup is the biggest cause for their record. A few moves could put Texas right back in the race, which they are not very far out of in the first place. But also it would just make sense for the Mariners to suddenly have another team to worry about.