Latinos who could change teams
Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto heads the list of players who could change teams before the August 2 trade deadline.
Contenders and teams accelerating their respective rebuilding processes will have until 6:00 p.m. ET next Tuesday to make moves. ET next Tuesday to make their moves.
Some are already doing so, as the New York Yankees did on Wednesday, acquiring outfielder and former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
That said, will anyone dismantle their affiliate in order to acquire a generational talent like Soto? Besides, aside from the Dominican, what other stars could wear another bib? But more fun… what is their ideal destination? Let’s take a look.
Juan Soto; Willson Contreras
Juan Soto, the best pure hitter in all of the majors, is the ‘big fish’ of this MLB trade deadline. The 23-year old outfielder, who already has a World Series and a Home Run Derby championship on his resume, reportedly turned down a $440 million, 15-year renewal offer from the Nationals.
So, what will it take to acquire the Dominican after not accepting, I repeat, $440 million?
According to reports, four to five young ballplayers with All-Star potential. Rather, a combination of super prospects and players already in the Major Leagues. A limited market. The New York Mets, NY Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners are the leading candidates.
The Mets, meanwhile, are the economic ‘juggernaut’ under Steve Cohen. The businessman can ‘throw the house out the window’ for Soto, without skimping when it comes to open the wallet. But the Padres, too, are serious. And the Cardinals, on paper, might have the best assets.
The Yankees, however, have a problem to solve first: Aaron Judge. Likewise, as I mentioned above, they got Benintendi. His .320 ranks him as the third best hitter in the American League. Their only left-handed hitter over .250 is Matt Carpenter.
Meanwhile, what would a Soto-Julio Rodriguez duo look like on the Mariners? Seattle has something good happening there. Who knows. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is known for going after prospects of his choice. He focuses his cannons on the young players he wants and then negotiates with the team.
The Venezuelan, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, is having a great year. Only Mexico’s Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays has a better OBP, slugging and OPS as a catcher.
Castillo and Montas, the most sought-after starters
The Cincinnati Reds’ Dominican starter, Luis Castillo, was the only Reds’ player to be part of the All-Star Game in 2022.
He is 2.86 ERA in 14 starts this season. The Dominican accumulates four consecutive starts with at least seven innings, where his team has prevailed in four of those games. He has also struck out 90 batters and posted a WAR of 3.3.
Castillo is the best starter available and has no shortage of suitors. His contract, too, helps. He is under control this and next year before heading to free agency. His performance recently against the Yankees, a possible destination, raises his value. But I have another place in mind for the Dominican.
Frankie Montas, on the other hand, has a 4-9 record, but with a decent 3.18 ERA. He has struck out 109 batters.
Great talent and is finally at 100 percent after a shoulder ailment. The Dominican is the most valuable trade piece for the Oakland Athletics. He has a remarkable 1.13 WHIP and a manageable contract for any contender to take him.
Castillo is the best starter available and has no shortage of suitors. His contract, too, helps. He’s under control this and next year before heading to free agency. His performance recently against the Yankees, a possible destination, raises his value. But I have another place in mind for the Dominican.
Frankie Montas, on the other hand, has a 4-9 record, but with a decent 3.18 ERA. He has struck out 109 batters.
Great talent and is finally at 100 percent after a shoulder ailment. The Dominican is the most valuable trade piece for the Oakland Athletics. He has a remarkable 1.13 WHIP and a manageable contract for any contender to take him.
