Revisiting the Avi Garcia Trade Market
Avi trade talk didn’t gain much traction at the midpoint of last season. However, I think he’s a perfect trade candidate for this offseason. The reason is that the 2019 free agent class is STACKED with outfielders, so now is the time, but who is going to offer up some talent for him?
Blue Jays – The Jays just lost Joey Bats, and their farm isn’t necessarily on the up and up. It doesn’t look like they would cough up a top 100 prospect, like Bo Bichette or Vlad Guerrero Jr., but perhaps could give up someone like Logan Warmoth, who is a shortstop at 4th on their top 30 list.
Cardinals – The Birds are all in on the current season with the acquisition of Marcell Ozuna and the rumors around Josh Donaldson. Why not add another stick and center a package around Randy Arozarena or Junior Fernandez paired with Randall Grichuk? I am just spit-balling, but this would be a perfect trade partner for the Sox.
Diamondbacks. – The depth chart looks a little weak with J.D. Martinez as a free agent now and A.J. Pollock being one at the end of the 2018 season, so why not acquire Avi to take over Martinez’s role in RF? The Sox could MAYBE land Jon Duplantier (#96 on MLB Pipeline), but Taylor Clarke ++ would also fit a package for Avi.
Rockies – The Rockies make another fit, too. Carlos Gonzalez had a rough 2017 campaign and is a free agent, but if he doesn’t come back, Avi is perfect for the Mountain Men. They need another outfielder now because Ian Desmond can play first base. Tom Murphy is also #3 on their depth chart as a catcher. If you plug one hole to give up a future starting catcher, it sounds dicey, but the Rockies are here to compete now. Just look at who they’re acquiring for their bullpen.
Anyways, this winter is a little duller, so this is the boring part of the rebuild. Let’s see where Avi will be on Opening Day 2018.
