Jim Bowden ESPN Insider article on 5 trades that "need to happen"
1. Los Angeles Angels acquire 2B Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies for 2B Alex Yarbrough and P Victor Alcantara
The Angels have quite the competition going on right now for the second-base starting job between Grant Green, Josh Rutledge, Johnny Giavotella, Taylor Featherston and Yarbrough. But one thing that has become obvious is none of these guys is close to filling the vacancy left by the traded Howie Kendrick, especially for a team expecting to contend for a World Series title. The Angels also need another left-handed bat to lengthen and better balance their lineup.
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/5383.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseTheir perfect solution is Utley. The Phillies are clearly in rebuilding mode, and I would think Utley would waive his no-trade rights for the chance to go to a team that led the American League in wins last year.
The Phillies obviously would be looking for a package of prospects to help them rebuild, and a package centered on Yarbrough and Alcantara should get the deal done for both sides. Yarbrough has good upside as a hitter -- he led the Texas League in hits and doubles in 2014 -- and Alcantara has a power arm and was invited to the MLB Futures Game last July.
2. San Francisco Giants acquire LF Allen Craig from Boston Red Sox for LHP Ty Blach
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/30399.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Giants are at their payroll limit and have no intention of going above it, at least not yet. But with Hunter Pence down six to eight weeks because of a broken arm and Pablo Sandoval manning third base for the Red Sox, they sure could use another versatile bat. Craig can play first base, both corner outfield spots and possibly a little at third base. Just two years ago, he led the major leagues in hitting with runners in scoring position, and there's no doubt in my mind that a return to the NL and work with the Giants' coaching staff could help him regain the form he had with the Cardinals in 2013.
The Red Sox likely would have to eat much of Craig's salary, but it makes sense to lessen the logjam of outfielders, especially if they can get a left-handed reliever like Blach with upside and options remaining in return.
3. Reds sign Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $164 million extension (or something close to that)
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/28955.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Reds committed long-term contracts to Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Homer Bailey, but all of them should have been below Cueto on their priority list. Cueto is a true No. 1 starter, and without him, the Reds would have very little chance of remaining in the NL Central race and getting to the postseason.
The contracts given to Jon Lester and Max Scherzer certainly didn't help the Reds' negotiating position, but they should be able to get some form of a discount since it's a year before Cueto hits free agency.
If the Reds can't extend him by Opening Day, they should call the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers and start the trade talks early, with hopes of dealing Cueto by the July trade deadline.
4. Toronto Blue Jays acquire RP Jonathan Papelbon and cash from Phillies in exchange for SS Richard Urena and LHP Ryan Borucki
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/6373.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseThe Blue Jays were dealt a blow last week when Marcus Stroman suffered a season-ending knee injury. One option they have is moving Aaron Sanchez from their bullpen to the rotation to not only take Stroman's place but to continue to develop him as a starter, his expected future role. To do that, a trade for Papelbon to secure the ninth inning -- with Brett Cecil handling the eighth inning -- makes a lot of sense.
The Phillies are ready to hand the closer role over to Ken Giles, and if they get the right prospect package offered to them for Papelbon, they should pull the trigger. The Phillies likely would have to pay some of Papelbon's salary, but a return of lefty-hitting shortstop Richard Urena and lefty pitcher Ryan Borucki should be enough incentive to get a deal done.
5. Marlins sign LF Christian Yelich to a five-year, $36 million contract extension, with a club option that brings the deal to six years and $49 million if vested
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/31283.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=falseYelich has one of the best left-handed strokes in baseball and hasn't even approached his potential yet. He already has won a Gold Glove Award and someday will add a Silver Slugger Award to his mantel. His .284/.362/.402 slash line in 2014 was impressive for his first full year in the majors, and it'll only get better as he hits his prime years. His power also should come in time, though with that ballpark it probably will be in the form of more doubles and triples than homers. He also has 30-steal potential if he were to run more.
The contract numbers above are in the ballpark of what he should get, using both Starling Marte's and Jedd Gyorko's contracts as comparables and factoring in Yelich's immense upside. For many different reasons, it would be huge for the Marlins to tie him up prior to Opening Day.
Urena + Borucki for Papelbon and cash
gross