3 teams that should consider trading their superstar

by theScore staff 16m ago

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

We're still more than two months away from the July non-waiver trade deadline, but it's never too early to start exploring some of the difficult decisions clubs will face with their franchise players.
Our MLB editors look at three teams with glaring holes and the assets that can be traded to fill them:

Should the Colorado Rockies trade Troy Tulowitzki?

Yes: When healthy, Tulowitzki is without a doubt the best shortstop in baseball and that's exactly why the Rockies need to move him before he finds himself back on the DL. The expiration date on Carlos Gonzalez's premium trade value is fast approaching as the strikeouts pile up, and Colorado would be wise to get out of Tulowitzki's contract while it still can to begin its rebuilding efforts in earnest. And yes, even if it means accepting 75 cents on the dollar in terms of talent coming back. - Dan Toman
No: Tulowitzki is elite in every sense of the word at a position that lacks star power. These types of players don't come along often, and it would be a terrible decision to trade him. Yes, the Rockies are desperate for pitching and he's owed a pile of money, but Tulo is a right-handed power bat that hits in the middle of the order and offers an above-average glove. The durability issues and $100 million remaining on his deal make him more valuable to the Rockies than what they'd likely otherwise get in return. - Brandon Wile

Should the Cincinnati Reds deal impending FA Johnny Cueto?

Yes: The Reds missed their window to sign the soon-to-be free agent, and all the money in the Queen City isn't going to keep Cueto around. The 29-year-old couldn't be hitting free agency at a better time after going 23-13 with a 2.42 ERA over the past two seasons; the Reds should be prepared to sell high. Cincinnati needs help and an arm of Cueto's caliber could certainly bring back some solid pieces. Whether it be a big-league player or prospects to replenish one of the league's poorer farm systems, the Reds will have to pull the trigger on their ace at some point this season. - Wile
No: Not yet, anyways. Cueto won't negotiate a contract extension in-season, but that doesn't mean he won't entertain talks once it ends. The Reds will have exclusive negotiating rights for five days following the World Series and, if all else fails, can extend Cueto a qualifying offer to ensure draft pick compensation should he sign elsewhere. How many losses pile up between now and the deadline will play a big roll in determining whether Cincinnati's best pitcher will still be a Red come September. - Toman

Should the Toronto Blue Jays move Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion for pitching?

Yes: It's time for the Blue Jays to part ways with Joey Bats. The AL East is up for the taking, though even the most optimistic Jays fan has to see this team isn't built to play deep into October. With far too many holes, Bautista's greatest contribution to Toronto would be to head out and bring in some much needed help. A player of Bautista's caliber and his team-friendly contract could bring a solid return that would help a Toronto team devoid of depth in the outfield, rotation and bullpen. The Blue Jays haven't come close to sniffing the postseason in any of his five All-Star seasons and trading the 34-year-old should be general manager Alex Anthopoulos' last hurrah. - Wile
No: The Blue Jays have scored the most runs in the majors, but that doesn't mean the offense can endure the loss of either one of its top sluggers. John Gibbons' lineup is extremely top heavy - just this week Chris Colabello was batting cleanup - and losing Bautista in the outfield or Encarnacion at first base/designated hitter would leave the club with significantly underwhelming alternatives at those positions. It's rare to have two elite hitters under contract for a combined $48 million over the next two seasons, and as such, they're part of the solution, not the problem. Toronto does need to address its weakened rotation, especially with its win-now roster, and a package built around Daniel Norris or Aaron Sanchez would likely secure the established arm this staff needs. - Toman