MLB insider: Grading trades for Aaron Hicks, Mets and Phillies

Grading potential trade packages for the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Phillies and Rockies.

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is July 31, so we are months away from trades taking place. But early holes on rosters and potential trade targets are starting to emerge in the first week of the regular season.

The New York Yankees could certainly look to move on from outfielder Aaron Hicks, who has voiced his displeasure with his role. The Philadelphia Phillies could use a first baseman following Rhys Hoskins’ season-ending injury. The New York Mets could use a starting pitcher or two in the wake of Justin Verlander’s injury and Max Scherzer’s struggles.

In this story, three FanSided writers presented different trades to fill those holes. Here’s FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray’s take on each trade.

Note: It should be noted that none of these trades are necessarily likely to happen right now. We’re simply grading them on viability and fit. The trades are graded on a 1-10 scale based on that criteria.

MLB Rumors – Trade proposal: Aaron Hicks to the Braves

H/T FanSided.com’s Mark Powell

Robert Murray’s Analysis: Aaron Hicks feels like an obvious trade candidate for a multitude of reasons.

For one, trading him would clear the three years and over $30 million remaining on his contract off the Yankees’ payroll. Secondly, he has not hid the fact that he’s not happy with his role in the team’s outfield — he’s essentially a backup in both center and left field — and he wants to be a starter.

That opportunity wouldn’t come in Atlanta, who already are set in the outfield. Hicks would be in the same situation he is in New York and is unlikely to be happy — though getting into a different uniform could be exactly what he needs to jumpstart his career again.

But that opportunity will not come in Atlanta, and I’d be shocked if the Braves are interested unless an injury occurs.

Odds: 1/10