MLB Trade Deadline: The ultimate 30-team trade
18. Cincinnati Reds
Carlos Correa was sent to the DL July 18 after tearing a ligament in his left thumb, which is likely to put the budding superstar shortstop on the shelf for six to eight weeks. The Astros have super utilityman Marwin Gonzalez as a stopgap in the interim, but even though Gonzalez is hitting .320/.401/.594 with 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 80 games this year, there may be a better overall option out there – especially in terms of defensive ability.
The top shortstop on the market is Zack Cozart, who started for the National League in the All-Star Game. One of the top 10 defensive shortstops in baseball according to FanGraphs’s defensive metrics, Cozart would be a huge upgrade over Gonzalez in the field. As a result, Gonzalez could remain at third base, first base or left field, where he’s better equipped.
Of course, given his breakout performance at the plate this year, Cozart would also be a strong offensive performer. The 31-year-old has hit .319/.406/.564 – career highs across the board – with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 74 games. Cozart has also hit seven triples and 20 doubles, and has posted a solid 15.7 percent strikeout rate and career high 12.9 percent walk rate.
Finally, because he will hit free agency after the season, Cozart shouldn’t be difficult to acquire. The Reds are out of the postseason picture, and haven’t committed to the seven-year MLB veteran for the long term. Therefore, a pair of midlevel prospects would be a reasonable return, such as catcher Garrett Stubbs and right-hander Jorge Alcala.