Fansided

10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

By Dan Schmelzer

May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Martin Prado
April 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) hits a double in the first inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kansas City Royals trade for Miami Marlins Infielder Martin Prado

Last year at the MLB Trade Deadline, the Kansas City Royals made a deal for a versatile weapon in Ben Zobrist, who came in and mostly took the second base duties from a struggling Omar Infante. Hitting .246/.278/.314 with an ugly wRC+ of only 59 (according to Fangraphs), Infante is an easily replaceable option at second base for the Royals again.

With Zobrist out of the picture, perhaps the Royals will trade for another versatile infielder to step in to the role at second base. Martin Prado has mostly played third base in recent years, but he has still shown the ability to go over and play second. If the Royals believe in his ability to pick it at second base, he would be a great option for the team at the trade deadline.

Prado has been fantastic for the Miami Marlins this season, hitting .353/.388/.415 with an impressive wRC+ of 118, via Fangraphs. Prado is a solid defensive player who would be an absolutely massive upgrade for the Royals at second base. Plus his ability to play third base and the outfield is a nice extra asset to have.

If the Royals want to have a chance to defend their World Series crown coming out of a tough AL Central, they are going to have to make a move at the deadline to improve. Adding Prado to the mix would be a relatively inexpensive way to improve their ball-club tremendously.

Next: 8. Carlos Gonzalez

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