2015 MLB Trading Deadline

[a700hitter]

We have a Red Sox Trading Dealine thread, and we are going to do nothing except have a fire sale. There have already been three big moves by other teams, so started an MLB Trading Deadline thread.

 

Blue Jays To Acquire Troy Tulowitzki In Exchange For Jose Reyes

Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro

By Jeff Todd [July 27, 2015 at 11:32pm CDT]

 

The Blue Jays have struck a stunning deal to acquire Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins in exchange for Jose Reyes and a trio of minor league pitchers, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (links to Twitter). Promising young righties Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco make up the key components of Colorado’s return, per reports. Needless to say, the move constitutes one of the most stunning deadline deals in recent memory.

 

Tulowitzki will pick up a $2MM assignment bonus and a full no-trade clause by virtue of being dealt. No money is changing hands other than the differences in the contracts, but the financial component of the deal was certainly significant.

 

 

Both of the primary pieces in this deal are playing under significant contracts. Tulowitzki is owed $20MM annually this season and from 2016-19, before a $14MM payday in 2020 and a $15MM club option ($4MM buyout) in the following campaign. Reyes, meanwhile, is on the books for $22MM annually from 2015-17, and comes with a $22MM club option that also includes a $4MM buyout. All said, then, Reyes is guaranteed $50MM less in total following the present season (before tacking on the additional $2MM assignment bonus and the remainder of Hawkins’ $2.25MM salary).

 

Tulowitzki, 30, has long been one of the game’s best overall players. And he is as closely associated with his franchise as is any other player. There has been near-constant speculation as to whether Colorado owner Dick Monfort would consider parting with his club’s superstar, but it appears that a series of disappointing seasons has finally brought matters to a resolution.

 

While the long-time Rockies franchise face has been quite good this year, he hasn’t played quite to his own lofty standards. Over 346 plate appearances, he’s registered a .305/.353/.478 slash. With the effects of Coors Field factored in, that’s good for a 111 wRC+. His defense has rated out more as good than excellent. The net is that he’s racked up 1.4 fWAR and 1.9 rWAR on the year. Through this approximate point last season (375 plate appearances), Tulo had already compiled 5.3 fWAR and 5.5 rWAR.

 

Of course, the biggest question with his long-term value lies in the arbitrary stopping point just noted. Tulowitzki never again took the field in Colorado after mid-July, as he ultimately underwent hip surgery. Since becoming a full-time regular in 2007, Tulo has averaged just 114 games a season.

 

With the first major move of his tenure, GM Jeff Bridich opened an array of questions about the team’s intentions over the coming days (and beyond). It remains to be seen whether Colorado has intentions of plugging Reyes into its lineup or, instead, moving him to a third club to add other young pieces.

 

Colorado does not have a deal in place currently to move Reyes elsewhere, Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets. But a move seems quite plausible. The Rockies have highly-regarded shortstop prospect Trevor Story playing well at Triple-A, and just used the third overall pick in last month’s draft to select top-rated high schooler Brendan Rodgers, though he’s obviously a ways from the big leagues.

 

Then, there’s the matter of Carlos Gonzalez, long considered the twin-bill feature alongside Tulo at Coors Field. He’s rebounded from a long rough stretch to enhance his value, and a move to shed his remaining obligations while adding young talent now seems more plausible than ever. Having parted with Tulowitzki and Hawkins, Gonzalez and other veteran assets (such as reliever John Axford) could conceivably change hands.

 

Regardless whether Reyes is ticketed for another destination, he offers his own blend of upside and downside. At age 32, he’s fallen back to a .285/.322/.385 slash line and is no longer the outstanding defender he was early in his career. Still, he’s a solidly above-average regular in a position of some scarcity (at least, in terms of established veterans) around the league. This becomes the second time that his contract — originally signed with the Marlins — has changed hands, and it may not be long until it moves again.

 

As for the young pieces, the 22-year-old Hoffman fell to the Jays in last year’s draft after undergoing Tommy John surgery. That he was still taken ninth overall speaks to his talent, of course, and he’s already moved to the Double-A level with Toronto. Having cracked many top-100 leaguewide prospect rankings before the season, the high-upside right-hander shot up to 33rd on Baseball America’s mid-season list after showing his old stuff with a new UCL. He’s said to have a big fastball, excellent curve, and promising change. Over 67 2/3 innings, mostly at High-A, Hoffman has worked to a 2.93 ERA with 6.1 K/9 against 2.3 BB/9.

 

Castro, 20, has a more projection-dependent future outlook. He opened the year in the big league pen after finishing off 2014 at High-A. The righty struggled somewhat in that cameo, but still pitched beyond his years and has shown a live arm. He entered the year rated the #9 prospect in the Jays organization by Baseball America, which noted his lofty upside and need to develop reliable secondary offerings to factor as a long-term MLB starter. Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs had him in the sixth slot this spring. With his quick ascent, Castro has moved to the fourth position on BA’s list and number five on MLB.com’s latest ranking.

