Quote
1. Philadelphia Phillies trade LHP Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez, OF prospect Nomar Mazara and C prospect Jorge Alfaro
Several teams have been in play for Hamels, including the Dodgers, Cubs, Rangers, Giants, Red Sox and Yankees. However, the Dodgers refuse to include pitching prospect Julio Urias, the Yankees won't include pitcher Luis Severino or outfielder Aaron Judge in a deal, and the Red Sox won't include catcher Blake Swihart. Therefore, the best fit might end up being the Rangers, who are willing to talk about all of their top prospects not named Joey Gallo. Gonzalez could go right into the Phillies' rotation, Mazara has the potential to be an impact corner outfielder, and if Alfaro can continue to develop as a catcher, that would make his 20-25-homer power even more devastating. In addition, the Phillies' savings of $22 million per year could be reallocated to another starting pitcher in this year's flooded free-agent class.
2. San Diego Padres trade RHP Tyson Ross and RHP Craig Kimbrel to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for SS Starlin Castro, RHP C.J. Edwards, OF Billy McKinney and RHP Pierce Johnson
This trade would solve two of Chicago's most glaring problems, with the Cubs adding both an impact starter to pitch behind Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, as well as one of the game's best closers in Kimbrel. In return, the Padres solve their shortstop issues with Castro, add a young middle-of-rotation starter in Edwards, a power bat and long-term left field solution in McKinney and another pitching prospect in Johnson. The financial savings in the deal also gives the Padres payroll flexibility to improve the team in other areas.
3. Cincinnati Reds trade LHP Aroldis Chapman to the Washington Nationals for RHP Joe Ross
The Nationals would get an impact left-handed reliever in Chapman to pair with present closer Drew Storen in the back end of the bullpen, and they'd control Chapman through 2016. Meanwhile, the Reds would get a pitcher with No. 2-starter potential they could control through 2022. The Nationals have a chance to win a championship now, and Chapman could be the difference-maker for them. The Nationals also would have the financial strength to sign Chapman long-term if they wanted to, or they could trade him again in the offseason. This is the Nationals' year to go for it, and Chapman could be a big piece of the puzzle.
4. Oakland Athletics trade OF Ben Zobrist to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for RHP Scott Blewett and 1B Ryan O'Hearn
The Royals are looking for an upgrade in left field over Jarrod Dyson with Alex Gordon injured (groin), and Zobrist would be a perfect fit as a switch-hitter and solid defender. The Royals are also looking for utility help, and Zobrist could help out there as well, given his ability to play six different positions (1B, 2B, SS, 3B, LF and RF). This would be the final piece the Royals need to make them clear favorites to represent the AL in the World Series for the second consecutive season.
Meanwhile, the A's would continue their strong rebuilding plan for 2017 and 2018. Blewett is a good pitching prospect with middle-of-rotation potential, and O'Hearn should develop into an "A's-type" hitter (high OBP, 20-25-homer power) who can play both first base and the outfield. Not a bad return for a two-month rental.
5. Milwaukee Brewers trade OF Carlos Gomez and LHP Neal Cotts to the New York Mets in exchange for OF Juan Lagares, RHP Rafael Montero, RHP Marcos Molina and OF Brandon Nimmo
The Mets have made some shrewd moves in the past week with the acquisitions of Tyler Clippard, Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe. But to get to the postseason, they need to get one more bat, and Brewers center fielder Gomez is the perfect trade target. He's a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, and his speed/power combination would play well in the Mets' lineup. Also, Cotts would give the Mets another veteran left-hander for bullpen depth.
In return, the Brewers would get back an even better defensive center fielder than Gomez in Lagares, although he does carry some risk with his injured elbow and questionable bat. The Brewers would get two good arms in the deal, including Montero and Molina; both profile as middle- to back-of-rotation starters. The final piece for the Brewers would be Nimmo, who has great bat speed and the potential to hit for average but has yet to demonstrate any type of home run power. It's a strong package for the Brewers, who control Gomez only through next season.
5 Trades Jim Bowden would like to see
This post was edited by Profar on Jul 28 2015 12:07pm