Possible Trades for Sonny Gray
Now these trades are possible but are most likely not going to happen. These are very one sided hopeful trades for the As but i hope you enjoy reading this.
1st: Arizona Diamondbacks
Trade: Aaron Hill, Dansby Swanson,Aaron Blair, Peter O'Brien, Alex Young, and Gabriel Guerrero for Sonny Gray and Brett Lawrie.
Reasoning: The Diamondbacks are an ace away from competing and Sonny Gray would fill that need instantly. While it's doubtful they would give up Swanson, it was also doubtful the As were going to give up Russell. Now the As get two top 100 prospects who could both become impact players in Swanson and Blair. Now the Dbacks get to finally move Hills contract and they get a talented Second basemen who could easily turn into a super star. Aaron Hill would he a good presence for the As and would be a good player to bridge the gap to prospects like Chad Pinder.
Swanson is the headline of this trade and is an incredibly exciting player who is a potential Mvp player and would immediately become our top prospect. Also he would become our shortstop of the future as Barreto is making the change to become a centerfielder. He is a player whos Bat is already close to being major league ready and could very easily hit over .300 every year while providing 10-15 homeruns a year.
Aaron Blair is already major league ready and could soon step into our ace role in the next couple years but as of right now he would be a number 3 starter. He has a great amount of potential and refuses to give up walks. But he's set to start eating up a good amount of innings likely becoming a quality arm.
Peter O'Brien has a decent amount of power he hit 26 home runs this year and had 106 rbis this season. He has the potential to hit for much more power as he grows. He will probably be a 260/330/490 kind of player but a very good kind of player. The best thing about him is that he can immediately step into our left field.
Alex young is young and far way from the major league level. But he is tremendously talented and would be a steal in this trade. He has potential to be anywhere from a 1st to a 3rd starter and that is very valuable. You never need enough pitching and he could become a very good pitcher.
Gabriel Guerrero is a very raw player and has a chance to become an impact player but he struggled tremendously this year in the minors. If he could cut back his strikeouts and hit for more contact at the plate he could become a great player thats all thats standing in his way.
Now the Dbacks get Lawrie who has a chance to be an incredibly good player and helps lesson the tole to their farm system. It also makes second base a strength for them.
2nd: Chicago Cubs
Trade: Javier Baez, Billy Mckinney, Eddy Martinez, Duane Underwood, and Mark Zagunis for Sonny Gray, R.J. Alveraz, Daniel Coulombe, and Sean Nolin
Reasoning: Now this might be to big of a return but Dickey had just as big of a return as i imagine we would get for Gray if not more. We would get 5 great prospects who each have an incredible amount of potential.
Javier Baez could be a steal, just a little bit ago he was considered the most talented player in the Cubs farm system. He could easily hit over 30+ home runs a year and could hit for an above average as well if he can fix his affinity for strikeouts. He's a solid defender and could eventually become a perennial All star and Mvp candidate if he can tap into his potential. He could also become the face of the oakland As and could potentially offset some of the loss towards Donaldson. He could be a player who could hit 294/340/510 a year if he can tap into his potential and take more walks.
Billy Mckinney has a serious bat and is one of the most talented players in the minors. He is at most a year away from the majors and could become an immediate impact player once he reaches the major league level. He has the potential to hit over 290 every year while also hitting over 15+ home runs a year. I think he could become a player who could easily have a slash of 290/363/487 a year.
Eddy Martinez is a player who could become great. He has a 70/80 in speed and projects to hit for a plus average while being a plus fielder. He also has a chance to hit for a good amount of power as he reaches the Mlb hitting 10-15 home runs a year is not a stretch for him.
Duane Underwood has more upside then any other pitching prospect in the Cubs minor league system. He's still a good bit away from the mlb but could be fast tracked through it and might be able to reach the As as soon as 2017. A future rotation of him, Sean Manaea, Dakota Calmers, Casey Meisner, and Dillion Overton would be the best rotation in baseball easily it would our answer to the big three.
Mark Zagunis is a good prospect who has a chance to be a solid player he doesn't posses the upside of the other prospects but could become a very good player all the same. He has a good amount of plate discipline striking out 86 times compared to 80 walks most reports suggest that strikeouts will lower while the walks will get higher as he moves through the minors. A 274/370/421 is very believable for him.
Now the other three are just to lesson the toll on their minor league system. Sean Nolin could step into the 5th spot as they could trade Hendricks or they could just move him to the bullpen. The other two would just be depth pieces to their bullpen who could soon make an impact on it.
3rd: Colorado Rockies
Trade: Brendan Rodgers, David Dahl, Ryan Mcmahon, Mike Nikorak, and Jeff Hoffman for Sonny Gray, Sean Nolin, Raul Alcantara, Dylan Covey, Aaron Brooks, Max Muncy, Jesse Hahn, and Fernando Rodriguez.
This is the very Definition of a block bluster trade it would almost immediately make the rockies contenders with a vastly improved rotation with Sonny Gray at the fore front. It would give the As a tremendous amount of talent in our minor league system which would make us contenders as soon as 2017.
