MLB Power Rankings: The best trade asset for every team
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals, Scott Barlow
Scott Barlow is going to be an even more popular man this summer. The Kansas City Royals closer keeps getting better. Already 30, it’s time for the Royals to either start winning with him or send their ninth-inning man somewhere else for younger pieces. His value won’t get much better than it is right now. He could easily be the best relief pitcher available this summer.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers, Jose Acuna
Do you trade the brother of one of the game’s best outfielders? If you’re the Texas Rangers and the right deal comes around, you might. Jose Acuna is on the rise and his name will definitely garner some extra attention. Currently a middle infielder, he is obviously blocked at the major league level by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. That’s hardly a concern. The bigger question for Texas will be whether or not they have enough outfield help. Maybe trading Acuna for someone else in the MLB Power Rankings can help both clubs.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Detroit Tigers, Alex Lange
A youthful pitcher with a ton of control, there’s a lot for teams to like about Detroit Tigers reliever Alex Lange. The Tigers don’t have all that many enticing trade pieces. Many have already been sent elsewhere. Lange isn’t someone they should rush out of town. However, after losing Andrew Chafin for nothing this offseason, the Tigers should remain on their toes. Teams will need a pitcher like Lange. Someone will overpay.
12) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres, Jackson Merrill
The best prospect remaining within the San Diego Padres organization is Jackson Merrill. There’s an obvious lack of a need for him. With Fernando Tatis Jr. already getting replaced at shortstop by Xander Bogaerts, things are getting tight at the big league level at Merrill’s position. We already know the Padres are as in to win as anyone this year. Merrill won’t be able to sneeze without a scout measuring its exit velocity.
11) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets, Kevin Parada
Many of the best trade pieces are players who are at a position blocked by someone else. The situation may be about to happen for the New York Mets. Kevin Parada is their second best catching prospect. Snagged early on in last year’s draft, the performance of Francisco Alvarez behind the plate in the minors and maybe even the majors will determine how willing the Mets are to trade him.