Fansided

MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) smiles while on deck during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 26
Next
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins before game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins before game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. would rank much higher on this list, but the Blue Jays would have to feel certain they are going to make the playoffs before they trade him. Guerrero is as close to untouchable as prospects come in contenders’ farm systems. The Blue Jays made two massive trades at the deadline in 2015 that reshaped their franchise’s destiny. Finding the same type of impact in this year’s trade class will be hard to do.

Guerrero is an impressive physical specimen (some people do hit the genetics lottery in life). He was the youngest player in rookie ball last year at the age of 17. The age difference did not hurt his game, and Guerrero hit .271/.359/.449 with 12 doubles and eight home runs. He also stole 15 bases. Now 18, the young third baseman skipped Low-A entirely and is batting over .300 this season. He is still over three years younger than the rest of the league.

Vlad Sr. did quite a job raising his son to be a polished hitter. He already has a better approach at the plate than his father, who was notorious for swinging at anything within arm’s length of the plate. Vlad Jr. has walked more than he has struck out in his two-year career. He will be a force in the middle of a lineup at some point in the very near future.

Home/MLB Trade Rumors