The Atlanta Braves Would Like to Trade Erick Aybar… But Where?
All Right… Who is Calling?
The question is best answered by checking which contending teams (or even potentially contending teams) are either (a) having injury issues at the position; or (b) having someone scuffling at the shortstop position.
THE METS. Honestly, it’s starting to look like the wheels are simply coming off for the New Yorkers. Pitching problems are their worst enemy, but their offense is also a big concern. The problem they have isn’t so much shortstop as it is third base, but Wilmer Flores has been moved there while Jose Reyes has been brought in to play short.
It’s certainly possible that the Mets called Atlanta, but with their financial situation, they have apparently decided – for now – that a nearly free wife-beater is better than an expensive veteran who might be more productive. This is worth monitoring, but if things get any worse for the Mets over the next 3 weeks, they might just bag the season.
THE ROYALS. Alcides Escobar has fallen off the edge of the offensive universe. Since posting a 3.3 fWAR in 2014, he’s slid to 1.5 in 2015 and now -0.5 at this (halfway) point in the season. His steals are down, OBP is down, he doesn’t take walks, and he has no power. Actually, that also sums up Aybar’s seasonal stats, too.
Both of these shortstops have a weird home/road split: Aybar is hitting RHP 127 points better at home than on the road. Escobar is at 94 points better.
This is a reach, and there’s no platoon benefit either, but it’s a matter of whether the Royals trust Escobar enough going forward… and they need to upgrade somewhere.
DIAMONDBACKS. Former Brave Nick Ahmed is providing excellent defense, but this team needs more. Could Aybar help? Would it matter? Probably not, as far in the hole as they already are.
The Rest of the Contenders…
ORIOLES. J.J. Hardy is back. They’re all right.
BLUE JAYS. Even if concerns with Troy Tulowitski continue, they won’t replace him, and Darwin Barney has been a useful 2nd choice.
RED SOX. Bogaerts. Next…
INDIANS. Lindor. Next…
TIGERS. Jose Iglesias has been a little better than Aybar offensively and a ton better defensively. No need to look around.
WHITE SOX. Tim Anderson appears to be their solution.
RANGERS. Elvis Andrus. Moving on…
ASTROS. Correa. Never mind.
MARINERS. Ketel Marte is doing enough for them.
NATIONALS. Mostly NL Player of the Week Danny Espinosa with Stephen Drew behind him. The award aside, neither is lighting is up, though Aybar would not improve their lot.
MARLINS. If they sour on Adeiny Hechavarria (they won’t given on his ‘D’, then Derek Dietrich is already available.
CUBS. They will live or die with Addison Russell, and he’s now enjoying a Summer burst.
PIRATES. Jordy Mercer has been steady, if not spectacular.
CARDINALS. Some issues defensively and with injury issues, but plenty of options internally.
GIANTS. Crawford. Next…
DODGERS. Seager.
Next: Checking Other Position Possibilities