 

Finally, Tinoco has enhanced his stock by working to a 3.54 ERA over 81 1/3 innings at the Class A level this year, striking out 7.5 and walking 2.4 batters per nine. Even before that promising showing, he landed 16th on the pre-season Blue Jays prospect list of Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs. Tinoco can run his fastball up into the upper nineties and has two promising secondary offerings with good feel on the mound, per McDaniel, who indicates that the youngster has a good deal of upside.

 

As eye-opening as the transaction was for the Rockies, it’s arguably just as shocking — for different reasons — from the Jays’ perspective. Toronto has struggled with pitching all year, but has a highly productive lineup. Reyes was earning big money to play shortstop, and the rest of the infield was filled with productivity, including recent major trade acquisition Josh Donaldson — who rates as the game’s best third baseman — and first baseman/DH Edwin Encarnacion. (Notably, those sluggers, outfielder Jose Bautista, and numerous other key contributors are all right-handed hitters, as is Tulowitzki.)

 

Toronto will add a reliever to its mix in Hawkins, but he’s more of a sturdy presence than a shut-down arm. The 42-year-old owns a 3.63 ERA with 8.1 K/9 against 1.6 BB/9 over 22 1/3 innings on the year. It’s hard to believe at his age, but he’s compiled a 3.11 earned run average over 237 2/3 frames dating back to 2011.

 

Despite the fact that the Jays dealt away two promising young arms, it seems likely that the seemingly all-in club will use additional pieces to add a starter. But with one out-of-nowhere move now completed, it remains to be seen whether something even more creative could go down.

 

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has pulled off his share of stunners over the years, with the deal that brought Reyes to Toronto ranking high among them. But after dealing for Donaldson, signing Russell Martin, and now adding one of the game’s best-known stars in Tulowitzki, Anthopoulos and his club are fully committed to win now in a manner not previously seen.

 

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com was first to report that no money would be exchanged (Twitter links) and that three minor leaguers were in the deal. Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun first noted Hoffman’s likely inclusion, via Twitter, with Thomas Harding of MLB.com tweeting that he would in fact be in the deal. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports was first to suggest that Castro was likely going to Colorado, on Twitter, with Heyman tweeting that he was a part of the package. Heyman tweeted Tinoco’s involvement. Rosenthal noted on Twitter that Tulowitzki would receive an assignment bonus and no-trade protection by virtue of being dealt.

 

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

 

[a700hitter]

It looks like they are having a Fire Sale in Colorado.

 

Rockies Prepared To Deal Carlos Gonzalez

By Jeff Todd [July 28, 2015 at 8:36am CDT

 

 

After agreeing to deal franchise icon Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies plan to shop fellow star Carlos Gonzalez, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. “They expect to move him,” a rival GM tells Heyman.

 

That isn’t exactly surprising to hear in the aftermath of the Tulo agreement, but it’s nevertheless notable to see CarGo set to hit the block. While he had not looked himself since the start of last season, Gonzalez has steadily improved all year and has been on fire of late.

 

It remains somewhat unclear what kind of market he’ll have, particularly given his recent injury and performance concerns. Gonzalez is earning a $16MM salary this year and $37MM in total over the next two. That’s a bargain if he’s a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat, and hardly an unworkable sum for most teams, but there’s still plenty of risk. Heyman notes that clubs such as the Mets, Angels, and Orioles all line up as theoretical fits for Gonzalez.

 

[a700hitter]

The Cole Hamels Sweepstakes continues:

 

Giants “Making Strong Push” For Cole Hamels

By Jeff Todd [July 28, 2015 at 8:20am CDT]

 

The Giants are “making a strong push” for Phillies lefty Cole Hamels, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports on Twitter. San Francisco has previously been mentioned as a suitor, but it appears that the team is looking to make a serious attempt at landing the lefty.

 

[Thunder]

That's funny. I just heard that the Astros are going all out for Hamels.

[Thunder]

Anyway, the Tulo trade completely blew my mind. I never thought the Rockies would trade him. Ever. He's the equivalent of Pedroia to our franchise: Heart and soul that keeps everyone going.

[Youk Of The Nation]

Anyway, the Tulo trade completely blew my mind. I never thought the Rockies would trade him. Ever. He's the equivalent of Pedroia to our franchise: Heart and soul that keeps everyone going.

 

I heard the rumors for weeks that he was going to be traded, and it still surprised me. I thought he was going to be like Helton, and stay with the team until he retires.

[mvp 78]

Anyway, the Tulo trade completely blew my mind. I never thought the Rockies would trade him. Ever. He's the equivalent of Pedroia to our franchise: Heart and soul that keeps everyone going.

 

See, we can do it too, Ben! Trade Pedroia!

