No, it doesn’t work for all teams involved. Cleveland isn’t going to sell low on Espino or Campbell to add Herrera and Rooker who is playing like he never has before which suggests some likely regression.
The A’s get:
A lot of high upside young talent that should all be MLB bound in 2025-26. I know given that timeframe trading Susac might seem odd but Bernal is three years younger and also is a fairly close comparison at this stage in their careers. They also squeeze CLE for an extra prospect in Fox (given there’s likely a lot of interest in Rooker) who they can mold to play wherever they need him to anywhere up the middle. Two solid arms in Hjerpe and Campbell who both have solid pitch offerings and plus breaking pitches. And Baez who has massive power potential, getting comps to a young Aaron Judge. The potential is there.
For the Cardinals and Guardians their acquisitions are a little easier to explain.
I’m getting the feeling Herrera just isn’t going to get a chance this year, so by moving they allow him a chance to establish himself at the MLB level while also picking up a catcher who might fit their timeline better anyway since Susac is a few more years away from being ready and Contreras should be getting less time at C. They also take a shot on Espino who (if he can stay healthy) could be a good rotation piece or devastating reliever next year if there are any concerns.
The Guardians get one of the hottest Right handed hitters in the game at the moment to help their offense, and of course pick up Herrera who could pair well with the younger Naylor brother at C. This also allows them to move on from the other catchers that aren’t contributing enough to the team. Either cutting bait and releasing them or maybe working in trades elsewhere. I can understand hesitation on moving Espino but with injury concerns it might be worthwhile to sell while you can.
Cleveland says no. Espino has too much potential to trade for a one month wonder. Look at Rooker in the month of May. He is hitting just .200 with an OPS of .634 more along with his career norms. He is a 28-year-old journeyman outfielder that is not worth a high potential arm like Espino. Cleveland easily says no.
I’m not a huge Susac fan so the idea of swapping him with Bernal is kind of interesting but the rest of the package falls flat. Justin Campbell still hasn’t pitched in pro ball and as the Gunnar Hoglund experience has gone so incredibly poorly I think the A’s should make it a point to acquire players who are currently able to play baseball. Baez has scary bad swing and miss. Fox is kind of interesting. Hjerpe is intriguing.
To be clear… Rooker still has a lot of unknown to his game. The league has adjusted after his scorching start, can he adjust back? I think we’ll know a lot more about him by the time teams are ready to make serious inquiries regarding mid-season upgrades.
I think we know enough about Rooker. He never had MLB success in his career until the month of April this year. In May, he has returned to his career norms. I wouldn’t expect much.
Came up with a Cardinals/Guardians trade that isn’t about Bieber that I think works for all teams involved.
No, it doesn’t work for all teams involved. Cleveland isn’t going to sell low on Espino or Campbell to add Herrera and Rooker who is playing like he never has before which suggests some likely regression.
The A’s get:
A lot of high upside young talent that should all be MLB bound in 2025-26. I know given that timeframe trading Susac might seem odd but Bernal is three years younger and also is a fairly close comparison at this stage in their careers. They also squeeze CLE for an extra prospect in Fox (given there’s likely a lot of interest in Rooker) who they can mold to play wherever they need him to anywhere up the middle. Two solid arms in Hjerpe and Campbell who both have solid pitch offerings and plus breaking pitches. And Baez who has massive power potential, getting comps to a young Aaron Judge. The potential is there.
For the Cardinals and Guardians their acquisitions are a little easier to explain.
I’m getting the feeling Herrera just isn’t going to get a chance this year, so by moving they allow him a chance to establish himself at the MLB level while also picking up a catcher who might fit their timeline better anyway since Susac is a few more years away from being ready and Contreras should be getting less time at C. They also take a shot on Espino who (if he can stay healthy) could be a good rotation piece or devastating reliever next year if there are any concerns.
The Guardians get one of the hottest Right handed hitters in the game at the moment to help their offense, and of course pick up Herrera who could pair well with the younger Naylor brother at C. This also allows them to move on from the other catchers that aren’t contributing enough to the team. Either cutting bait and releasing them or maybe working in trades elsewhere. I can understand hesitation on moving Espino but with injury concerns it might be worthwhile to sell while you can.
Mulled over this trade for three days so any opinions/ideas would be welcomed!
Cleveland says no. Espino has too much potential to trade for a one month wonder. Look at Rooker in the month of May. He is hitting just .200 with an OPS of .634 more along with his career norms. He is a 28-year-old journeyman outfielder that is not worth a high potential arm like Espino. Cleveland easily says no.
I’m not a huge Susac fan so the idea of swapping him with Bernal is kind of interesting but the rest of the package falls flat. Justin Campbell still hasn’t pitched in pro ball and as the Gunnar Hoglund experience has gone so incredibly poorly I think the A’s should make it a point to acquire players who are currently able to play baseball. Baez has scary bad swing and miss. Fox is kind of interesting. Hjerpe is intriguing.
To be clear… Rooker still has a lot of unknown to his game. The league has adjusted after his scorching start, can he adjust back? I think we’ll know a lot more about him by the time teams are ready to make serious inquiries regarding mid-season upgrades.
Down vote for Oakland.
I think we know enough about Rooker. He never had MLB success in his career until the month of April this year. In May, he has returned to his career norms. I wouldn’t expect much.
I’d prefer Cleveland pursue someone like Joey Meneses or Juan Yepez before Rooker.
Campbell is going to be a stud and the entire industry knows it.
Herrera isn’t special with the bat or glove and Cleveland has Bo Naylor ready. No need to get Herrera honestly.
Easy no for Cleveland.