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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 trades that need to happen

By Joshua Sadlock

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 30: Sonny Gray #54 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 30: Sonny Gray #54 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JULY 01: Francis Martes #58 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on July 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JULY 01: Francis Martes #58 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on July 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

8. Zach Britton to the Astros

Unless the Orioles get scorching hot and win every series heading into July 31, their best bet to bring back top-100 prospects is by trading All-Star closer Zach Britton. He could bring the O’s a haul on par with what the New York Yankees landed for Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller last year. Both Chapman and Miller brought back an organization’s number-one prospect and a second top-100 prospect.

The Houston Astros haven’t had to worry too much about their bullpen yet this season, but that will change in the playoffs. Ken Giles has done a good enough job at closer, but has not proven himself in the postseason. It still feels like Giles could implode for a week straight at some point in the second half. By trading for Britton, the Astros could give themselves a lights-out closer in the ninth innings while allowing Giles to freelance in the middle innings with multi-inning reliever Chris Devenski.

Houston can offer the Orioles an MLB-ready starter in Francis Martes and a top-100 outfielder in Derek Fisher. Martes and Fisher have both already made their MLB debuts this season. Martes earned two wins, while Fisher hit two home runs and slugged .611 in five games.

It’s up to Dan Duquette to make sure that he gets the best possible package for Britton. Martes throws a riding fastball that can run up above 95 mph. Fisher has undeniable power that would play in the AL East. Now, Duquette must convince the Astros they need Britton to win the World Series.

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