[Kimmi]

See, we can do it too, Ben! Trade Pedroia!

 

Two players that won't be traded - Papi and Pedroia.

 

Those are also two players that one should never bet against.

[Bellhorn04]

Saw a rumor that the Nationals are looking at Papelbon.

[Thunder]

Two players that won't be traded - Papi and Pedroia.

 

Those are also two players that one should never bet against.

 

And Bogaerts and Betts are the next generation of The Untouchables.

[mvp 78]

Pedroia and Ortiz should not be untouchable at this point. I'd move Xander or Mookie to get a Chris Sale type pitcher.

[SoxnCycles]

Pedroia and Ortiz should not be untouchable at this point. I'd move Xander or Mookie to get a Chris Sale type pitcher.

 

Keep the dream alive!!

 

You'd have to move Xander AND Mookie to get Sale.

[a700hitter]

Pedroia and Ortiz should not be untouchable at this point. I'd move Xander or Mookie to get a Chris Sale type pitcher.

Ortiz has a 10 and 5 veto.

[mvp 78]

Ortiz has a 10 and 5 veto.

 

I realize this. That doesn't mean Ortiz would refuse to play elsewhere.

[a700hitter]

I realize this. That doesn't mean Ortiz would refuse to play elsewhere.

he recently said that he was going to finish his career in Boston when asked about the possibility of being traded. I took that to mean that he would veto a trade.

[Palodios]

Zobrist to the Royals. Damnnn, someone wants a ring.

 

Hope they crush the Yanks in the first round of the playoffs.

[a700hitter]

Yes but we beat them out for Josh Rutledge. We are building for the future.

[Spudboy]

I realize this. That doesn't mean Ortiz would refuse to play elsewhere.

 

But who needs and wants him? He can only go to an AL team.

 

He's here until he quits.

[mvp 78]

But who needs and wants him? He can only go to an AL team.

 

He's here until he quits.

 

Would you rather have Evan Gattis or David Ortiz. It's silly to say there's no market for him.

[a700hitter]

Would you rather have Evan Gattis or David Ortiz. It's silly to say there's no market for him.

DO you think Ortiz would waive the 10-5 rights?

[mvp 78]

Yes.

[Palodios]

His value is undeniable. That being said, the Red Sox can't justify trading him unless they get a franchise changing haul of prospects back.

 

Trading Ortiz will probably cost the organization millions of dollars for the rest of the season just in attendance and PR.

[Bellhorn04]

Ortiz isn't going anywhere. This team has enough PR headaches as it is.

[mvp 78]

His value is undeniable. That being said, the Red Sox can't justify trading him unless they get a franchise changing haul of prospects back.

 

Trading Ortiz will probably cost the organization millions of dollars for the rest of the season just in attendance and PR.

 

Millions of dollars in attendance? Are there that many unsold tickets at this point? I'd find it hard to believe that anyone who has not bought tickets by now, would do so even if Ortiz stayed put.

[Kimmi]

Yes.

 

Ortiz has said that he is not waiving his rights, that he is retiring with the Red Sox, so moot point.

 

Regardless, whether it's right or not, they would not trade either him or Pedroia because of the PR nightmare it would create. I'm guessing those two are also the biggest money makers in terms of merchandise.

 

All that aside, they are both still very good players. I don't understand wanting to have them off the team.

[Palodios]

Millions of dollars in attendance? Are there that many unsold tickets at this point? I'd find it hard to believe that anyone who has not bought tickets by now, would do so even if Ortiz stayed put.

 

Jeter's farewell tour brought in millions of fans that were otherwise bored with a losing team. I imagine the Red Sox will market Ortiz the same way, although I am hoping for better results in 2016.

[Bellhorn04]

Even if the Red Sox wanted to trade Ortiz, who would they trade him to? I'm pretty sure the vesting option goes with him, so it would have to be a contending AL team with money, other than the Yankees. That leaves the Angels, maybe the Jays.

[Northern Star]

Zobrist to the Royals. Damnnn, someone wants a ring.

 

Hope they crush the Yanks in the first round of the playoffs.

 

Pretty bad trade for KC. They gave up their #4 prospect (somewhere claimed as top pitching prospect) and a throw-in for 2-3 months of 0.8 WAR and cash. I'd rather they'd packaged for Hamels and a 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation.

[Kimmi]

Jeter's farewell tour brought in millions of fans that were otherwise bored with a losing team. I imagine the Red Sox will market Ortiz the same way, although I am hoping for better results in 2016.

 

Not to mention that he is on the brink of hitting 500 HRs. The Sox can't have him reaching 500 with another team.

[Northern Star]

Not to mention that he is on the brink of hitting 500 HRs. The Sox can't have him reaching 500 with another team.

 

Part of me says sure they can, it's business, but they won't. Or to put it another way, I would be shocked if Papi OKs a trade.