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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Arizona Diamondbacks should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 1, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Michael Bourn (1) is thrown out a third base during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Michael Bourn (1) is thrown out a third base during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Trade Zack Greinke

This isn’t about Zack Greinke’s performance. His 3.62 ERA is a tad high, but his 120 ERA+ suggests he is still an extremely good pitcher who just happens to pitch at a ballpark that favors hitters. This is about the Diamondbacks needs to create some payroll flexibility and to add talent to their squad so they can contend in 2017 and beyond.

The Diamondbacks are due to pay Greinke over $170 million over the next five seasons, but if Arizona are willing to eat a portion of that contract, it’s hard to imagine the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox won’t express serious interest.

If the Diamondbacks traded Greinke to the Dodgers, they could get someone like Yasiel Puig and another high end player. Puig is an adventure defensively, but even he’d be a significant upgrade over Arizona’s current options. If Arizona plays their cards right, they could come out with someone like Jose De Leon (currently ranked as the Dodgers third best prospect) on top of Puig.

Boston would be able to offer the Dodgers Yoan Moncada, an extremely talented Cuban prospect. He might not have a clear position right now (Boston has him at second base but he’s not expected to stay there long-term), but his athleticism and arm should make him an asset virtually anywhere on the field.

Trading Greinke could be best for the Diamondbacks long-term.

For more MLB Trade Rumors, check out our MLB hub page.

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