May is just a few days away from wrapping up and trade buzz around the league are really starting to pick up steam.
Memorial Day is behind us and that is typically a time for teams to evaluate where things are. As of right now, arguably the top contenders in the American League are the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Cleveland Guardians. The top contenders in the National League are the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the American League, the biggest duds are the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and the Houston Astros. In the National League, the biggest duds so far this season have been the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants.
Over the next two months we’re going to hear a lot of noise about who could be on the move. With that being said, who could be the most valuable trade chips if made available?
Tarik Skubal — Detroit Tigers
If the Tigers continue to spiral, there’s no reason for Detroit to hold onto Skubal. He’s going to be a free agent after the season and it would be a shock if he’s back on a long-term deal. If the Tigers don’t think they can get a long-term deal done, they need to see what type of prospect return they can get.
Freddy Peralta — New York Mets
Freddy Peralta is a star and a workhorse. Any team would be lucky to have him in its starting rotation. Like Skubal, Peralta will be a free agent after the season. He has a 3.52 ERA in 11 starts so far this season.
Jarren Duran — Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox speedster is starting to really heat up. He’s slashed .357/.429/.762 with a 1.190 OPS over his last 10 games entering the day on Thursday with four homers, three doubles, one triple, and nine RBIs. He added another base hit on Thursday. If the Red Sox look to break up the outfield logjam, he’s someone who can move the needle.
Aroldis Chapman — Boston Red Sox
Chapman has pitched in 18 games and has a 0.51 ERA in 17 2/3 innings pitched, along with 12 saves. If the Red Sox keep struggling, they’re going to get a lot in return for the lefty flamethrower if he’s available.
Isaac Paredes — Houston Astros
An easy one. The Astros are loaded in the infield and Paredes was a trade candidate this past offseason. It would be a bit of a surprise if chatter didn’t pick up again. He’s a two-time All-Star and has a big righty bat.
Yordan Álvarez — Houston Astros
Now, there may not be a guy in baseball more valuable if, for some reason, the Astros made him available. Álvarez is a superstar. In 56 games played, he has slashed .312/.422/.663 with a 1.085 OPS, 20 homers, 39 RBIs, 11 doubles, and 36 runs scored. He’s under contract for two more seasons as well. If the Astros spiral, he would be among the most valuable players to watch.
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