Brendan Rodgers was supposed to go first in the draft and slipped all the way down to 3rd in the draft. He is one of the most talented players in the minors and could easily become the number one prospect by the end of next season. He has the chance to easily hit 35+ home runs a year while also hitting for a great average a team with him and Barreto on it would be incredibly good.
David Dahl is a very talented player, hes someone who has a chance to become a true 5 tool player. He has the chance to hit for an above average every year and hit for a good amount of power as well. He could hit anywhere from 1st-5th in a lineup and could hit very well in each spot. He will stay in center fielder and is a plus defender.
Ryan Mcmahon is one of my favorite prospects and has no direct way to get to the majors with 3rd base already filled by most likely the most talented 3rd basemen in the league. He will most likely hit for an above average contact and power while also becoming an elite defender. He is only 20 and will probably be major league ready by late 2017 if not earlier.
Mike Nikorak is very raw and far away from the Mlb. But he is incredibly talented and has everything to become a future ace in every way. He's 6'5 so they expect his fastball to only get faster and its already touching 97 he could potentially start hitting in the 100s when he reaches the majors.
Jeff Hoffman is a future ace and could become a top ten pitcher in the league. Every pitch he throws is above average and took great strides with his control this year. He throws a fastball that regularly touches 98 while throwing a plus curve and changeup.
Now the Rockies get three pitchers who could immediately step into their rotation with Sonny Gray, Aaron Brooks, and Sean Nolin. That would give them at least a strong rotation with Jon Grey and would make them immediately competitive in the Nl west and might make them the favorite actually. Max Muncy could step into the 1st basemen roll and could provide solid defense with the potential of plus power for them. He also has a lot of team control years left and would be a solid pick up for them. Fernando Rodriguez could step into the week bullpen and make it a bit better. Raul and Covey could impact the team as soon as 2016 which would give them a solid 3-5th starter in either of them. Jesse Hahn could step into the 3rd role in the rotation and would give them a rotation that looks like this.
Sonny Gray
Jon Grey
Jesse Hahn
Sean Nolin
Aaron Brooks
Which would easily make them contenders.
This is the least likely trade, not that I couldn't imagine them trading for Gray just that the return is ridiculous.
4th: Los Angeles Dodgers
Trade: Corey Seager, Yasiel Puig, Jose De Leon, Justin Turner, and Yadier Alvarez for Sonny Gray, Brett Lawrie, and Raul Alcantara.
This would be the ideal trade for Sonny Gray we would get get 4 players with tremendous upside. The best two people in this trade are Corey Seager and Puig. Theres a reason why Corey Seager is the 2nd best prospect in baseball. He could very easily become the best hitter in the majors soon, as well as a top 5 player in the league. He has the potential to be our player to rival Mile Trout something we've yet to really have.
Puig time with LA is probably coming to close and he could very easily be packaged in this deal. It would be a great trade for the As, few players in the majors have as much talent as Puig. He might have an attitude problem but that is something that can be fixed. He still could easily become one of the best players in the majors.
Jose De Leon has Ace stuff and can become an elite strikeout pitcher in the Mlb. He would offset some of the loss from Grey and could make our 2017 teams one of the best in the league. He struck out 163 batters in 114 innings thats crazy if he can keep that up it wouldn't be a surprise to see him constantly going into the mid to high 200s in strikeouts.
Justin Turner had a huge breakout season this year and is relatively cheap. He could fill void for third base this year and then once he leaves for free agency at the end of 2016 we could just move Seager to third base.
Yadier Alveraz was the number one international free agent this year and was signed by the dodgers. He could very easily become one of the best pitchers in the league. He's 19 years old and he's already hitting 98 with his fastball they even project his fastball to get even faster. He has a plus slider and a plus change up. But he has trouble with his control but if he can harness it he will be one of the best pitchers in the league.
The Dodgers get Brett Lawrie who could tale over third base for them and is a potential breakout player with two years of team control left. They also get an exciting prospect in Raul.
5th: Boston Red Soxs
Trade: Yoan Moncada, Brian Johnson, Anderson Espinoza, Andrew Benintendi, and Hanley Ramirez for Sonny Gray, Dylan Covey, and Craig Gentry. + 30-40 million for Ramirez.
With the signing of David Price the need for an ace still isn't as high but Sonny Grey would give them a much better rotation. Plus it would free up additional salary for them in the long run.
Yoan Moncada would be the future face of our team and is a potential 30/30 player. Its very likely that he could become the best second basemen in baseball. They think he could hit .280 while also hitting 25+ home runs a year while also stealing 30+ bases a year all together a very valuable player.
Brian Johnson has the ceiling of a solid number two starter and at the floor a good number 4 starter. His curveball is his best pitch and it's absolutely filthy it would easily be one of the best curves in the game when he's feeling it. Some scouts prefer his changeup which is also a plus pitch. He is also major league ready and could immediately step into out rotation.
