MLB trade deadline: The best asset every team can trade for Shohei Ohtani

Best trade asset every NL East team can offer for Shohei Ohtani

As much money as Steve Cohen has, an Ohtani move to the NL East seems the most unlikely of any division besides its AL counterpart. Ohtani reportedly would rather play on the west coast, somewhere quiet, and for a contender. The Mets, Phillies and Braves can’t offer that, and the Nationals and Marlins aren’t spending that sort of money right now.

Atlanta Braves best trade asset: Max Fried

This one’s a little tougher. Atlanta would never consider parting ways with Spencer Strider. Fried will be a free agent after the 2024 season, but he is an ace. Though injured right now, he is exactly the kind of starting pitcher the Angels have been lacking for so long. Fried, along with some top prospect capital, could be enough to entice the Halos.

New York Mets best trade asset: Francisco Alvarez

Prior to graduating from prospect status, Alvarez was the best player in the minor leagues. Either he or Brett Baty would likely have to be the centerpiece of any trade for Ohtani. Alvarez is a catcher who projects either there or at first base. The Mets have prioritized Ohtani since it became clear he’ll be a free agent, but it’s unclear if they’d be willing to trade for him in the middle of a losing season.

Washington Nationals best trade asset: James Wood

The Nationals competitive window doesn’t line up with Ohtani, especially if it’s on a short-term basis. So, there’s virtually no chance they make a run at his services. However, if they were to make a trade offer for Ohtani, the Angels would demand James Wood in return. Wood is the fifth-ranked prospect in baseball, and projects to be a star at the next level. He’s the centerpiece of Washington’s rebuild.

Miami Marlins best trade asset: Eury Perez

Strangely enough, the Marlins recently demoted impressive rookie Eury Perez. At just 21 years old, Perez took baseball by storm, going 5-3 with a 2.36 ERA and 61 strikeouts. He’s one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball, and among the favorites for NL Rookie of the Year. He would be a home run acquisition for the Angels if they felt forced to trade Ohtani. Unfortunately for them, the Marlins will not be in play for Shohei due to budgetary reasons.

Philadelphia Phillies best trade asset: Andrew Painter

Andrew Painter felt right elbow discomfort just over a week ago. It’s unclear whether he will need time off, or perhaps some sort of medical intervention. If so, then that severely decreases his value, even as the No. 9 prospect in all of baseball. Should he need Tommy John surgery, for example, he’d be out for about a year, if not more. On paper the Phillies make a lot of sense for Ohtani if he were willing to talk extension. They’re competitive, and Dave Dombrowski loves to go for it all.