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2016 MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best prospects traded

By Brad Weiss

Mar 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Lewis Brinson (70) hits a three run home run during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Alamodome. The Rangers defeated the Royals 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Lewis Brinson (70) hits a three run home run during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Alamodome. The Rangers defeated the Royals 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of Petco Park during the second inning between the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of Petco Park during the second inning between the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Anderson Espinoza

Anderson Espinoza has elite stuff, and could prove to be the ace of the San Diego Padres pitching staff very soon. Traded early in the trading season, Espinoza was part of the package that sent Drew Pomeranz to the Boston Red Sox. Based on his ceiling, Espinoza may be the crown jewel of this trade.

Espinoza was signed by the Red Sox during the 2014-15 International signing period. The Red Sox paid him $1.8 million dollars, which was double the amount the previous highest-paid prospect from Venezuela, Francisco Rodriguez, got. Espinoza got his first taste of pro ball in 2015, and he did not disappoint.

The right-hander lit up the radar gun with a 100 mph fastball, though his heater usually sits between 94-97. He also possesses a great curveball and changeup, and immediately became the best prospect in the Padres organization after coming over in the trade. He is still very young, so the Padres will need to be very careful with his arm.

Pomeranz is certain to help the Red Sox as they try to make it back to the playoffs. Espinoza is probably two years away, but if he continues to develop, he should slide right into the top of the rotation for the Padres for years to come.

Next: 1. Lewis Brinson

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