No player has polarized the baseball world this trade season the way Shohei Ohtani has, and with the Angels climbing back into the American League Wild Card race, it’s looking more likely that he’ll remain in Anaheim rather than being traded to a contender.
But should the Angels?hold on to him?
“I think they definitely have to figure out what they might be able to get for him,” a National League executive said. “It would be a haul. They have to figure out what his value is. That can be franchise-defining.”
It’s tough to blame Angels owner Arte Moreno and his front office for getting excited about the team’s recent play, especially when you consider that Los Angeles hasn’t played in the postseason since 2014 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2009. But is this recent surge a sign of things to come or false hope that the Angels are good enough to get to October – and make some noise if they punch their postseason ticket?
Winners of five of their past six games, the Angels hit the 100-game mark at 51-49, trailing the Blue Jays by four games in the Wild Card race. The Yankees and Red Sox are also ahead of Los Angeles, sitting two games off Toronto’s spot. The Angels are in Detroit this week for three games against the Tigers – a winnable series, for sure – but even if Los Angeles pulls closer to that elusive playoff spot, the gauntlet they face in the coming weeks should lead them to at least consider if this is as good as it’s going to get.?
“Look at their schedule,” another NL executive said. “August could be absolutely brutal for them, especially if [Mike] Trout doesn’t return until mid-to-late August.”
After the Tigers series, nine of the Angels’ next 10 series are against teams with winning records, the other coming against the Mets, who have the talent to make life difficult on any team. Beginning on July 28, the Angels travel to Toronto and Atlanta, then return home for the Mariners and Giants. Then comes a road trip to the Astros and Rangers, followed by a homestand against the Rays and Reds. They close the month of August with road series against the Mets and Phillies, at which time they might find themselves staring down a sizeable deficit entering September.
Even as a rental player, executives believe Ohtani would bring back a package of four or five prospects, including a couple of Top 100 types.
“You’re getting an ace and arguably the best hitter in the game in one player,” one AL executive said. “He’s as big a difference-maker as there is in the game. If you don’t think you can sign him [after the season], you have to think about trading him.”
India on the block?
The Reds are looking to add pitching for the stretch run, and while their farm system is loaded with young talent, it’s possible that one of their biggest trade chips might be second baseman Jonathan India.
The 2021 National League Rookie of the Year is having a solid season for Cincinnati, posting a .749 OPS with 14 home runs in 100 games. India has emerged as a leader in the Reds’ young clubhouse, so while the club would prefer to hold on to the 26-year-old, he’s set to enter his first year of arbitration this offseason, so his salary will begin to climb.
According to sources, Cincinnati – which ranks 28th in the Majors with a 5.42 rotation ERA this season – has informed other clubs that India might be available in exchange for young, controllable starting pitching, which isn’t all that surprising given the glut of young infield talent on the Reds’ roster.
Elly De La Cruz has taken the baseball world by storm since making his debut last month, while Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and most recently Christian Encarnacion-Strand have shown they’re ready for the Majors. The team’s top prospect, shortstop Noelvi Marte, is pushing his way toward the big leagues, while infielders Edwin Arroyo and Cam Collier – the club’s No. 2 and 3 prospects, respectively – are still two or three years away. All three rank in MLB Pipeline’s top 55 prospects in the game, giving the Reds a wealth of infield talent coming down the pike.
Acquiring India won’t be cheap. The Reds are said to be seeking a proven, young starter with at least two years of control, bringing to mind names such as Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech of the White Sox, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby of the Mariners, Mitch Keller of the Pirates, Edward Cabrera of the Marlins and Joe Ryan of the Twins.
It’s uncertain whether the Reds would deal India straight up for any one of those pitchers, but given Cincinnati’s need for rotation help, acquiring a controllable arm should be near the top of the club’s wish list. The Mariners, Marlins and Twins are all fighting for postseason spots, as well, but there’s nothing that says every trade has to be between a buyer and seller. Look no further than the 2019 deal that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Marlins and Zac Gallen to the D-backs as evidence that good old-fashioned baseball trades can still happen.
Will India be traded by next Tuesday? Executives I have spoken to believe it’s more likely that he’s still with the Reds on Aug. 2, but if the right offer comes along, don’t be surprised to see Cincinnati pull the trigger to acquire a controllable starter.
Colorado’s first domino
The Rockies pulled off the first trade of the week by sending right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson to the Braves for right-handers Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon, Atlanta’s No. 10 and 26 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.
With so few sure-fire sellers ready to deal, the Rockies jumped at the opportunity to add two young arms for Johnson. Colorado could just be getting started, with a number of impending free agents who have drawn interest from clubs around the league.
First baseman C.J. Cron and outfielders Randal Grichuk and Jurickson Profar could be on the move, as could left-handed relievers Brent Suter and Brad Hand.
The Rockies could also look to deal catcher Elias Díaz or righty reliever Daniel Bard, who are under control through the 2024 season.