With less than two months to go before the 2017 MLB non-waiver trade deadline, there are a large group of teams that are already considering what pieces they can move now to improve their potential for the future. No franchise wants to admit their season is over in June. However, the reality of the business is that if you don’t take the necessary steps to improve your long-term prospects now it will only hurt you in the long run. Here is a look at the projected MLB contenders that should end up being sellers at the 2017 MLB trade deadline.
Detroit Tigers (32-38)
The Tigers hoped they had enough talent to make one more World Series run this season. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent performances from their best players has left them on the outside looking in midway through the month of June. Detroit is 4.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians for top spot in the American league Central and three games back of an AL Wild Card spot. While it’s true that they aren’t far out of a wild card spot, the reality is that almost every American League team is that close to it, so it’s a really competitive race.
The Tigers will have a tough time moving Francisco Rodriguez or Jordan Zimmermann, but they could be able to get good returns for Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler and Alex Avila. The question is which team wants to take on some big contracts? One player who doesn’t come with a big commitment is pending free agent J.D. Martinez, who is almost certainly to be moved as well. Detroit has some intriguing pieces that could help accelerate their eventual rebuild. It won’t be a surprise when they sell at the trade deadline.
San Francisco Giants (27-46)
San Francisco was expected to contend for a World Series in 2017, so it’s a bit of a shock that they are 19 games below .500 and own the second-worst run differential in the majors at minus-82. It didn’t help matters that ace Madison Bumgarner injured himself in a freaky off-field accident but the team was already doomed before that. His injury just emphasized their decline.
It’s about time that the Giants turned their attention to the future. Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzjia and Hunter Pence are all pieces that could be moved at the deadline for decent returns. A strong return at the trade deadline could help them land the pieces they need to bounce back as legitimate playoff contenders next season.
Kansas City Royals (35-36)
The Royals went nearly a month without winning consecutive games and they have yet to pull themselves above the .500 mark this season. While they have managed to hang around, Kansas City has not looked like a legitimate World Series contender. The Royals were bound to blow up their championship core this offseason so there is nothing wrong with accelerating the process in order to move it a long a little quicker. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar are all in their walk years. Meanwhile, Jason Vargas has really overachieved this season and should generate substantial interest on the trade market. Kansas City should be sellers at this year’s trade deadline.
New York Mets (31-39)
Injuries and inconsistent performances from a potentially elite starting rotation have really hurt the Mets this season. New York is already 11 games back of the Washington Nationals in the National League East and 12 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the final Wild Card spot. Hopes for a third straight postseason appearance are slim, so the Mets would be smart to start making trades to acquire pieces for the future. Neil Walker in particular could be on the move. Jay Bruce is another piece that should garner consideration. There will be contenders that would like to get their hands on a big bat and Bruce could provide some pop. New York might not be far away from contending next season. If they can get healthy and make the necessary moves, the Mets should be right back in playoff contention in 2018. However, holding out for a miracle in 2017 doesn’t make much sense for this team any more.
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