MLB trade deadline: The best asset every team can trade for Shohei Ohtani
By Mark Powell
Best trade asset every AL East team can offer for Shohei Ohtani
Of all the teams in the AL East, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have, at one point, been mentioned as possible Ohtani suitors. It’s unclear how realistic either destination is, though, as Ohtani would reportedly rather stay on the west coast.
New York Yankees best trade asset: Anthony Volpe
Volpe has struggled at times this season, but he was top-10 prospect in baseball entering the year and earned the starting not at shortstop on Opening Day. Since his chicken parm dinner with a former teammate, Volpe has looked better at the plate, and brings a veteran presence (despite his age) defensively at a premium position. The Angels would demand he be part of any package.
Boston Red Sox best trade asset: Marcelo Mayer
Boston lucked into Marcelo Mayer in the 2022 MLB Draft, as multiple teams passed on him due to the expected bonus price tag. Now, Mayer has quickly become the No. 4 prospect in all of baseball, and is expected to usurp Trevor Story at shortstop eventually, forcing the former Rockie to second base all over again. If the Red Sox dare trade for Ohtani, they should start with Mayer.
Toronto Blue Jays best trade asset: Ricky Tiedemann
The Blue Jays have a really tough call to make. On the surface, they’d be a great suitor for Ohtani, as they match his competitive timeline and can offer him some seclusion from the outside world. However, they are on the east coast and lack the prospects necessary to acquire him, unless they want to deal Bo Bichette or Cavan Biggio. Tiedemann is a top-35 prospect in baseball and already in Double-A. He’s a solid get for an LA team which otherwise would lose Ohtani for nothing.
Baltimore Orioles best trade asset: Jackson Holliday
The Baltimore Orioles system is loaded with talent. Out of those who have yet to make the big leagues, Jackson Holliday is the premiere player. Holliday is only 19 years old and a shortstop. He’s a former No. 1 overall selection, and the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday. Jackson is also the best prospect in all of baseball, so he’s likely off the table in any trade. But we can dream.