In the latest installment of grading trade fits, FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray talks about potential deals for the Cardinals, Cubs and Braves.
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, some teams are talking internally to decide what players to target. But most of them are deciding whether or not to stand pat and to determine how aggressive they should be as buyers or sellers.
It's resulted in the trade market being slow to develop, though it's possible that some team — the Angels? — jump the market due to a plethora of injuries. Nevertheless, trade speculation has been rampant and will only continue to grow in the coming days and weeks.
Here are three trade fits and determining what the odds are for each player.
MLB trade fits: Philadelphia Phillies — Paul Goldschmidt
Let's make this clear: I do not expect Paul Goldschmidt to be traded. Heck, I don't even expect the St. Louis Cardinals to entertain the idea of trading him. He's too important to the team to move him.
But it's entirely possible that with the Cardinals being 31-44 and in last place in the National League Central that they listen on their best players, Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado included. No, that does not mean they are shopping either player. But listening in case any team blows them away with an offer doesn't hurt.
If there was ever a team that could make such an offer, it would be the Philadelphia Phillies. They don't have a true first baseman right now. Their lead executive, Dave Dombrowski, is as aggressive as anyone in baseball. They have invested a lot into the roster and adding Goldschmidt would give them an even more star-studded offense.
I love the fit. I just think it's a pipe dream at best.
Grading the fit: 7/10 (But 0.5/10 likelihood)
MLB trade fits: San Francisco Giants — Marcus Stroman
The Giants are the hottest team in baseball, winning 10 consecutive games. They have positioned themselves to be aggressive at the deadline and could go in a number of different directions.
But one area that could make sense is the starting rotation — and Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman has been the subject of early trade speculation.
The Giants could add Stroman and attempt to extend him long-term before he decides on his 2024 player option. They lack long-term certainty in the rotation besides right-hander Logan Webb and left-hander Kyle Harrison and adding Stroman would potentially give them three high-end pitchers to build around.
It's how the Giants won championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Perhaps they look to repeat history by further attempting to bolster their rotation.
Grading the fit: 7/10
MLB trade fits: San Diego Padres — Travis d'Arnaud
For the first couple of months of the regular season, the San Diego Padres desperately needed a catcher. They added Gary Sanchez, who shined and hit six home runs in his first 21 games, but he's hitting only .185/.243/.492 in 70 plate appearances.
So the need for a catcher remains pressing — and Jim Bowden of The Athletic mentioned Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud as a trade possibility.
With the emergence of Sean Murphy, d'Arnaud isn't as needed in Atlanta as he once was. But the Braves, specifically general manager Alex Anthopoulos, love d'Arnaud and value catching depth. So it's not like the team will just part with the veteran catcher for pennies on the dollar.
A trade should not be ruled out, but it could be difficult for the Padres to pull off, and leave them searching for an alternative option (Yan Gomes?).
Grading the fit: 5/10
