Ten openers that would be traded now

We’re seven weeks away from the deadline for making midseason changes, and as is often the case every year, there will be high demand and low supply of good starting pitchers.

That old, familiar concept of the “starting quintet” has long been out of fashion. But never more than in a 2021 season in which injuries – perhaps predictably, after just 60 games – have taken their toll all over the place. The depth of each club is constantly being tested and no team can safely say they have enough starters on hand.

So, here are 10 names to watch over the next few weeks. This is not an exhaustive list. And the pitchers featured here aren’t ranked in the order of their chances of being traded (there are several injuries, by the way), but in order of intrigue.

1. Max Scherzer, RHP, Nationals

Nationals manager Mike Rizzo: “Max, we love you. But the odds of us making the postseason are smaller than we’d like, and you would be that proven starter capable of making a difference in the exchange market. We are going to send you to a team with a chance to win the World Series and your arrival will instantly increase the excitement and ambition of your new teammates. “

Scherzer: “OK, let’s do it. But let me do my practice session first. “

Well, this may not happen. But should.

2. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Rangers

After a difficult 2020, Gibson has a 2.13 ERA, a 203 ERA + (or 103% better than the Major League Baseball average) and a 52% shooting rate in 71.2 innings spread over 12 starts. And since he has a 2022 contract for $ 7.7 million (plus bonuses), his exchange value is as high as it could be.

3. Germán Marquez, RHP, Rockies

His teammate – and impending free agent – Jon Gray is a more obvious trade candidate, although he is currently out of action with sore elbows. And there will be a lot of talk about the Trevor Story too, obviously.

But Venezuelan Marquez is a name that these Rockies – who are going nowhere – should try to move this summer. He has a very reasonable contract until 2024, when he will be 29 years old, and it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which the Rockies surpass the super powers of the NL West Division before that season. Marquez has a 3.67 ERA and 1.17 career WHIP, and opponents are hitting him for a .701 OPS away from Coors Field.

Gray is currently out with a strained right groin and his debut this season was delayed by a back problem. But amid those injuries, he had a 3.42 ERA and a 135 ERA + in 10 starts, and recently had a string of 48 straight starts with six or fewer hits allowed.

5. John Means, LZ, Orioles

With a 2.28 ERA and the best WHIP (0.83) in the American League, Means has simply been one of the best pitchers in the Big Top this year. That, combined with the fact that he has a contract until 2024, makes him a very important piece of change, as long as the shoulder problems that have been affecting him are not serious.

6. Danny Duffy, LZ, Royals

What happens to Duffy will depend on his health, as the left-hander hasn’t made any starts since 12 major due to forearm problems. But now that he’s been upping the level of his workouts, he might be back in time to regain his value as a trading chip. His 1.94 ERA and 230 ERA + in seven starts this year make him an interesting name.

7. Matthew Boyd, LZ, Tigers

After two tough years, Boyd has rebounded (3.56 ERA, 121 ERA + in 12 starts) with the help of an improved change that has made him a more effective pitcher against right-handers (.644 OPS in that sense) than against lefties. (.721). More important is the fact that it is under control until 2022, so whoever obtains it would not be simply “renting” it for a few months. The Dominican José Ureña and Spencer Turnbull, his teammates, should also generate interest.

8. Michael Pineda, RHP, Twins

To put it delicately, this season has not turned out as the Twins expected. And while they may still be waiting for a miracle in Minnesota, the numbers insist the board should take a good look at a roster full of looming free agents and do what is necessary.

With a 3.46 ERA, 116 ERA + and 1.10 WHIP, Pineda, 32, is the most valuable name in the group, although he has recently been dealing with a stiff forearm.

9. Madison Bumgarner, LZ, D-backs

He is disabled at this time due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder, but that is not considered serious at this time. What he is serious is the amount of money owed to him: $ 19 million this year, plus $ 60 million in total between 2022 and 2024. His name and his market value just don’t line up, so this would be more of a get-out-of-contract situation for the D-backs.

10. Tyler Anderson, LZ, Pirates

With a 4.53 ERA, Anderson has been a good signing for the Pirates, who signed him for a year and $ 2.5 million. It’s the kind of piece a rebuilding team could trade in July for prospects.

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