FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray is back to grade trade fits for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, it's time to look at trade fits. And the early indications are that there could be a number of big name players on the move, and certainly mentioned in trade rumors in the coming weeks.
One of them is Cleveland Guardians star Shane Bieber. There are other names, such as Milwaukee Brewers stars Willy Adames and Corbin Burnes, who figure to be asked about at the deadline, but unlikely to be moved before July 31.
Let's examine some trade fits for each player, as well as a potential New York Mets trade.
MLB Rumors: St. Louis Cardinals trade fit with Shane Bieber
Yes, the St. Louis Cardinals need pitching help. Yes, it's entirely possible Shane Bieber is on the move before July 31.
But a trade that sends Bieber to St. Louis feels unlikely, primarily because of the Cardinals' place in the National League Central standings. They are 25-35 and in last place in the division, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 7.5 games. They are 3-7 in their last 10 games and are coming off a series in which they were swept by the Pirates.
That does not sound like a team that should buy at the deadline, let alone send significant resources to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Bieber. Perhaps this answer changes if the Cardinals turn things around in the next seven weeks. But they have shown no signs of doing so and thus that makes a trade unlikely.
Grading the fit: 3/10.
MLB Rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers trade fit with Willy Adames, Corbin Burnes
This is a scenario that I floated on The Baseball Insiders podcast: the Brewers, who traded star closer Josh Hader last year, being in a similar situation this season with Willy Adames and Corbin Burnes — and trading them to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a blockbuster move.
After all, the Dodgers did it two years ago when they acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals. Who says they can't do it again?
All indications from Milwaukee, however, are that they have no plans to sell at the deadline this year, according to major-league sources, and plan to be buyers at the deadline. Perhaps this scenario could be revisited in the offseason.
It makes a lot of sense for the Dodgers, given that it would fill their two biggest needs, and would allow the Brewers to maximize a return for two stars who are likely to depart as free agents.
Let's put this one to rest … for now.
Grading the fit: 5/10.
MLB Rumors: Cleveland Guardians trade fit with Tomas Nido
On Monday, the New York Mets designated catcher Tomas Nido for assignment only months after signing him to a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension.
All indications are that the Mets will trade Nido, and one team to watch is the Cleveland Guardians.
Nido, 29, has struggled mightily at the plate this season, hitting .125/.153/.125 with a .278 OPS. Part of that is because of a vision issue he dealt with earlier in the season, of course, but he's struggled at the plate throughout his career, hitting .213/.249/.308 with 13 home runs and 74 RBI.
But Nido provides value defensively, and could be a valuable commodity alongside Mike Zunino in Cleveland. This is one to watch.
Grading the fit: 9/10.
