Arizona Diamondbacks Sombering 2021 Trade Deadline Preview

Arizona Diamondbacks Most Likely to be Traded before the Trade Deadline

Eduardo Escobar: His smiles will definitely be missed. He just made the All-Star team this year for the first time in his career. He has 22 home runs, plays good defense at third and second base. He has a .239 ISO (slugging minus batting average). He is a genuinely beloved player across multiple teams while bringing a veteran influence. He is also a free agent after the season which decreases the monetary compensation to a team that is trying to stay under the luxury tax. He has been on fire lately and is the Arizona Diamondbacks most likely player to be traded at the Trade Deadline.

Merrill Kelly: The home-town kid who came to the Arizona Diamondbacks after pitching in Korea is our most likely pitcher to be traded. He has been our most reliable pitcher. He hasn’t missed any starts this year. He pitches deep into games and eats up innings. He is by no means an ace but he is a great #4/5 pitcher in a rotation. Playoff chasing teams are desperate for reliable starting pitchers at the Trade Deadline. Merrill just pitched 8 innings in his last game against the Cubs. He will be in high demand. He also is controllable via a club option through 2022. This raises his trade value even more.

Asdrubal Cabrera: This veteran infielder who can play third, first, and even second in a pinch will be on his way to a new team come July 30th. He gets on base, playoff tested, a leader in the clubhouse, and can hit for power. He has been injured but is close to recapturing form and getting healthy. Even if he is on the IL, he still might get traded to a team that needs a bench bat.

Joakim Soria: He has turned the season around in the last few weeks, performing more like he has his whole career. He has six saves in July so far. He has been a top relief pitcher for most of his career and should have a market for his services. Relief Pitchers are always in demand.

Tyler Clippard: He just came back from injury. He had missed the whole season to this point. Yet, relief pitchers are always in demand and Clippard has a lot of experience pitching in big moments. He also wouldn’t cost the acquiring team much at all and is cheap. I can definitely see him being dealt.

Caleb Smith: Why would Caleb be traded when we just got him last year? He’s a starting pitcher who is left-handed. They are always in high demand at this time of year. He also is controllable through 2023 which raises his value to the Diamondbacks and other teams. He also has turned his season around after a miserable start. He excelled in a bullpen role before coming back to the starting rotation. He has a 10.2 K/9 which always interest teams. Smith could stay or be traded but my money right now is on him being traded.

Kole Calhoun: Kole has been injured most of this season. He is finally healthy now though. He has great left-handed power while providing solid right field defense. He is a veteran leader who plays the game the right way. He is also on an expiring contract unless the team who has him pick up his option for next season. He doesn’t have a ton of trade value right now, but I can see the Diamondbacks trying to get something for him at the Trade Deadline.