The D-Backs will move all their guys on expiring deals regardless of who is GM, but I agree it probably takes Marte off the table.
As for Escobar, he’s made 20 starts at 2B this year and the advanced metrics really like his defense there.
I don’t think it would cost Stiever. At this point, Calhoun has negative trade value given his health and salary, although that could change some if he comes back strong. The problem is we don’t have a ton of mid tier prospects to trade. Gonzalez has had a rough start to the season, Rutherford is regressing, and Adolfo is out of options after the year. Those are the guys we should be looking to move, but just don’t think they have much value at this point.
Pilkington has pitched well this year and so has Bilous, who has a pretty big arm even if the reliever risk is pretty high with him. Both are only 23 and in AA and when combined with absorbing Calhoun’s salary it might just be enough to get Escobar.
Wow that is strange. Admittedly I have no idea how visas work, but I would have assumed if he can’t play for an affiliate then he couldn’t be stateside. Regardless, let’s hope it gets settled soon. I was super bummed about Vera not coming over this year, but at least he’s young enough to overcome it. Cespedes losing a full season would be really problematic.
Frazier is a good player but you’d be paying a premium for him with the season he’s having and the extra year of control. I’d rather target a rental or simply go after Haniger if I’m giving up that much prospect capital.
That’s why we absorb Kole Calhoun’s salary and throw him into the RF / DH mix. If you add both him and Escobar you suddenly transform this lineup power wise, especially once Eloy & Robert come back. Then go get Iglesias from the Angels when they throw in the towel and I think the roster is basically set for October.
Stiever is coming off a real nice start and Lambert has a 2.79 xFIP while leading AAA in K/9. I actually like both of those guys a lot, but AAA was an aggressive assignment for Stiever and he needs more seasoning. I do think one of them ends up getting moved for a bat before the trade deadline while the other remains the #7 starter as Lopez appears to be a lost cause at this point.