As the 2021 trade deadline nears, I thought we’d take a look at some of the guys on the market. Lots of teams have players they’re shopping but with the playoffs still not particularly competitive and lingering concerns over the changes in FA compensation it seems like most teams are hesitant to make any big moves.
The Nationals are shopping SS Ricky Lyons. At 26 years old, this guy is ready to play full time but blocked by P.J. “The Franchise” Phillips.
On the block for the Rockies are some big names including slugging 1B Shawn Granville. Granville had a breakout season in 2020 hitting 42 HRs and with an OPS of 1.013 in 2021 he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Colorado also has a pair of 1B prospects they’re looking to deal, Mario Martinez and Donovan Laidlaw. OSR is particularly impressed with Laidlaw and I think he’ll turn into a future All-Star.
Moving on to the American league, the Yankees are looking to deal ace SP Raul Sulsona. He’s struggled a bit this year going 5-7 with a 5.14 ERA. Sulsona in the last year of a 4 year deal worth $26,000,000 and it remains to be seen whether the Yankees will re-sign him if they can’t get him traded or if he’ll be testing the free agent market. Also on the block is slugging 1B Kevin Thomas, who’s signed to a reasonable $7,600,00 a year deal through 2023.
Finally, with their wild card chances looking more and more remote, the Indians are looking to deal anyone and everyone. Already dealt is SP Joe Brown to the Braves. Certainly the player that most teams have to at least consider is SP Roger Luque. He’s had a rough season as he’s in the process of being converted to starter, but our scouts think he has phenomenal stuff and at only 25 years old this lefty has nowhere to go but up.