Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 surprise bats that could hit the trade market

By Kyle Franzoni

Apr 1, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) reacts with shortstop Jean Segura (9) after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) reacts with shortstop Jean Segura (9) after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) singles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) singles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Todd Frazier

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Stats: .283/.344/.606, 25 HR, 54 RBI

Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty insists that the Reds will not trade Todd Frazier during this trade deadline. However, the Oakland Athletics walked a very similar line during the 2014-15 offseason with their own prized third baseman, turning down a trade offer for Josh Donaldson from the Boston Red Sox before eventually moving him to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Would the Reds be stupid to not even consider the possibility?

In the deal that sent Donaldson to Toronto, the Athletics received back pitching prospects Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman, third baseman Brett Lawrie, and big-time shortstop prospect Franklin Barreto. Nolin is nearly MLB ready at Triple-A, Graveman is already helping in the A’s rotation, and Lawrie has been the team’s starting third baseman, hitting a respectable .283/.322/.420 with seven home runs and 36 RBI.

Given the comparisons between Donaldson and Frazier both now (4.4 WAR for Donaldson, 4.2 Frazier) and in their respective situations at the time of potential trade (Donaldson going into arbitration, Frazier pre-arb eligible, making $7.5 million in 2015), it is reasonable to think that Cincinnati could get a very similar return package from a would be buyer. Frazier’s deal is arguably more movable than that of Joey Votto and would bring with it the sizable return package that the Reds badly need to jumpstart their rebuild and not take a major step backwards.

That said, Cincinnati will rebuff offers to begin with, expecially given his affordability, but if they really want to make a splash, Todd Frazier gives them the best chance to do so.

Next: Carlos Gomez - Milwaukee Brewers

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