MLB trade deadline: The best asset every team can trade for Shohei Ohtani
By Mark Powell
Best trade asset every NL West team can offer for Shohei Ohtani
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the likely favorites to land Shohei Ohtani should he reach free agency, but what if they were to trade for him beforehand? Several NL West teams, such as the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, loom as threats for Ohtani if he is to reach free agency. Trading for Ohtani now would give any team a leg up, allowing the Japanese star a chance to perform in that market prior to what’s sure to be a dramatic winter.
Los Angeles Dodgers best trade asset: Diego Cartaya
Cartaya is the Dodgers top prospect, and likely the best asset they would be willing to part with in exchange for the advantage of acquiring Ohtani ahead of schedule. Cartaya is 22 years old and near-MLB ready. In fact, he’s likely to make his debut in 2024. From the Dodgers perspective, they have another catcher, Dalton Rushing, who ranks in the top-50 of MLB prospects per MLB Pipeline, so they don’t lose much.
Arizona Diamondbacks best trade asset: Jordan Lawler/Dru Jones
Lawler is the sixth-ranked prospect in all of baseball and plays a premium shortstop position. He is 20 years old and already performing well in Double-A, meaning he could make his debut as soon as late 2024 or early 2025. Jones was a top-5 draft pick last season and is the son of Braves legend Andruw Jones. Like his dad, he has solid power and is a tremendous defensive player. Both player are top-20 prospects in MLB.
San Diego Padres best trade asset: Jackson Merrill
Merrill is a top-10 prospect in all of baseball, and while the Padres have moved Fernando Tatis Jr, Manny Machado and Ha-Seong Kim off of shortstop over the years, Xander Bogaerts remains signed long-term in San Diego. Merrill, were he to make the majors relatively soon, would either move Bogaerts off the position as well, or would have to make that change himself. The Pads are loaded with MLB talent in their infield, so they can afford to move a prospect of his caliber.
San Francisco Giants best trade asset: Kyle Harrison
Kyle Harrison is the Giants best pitching prospect. He’s also one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in all of baseball, making him a bit of a unicorn in any organization. Harrison is only 21 years old and playing in Triple-A. He’ll earn a promotion to the Bay Area in no time, assuming he’s not traded for Ohtani or a player of that caliber.
Colorado Rockies best trade asset: Adael Amador
It’s a pipe dream, but can you imagine Ohtani hitting regularly at Coors Field? The two-way sensation may hit the ball out of the stadium, or at least to the third deck on a regular basis. Aaron Judge’s home run record could be in jeopardy. Colorado will not acquire Ohtani for many reasons, but if they were to make an offer, it would start with their top shortstop prospect in Amador. He’s only 20 years old, but Amador has a bright future ahead of him.