With the Aug. 1 trade deadline just two months away, there’s a need to assess which MLBbros could be on the market and who could hold out for a bigger payday in the offseason.
On the trade market?
One of the most notable players to potentially be on the trade market is the White Sox’s shortstop, Tim Anderson. Anderson has been plagued by injuries since 2019, having at least one stint on the 10-day injured list over the past four seasons.
Although fighting through injuries, Anderson has been named a two-time all-star and an AL slugger in that span.
With his contract coming to a close at the end of the 2023 season, all eyes are on Anderson to see if he’ll be dealt at the All-Star break, as he’s shown that he can still lead a team and produce productive at-bats and make plays at shortstop.
This past offseason was the shortstop merry-go-round with top infield captains joining new teams. But with teams like the Braves losing their star shortstop Dansby Swanson and still potentially looking to upgrade their middle infield play, this is one of the potential landing spots for Anderson.
With Gavin Lux tearing his ACL in February, the Dodgers could look to add Anderson and pair him with MLBbro Mookie Betts, but the Dodgers also could look solely for another outfielder with Betts’ proven ability to play short and second base. The Dodgers and Braves are just two high-profile teams that could be good fits for Anderson and have the mindset of winning immediately.
The next player that could be on the trade block is Jordan Hicks.
The right-handed reliever’s win and loss column (0-3) doesn’t dictate his performances on the mound as he’s accumulated a 4.07 ERA out of the bullpen through 23 appearances and 24 1/3 innings pitched. He’s also given up zero earned runs over his last nine appearances and allowed an earned run in just six outings this season.
But because the 26-year-old is only signed to a one-year, just under $2 million contract in early 2023, his contract is easily negotiable for teams like the Rays, Orioles, Mets, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Dodgers for a relief pitcher who can be added to the bullpen to help give starters more breathing room while also giving Hicks a test run and decide if they bring him back this offseason.
Payday incoming?
Marcus Stroman is having a Cy Young caliber year, and his exceptional performance could earn him a lot of extra cash.
The Cubs have increased their anticipated 2023 payroll from last year’s $147 million to $188 million, signaling a will to win in the National League Central division.
Stroman currently sits at a 2.39 ERA which is the seventh best in the Majors. The 32-year-old has started 13 games, hurling 79 innings and striking out 68 batters.
In December 2021, Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million deal with the Cubs with an opt-out after the second season. The right-hander will make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024, and the deal includes $2 million escalators for reaching 160 innings pitched in ’22 and ’23.
With the opt-out after 2023 looming, the Stro Show continues to increase his odds of deciding against the $4 million less in 2024 and negotiate to rework a contract with the Cubs, who are currently second to last in the NL Central, or he could choose to offer his talents to a team that could contend for a title in the near future.
LaMonte Wade Jr. has assumed the role of first baseman for the San Francisco Giants this season after Brandon Belt elected to head to Toronto in last year’s free agency.
This season, the MLBbro has played 45 of his 63 games at first base while maintaining a .989 fielding percentage, as the new anchor at the hot corner in San Francisco. Wade has also been productive at the plate, batting .285 with eight homers and 19 RBI.
The successful season 2023 campaign might force the Giants’ hand to cement a contract with 29-year-old Wade as the depth chart behind him has utility infielder Wilmer Flores and primary third baseman J.D. Davis.
Wade signed a one-year, $1.375 million deal in early 2023 as he was coming off a down year in 2022 where he wasn’t fully recovered from a knee injury. Now fully healthy, Wade could be in for a hefty payday if he keeps proving that he’s better and healthier than ever.
Let’s see if any of these MLBbros will be on the move.
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