MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip
The MLB trade deadline may still be almost two months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about which players and prospects could be on the move.
In June, the shape of the MLB trade market is beginning to take its earliest, most nebulous form. The best contenders have already begun to separate themselves from the pack, but the pretenders and real contenders for the Wild Card are still mixing it up. The addition of the second Wild Card has made it easier for teams to convince themselves they are in the playoff race. This has led to very interesting and wild MLB trade deadline periods over the past five years. This year will be no different.
Rebuilding teams will look to sell off their final remaining big-ticket names in an effort to add more top prospects. Contenders will be looking for an extra reliever, platoon bat, or even an ace. Who is the biggest trade chip on all 30 MLB teams? Read on to find out who your favorite team could be looking to move come July 31.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Socrates Brito
For the first time in a long time, the Diamondbacks will be buyers at the trade deadline. As they battle to stay in the playoff hunt, Arizona will be looking for bullpen depth and a starting pitcher to join Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray at the top of the rotation. They are set offensively.
Socrates Brito is the best all-around offensive prospect left in the Arizona system. He is currently out and rehabbing from a dislocated finger, but is expected back in the middle of June. Brito was given a chance to stick in the big leagues last year, but batted .179/.196/.358 with four home runs.
Brito will turn 25 at the end of the year and still has plenty of upside. He is a career .289/.332/.413 hitter in the minor leagues with untapped power potential. Brito has handled Triple-A pitching well in his MiLB career. The Diamondbacks have a crowded outfield in the big leagues, and Brito may be better off establishing himself as a full-time starter with another organization.