Since MLB expanded its playoff format to 10 teams back in 2012, the trade market has weakened a bit as a result. Only a select number of teams are deemed as “sellers” these days, which makes the demand for these eight valuable assets that much stronger.
8. Chris Carter (Milwaukee Brewers)
Milwaukee got Carter on the cheap following a season in which he hit just .199 in Houston. It cost them only $2.5 million for one year of his services. So far, he’s turned in a.228 average and remains near the top of the leaderboard in home runs (17). But take note, National League teams: Carter’s defensive liabilities at first base make it far more ideal for him to return to the American League.
7. Josh Reddick (Oakland A’s)
For an A’s team that won’t be in contention this year, it makes perfect sense to shop a player such as Reddick, who’s on the last year of his contract. As luck would have it, even though his batting average over the first 41 games is a solid .322, he’s been battling injuries. On May 19 against the Yankees, Reddick suffered a fracture in his thumb sliding head-first into second base. He should be fully recovered by the end of this month.
6. Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado Rockies)
Even with three of the best hitters going — Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Gonzalez — the Rockies are still barely treading water in the NL West. It’s a hopeless cause that might finally force the hand of team management to offer up its star outfielder for prospects. The asking price would be high, thanks to CarGo’s lofty totals (54 home runs and 131 RBIs since the start of 2015), but well worth it.
5. Julio Teheran (Atlanta Braves)
Continuing in their roster upheaval, the Atlanta Braves will trade away just about anyone for prospects — even if it’s a 25-year-old starter who has the capability of being a building block. Teheran’s ERA is 2.85, his WHIP is just a touch over 1.00, and his walk rate remains low. The 2-6 record, of course, is deceiving. Without many starting pitchers on the market, the offers the Braves get may be too tempting to pass up.
4. Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)
Now (or within the next month-and-a-half) would be the ideal time for Milwaukee and Braun to part ways. When he’s not on the mend, the 32-year-old Braun can still provide plenty of power. He has 11 homers in 51 games, in addition to a .316 batting average — coming off a 2015 season in which he hit 24 home runs over 140 contests. With statistics being the only factor, Ryan Braun is the more attractive commodity out of Milwaukee. But baggage, health, and a sizable contract drive down the left fielder’s worth. Instead, there’s another Brewer that buyers should be pursuing.
3. Jay Bruce (Cincinnati Reds)
Up to the 2015 trade deadline, the Mets — among other teams — showed interest in the Reds’ outfielder. Over the winter, the Orioles and Jays sought a potential deal. With the Reds going nowhere once again, it’s as likely as ever that Bruce gets sent elsewhere. His defense is not where it once was. His offense, though, remains strong (14 HR, 44 RBIs, and among the top five in the NL in batting) — perfect for a club that needs help at the plate. Any team that trades for Jay Bruce would be a great team to place a wager on at Norgesautomaten.
2. Rich Hill (Oakland A’s)
Some 15 months ago, Hill was playing for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Now, after four solid outings with the Red Sox late last season and eight victories and a 2.25 ERA so far in 2016, it’s no surprise potential buyers are interested in his services as they look to build for the playoffs. The 36-year-old, who last pitched in the postseason as a Cub in 2008, has allowed just two home runs in 64 innings of work.
1. Jonathan Lucroy (Milwaukee Brewers)
He doesn’t have power that is equivalent to what teammate Ryan Braun provides, but Lucroy has more attributes to make him a better overall player and very valuable asset within the trade market. His contract is reasonable and doesn’t expire after this season. He’s consistent on offense — hitting .303 with nine homers and 29 runs driven in — and displays veteran leadership. Pretty much every team (postseason contenders, especially) has a need for a catcher. Of those that will be made available, he’s clearly the best.