The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. Here are three potential trade fits graded by FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray.
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, and buyers and sellers establishing themselves by the day, let's take a preview of what may be to come.
The Atlanta Braves will be looking for pitching, especially with Max Fried and Kyle Wright on the Injured List long-term. The Chicago Cubs, if they are in position to buy, will be looking for bullpen help. And Aaron Hicks should draw interest despite a shaky tenure with the New York Yankees.
Let's grade three potential trade fits.
Atlanta Braves: Kyle Freeland
Admittedly, Colorado Rockies Kyle Freeland wasn't a player that I considered as a potential trade candidate until FanSided's Cody Williams wrote about it the other day. And it makes sense.
Freeland, now 30, is signed to a five-year, $64.5 million contract on a Rockies team that is unlikely to contend for the foreseeable future. Considering his production — a 3.88 ERA and 38/12 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 53.1 innings — the Rockies could get a sizable haul in return that could help set up their next window of contention.
The Braves surely could make plenty of sense as a trade suitor, and they should have no issues taking on Freeland's contract. The fit makes plenty of sense, both on the field and on paper, and should be something that Atlanta explores. The only thing that could hold up any potential deal is the Rockies' recent unwillingness to part with talent on the major-league roster at the deadline. See: Daniel Bard, CJ Cron and Chad Kuhl from last season's deadline.
Grading the fit: 7/10.
Chicago Cubs: Aroldis Chapman
If the Chicago Cubs are able to turnaround their season, and are in position to buy at the 2023 trade deadline, then their top priority is going to be upgrading the bullpen.
One reliever that has already been generating trade interest is Kansas City Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman. But it's difficult to see a reunion taking place.
The Cubs, of course, acquired Chapman from the New York Yankees in 2016 in exchange for Rashad Crawford, Billy McKinney, Gleyber Torres and Adam Warren. It turned out to be a rental, but Chapman was dominant in Chicago where he posted a 1.01 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 26.2 innings.
Chapman, 35, is not the same pitcher that he was in 2016, but he's still been quite effective to the tune of a 3.24 ERA and a 27/11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 16.2 innings. But I have a hard time seeing him ending up back in Chicago.
Grading the fit: 3/10.
Aaron Hicks: San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres need depth. A lot of it.
While they have a plethora of star players, they lack depth around the roster, and it's been a problem that's revealed itself early and often this season. Aaron Hicks could provide that — and also give a breather to the struggling Trent Grisham in the outfield.
Besides, the Yankees designated Hicks for assignment during one of his best stretches in the Bronx. In his last 24 plate appearances, he was slashing .286/.375/.524. He's also thrived against left-handed pitchers and could form a solid platoon in the outfield for the Padres or another team.
With the Yankees on the hook for the remainder of Hicks' contract, any team that signs him would have to pay him the veterans minimum. I'd expect there to be a fair amount of interest once he clears waivers.
Grading the fit: 5/10.