Anderson Espinoza has an incredible amount if talent and is already throwing in the high 90s with his fastball. His curve ball has already shown signs of being a plus pitch as his changeup has as well. He wont be major league ready until 2019 at the earliest. His fast ball is most likely only going to get faster, and he could potentially be an ace.
Andrew Benintendi is a future star and the Redsoxs don't have room for him in their crowed outfield situations. His best tool is his bat which they expect him to hit for a high average every year while also providing plus power as well. He also has a 60/80 in speed so i would imagine he will steal a good amount of bases. His worst tool is his arm which grades out to be roughly average but has a chance to be a strong fielder.
Hanley Ramirez would offset this trade somewhat as the Redsox can move him. I think Hanley can easily become a great player again and if the Redsox were willing to kick in a good amount of cash would be a great trade target.
Now the Redsoxs get a solid prospect and a veteran presence in their outfield who has great defense.
6th: Minnesota Twins
Trade: Jose Berrios, Nick Gordan, Max Kepler, and Alex Meyer for Sonny Gray and Tyler Ladendorf.
Jose Berrios is major league ready and would be a great player to get for Sonny Gray. He has started two straight futures game start and could be a player to strikeout over 200 batters a year. He has the potential to be a true Cy Young caliber player and would instantly step into our rotation.
Nick Gordan is not as fast as his brother but has a chance to be a more well rounded player then his brother. He has a chance to hit for an above average while also providing a decent amount of power at the plate. Right now its a 35/80 but they expect it to reach the 50s soon or at least in the 40s. He has a chance to become one of the best defenders at shortstop in the League.
Max Kepler is my favorite prospect in the minors and if the As got him he would instantly become my favorite player on the team. He has a great eye and good plate discipline, he walked 69 times to 68 walks. He has a chance to become a truly solid player and could even become a all star every year. He has great defensive versatility he players every outfield positions well and is a solid defender at first base. He is ready to step into the outfield immediately.
Alex Meyer has the stuff to become an elite starter but struggles with his control due to his 6'9 frame. He showed he had better control in smaller stints and allows his fast ball to touch a 100. His fast ball grades as a 70/80 and his slider grades as a 65/80 as well. Either way he can impact the team as either a starter or a reliever.
Now Tyler gives the twins much needed flexibility with their roster as he's a plus defender at most positions and can field at almost every position.
7th: Pittsburgh Pirates
Trade: Austin Meadows, Josh Bell,Jeff Locke, and James Taillon for Sonny Gray, Sean Nolin and Rangel Ravelo.
Austin Meadows is set to be an elite player and the pirates don't have any room for him with their outfield set for the future. That makes him expandable and could be used for a trade. He has a real chance to he a super star who could become a 5 tool player while its unlikely he'll be as good as trout we can hope he's as good.
Seeing the Pirates trading Josh Bell would be surprising but they need to do something big to take the division from the very best team in the league the Cardinals. Josh Bell has the potential to hit for both contact and power in the majors. Right now his power is more of extra base hit power but they expect it to quickly turn into home run powers. It wouldn't be a stretch for him to become an Jose Abrue type player. High contact and high power.
James Taillon missed the entire last season with tommy john but still shows ace upside. His consistently hits the mid 90s and has an extremely good curveball that can miss bats easily. His change up is still inconsistent but shows it can most likely be major league average. The best thing is that he is major league ready and is only 24.
Jeff Locke could step into the rotation as another good veteran pitcher who eats innings. He's also in his prime years so a bounce back season is not out of question.
Now Sean Nolin could immediately step into their 5th stop in their rotation and would give them a truly fearsome rotation. Now Ravelo is as close to being major league ready as you can get and is showing signs of being a solid fielder which is something the pirates need. Worse comes to worse they have Morse manning 1st until he's ready.
8th: Tampa Bay Rays
Trade: Evan Longoria, Blake Snell, Garrett Whitley, and Daniel Robertson for Sonny Gray, Brett Lawrie, and Billy Butler.
Blake Snell was the best pitcher in the minors this year bar none. He has shown that he can very easily become an ace pitching, but you never know which is why i think they could target Sonny Gray. A rotation with Chris Archer and Gray would instantly make them the favorites for their division.
Evan Longoria is still a great player but he's to expansive for the small market rays, while the As dont have any more money it doesn't mean we cant swap contracts. They would get Butler along with two great players and we would get an impact veteran who's known to be a great person in the clubhouse. He would also immediately become a team favorite.
Garrett Whitley had an awful year this year due to injuries and he just sucked. So i think he would be a great player to target someone who very easily could bounce back. His upside is that of a great number 2 hitter he has a 60/80 in speed. He has a strong arm and has a chance to stay at center field for his whole career. He also has a chance to develop plus power and contact.
Daniel Robertson was the player we traded last offseason and is a player i could see us requiring. He doesn't strikeout that much and takes a good amount of walks. He has also shown that he can be a steady solid defender at shortstop. He can be ready as soon as this season probably half way through the season.
