MLB Power Rankings: The best trade asset for every team

5) MLB Power Rankings: Atlanta Braves, Max Fried

Would the Atlanta Braves actually trade Max Fried? There are two scenarios where it makes sense. One is if they are way out of the playoff race which is doubtful. The other could be that they make one of those deals with another buyer. Think of it as a bigger Will Smith for Jake Odorizzi like they did last year with the Houston Astros. Trading Fried to a team in need of an ace for a bad and a lesser starting pitcher is a scenario to keep in mind.

4) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani isn’t number one in this week’s MLB Power Rankings because the Los Angeles Angels are going to try and go for it. They’ll need to completely slip out of the playoff picture to trade him. Are they really going to be that much of a disaster? There is always the possibility they trade him regardless. Plus this is a ball club that continually proves it has an allergy to the postseason. He’s only not number one because it does seem like his chances are slimmer than some others.

3) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers, Corbin Burnes

Corbin Burnes is in a Max Fried situation with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner is bound to leave his team eventually. The Brewers are planning to compete this year. A weak division should help them stay in contention, but this team does have weaknesses. Burnes is going to fetch the Brewers a big package of prospects someday. Where the team finds itself in the standings in late July will determine if it’s then or a little later.

2) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates, Bryan Reynolds

It seems inevitable that the Pittsburgh Pirates will trade Bryan Reynolds. The two sides are nowhere near completing an extension. His proven abilities on the field make him a desirable asset for every team from the New York Yankees to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He earns the honor of being the best trade asset among those with extensive major league experience. Number one is a prospect who should make waves this year.

1) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals, Jordan Walker

It would require the St. Louis Cardinals to receive one of the other players on this list to trade Jordan Walker away. The thought that he’s blocked at third base because of Nolan Arenado isn’t fair. The Cardinals are going to find a way to get this young masher into the lineup. While it’s definitely far more likely the team would trade someone else from their surplus of young talent, it’s hard to not mention Walker as a trade asset. The Cardinals would be smarter to hold onto him and we should expect as much. His presence, however, can help St. Louis get some conversations started about other deals like a package for Shohei Ohtani.