| Name | Age | Level | P1 | P2 | Availability | Years | AFV | Salary | Surplus | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonny Gray | 31 | Majors | SP | Low | 2 | 50.5 | 22.2 | 28.3 | 22.6 | 28.3 | 34 |
Total Value:
28.3
| Name | Age | Level | P1 | P2 | Availability | Years | AFV | Salary | Surplus | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | 27 | Majors | OF | 2B | Medium | 2 | 24.4 | 9.9 | 14.5 | 11.6 | 14.5 | 17.4 |
| Otto Lopez | Minors | SS | 6 | 4.8 | 6 | 7.2 | ||||||
| Kevin Smith | 24 | Majors | 3B | Medium | 6 | 5.3 | 0.6 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
Total Value:
25.2
Why is it every Blue Jay fan wants to trade Gurriel Jr.? The question is rhetorical because I already know why. I'm not a Reds fan, but I can say that they quickly say no to this and rightfully so. The Reds will need SP so trading one and not getting any in return will be a problem. Well that and receiving an average OF as the head of the package.
Jays' outfield depth is grossly overestimated tbh. The 3 starters are good, then you have Grichuk, who's barely a plus replacement value player, and Biggio, a converted IF who can only play the corners and whose current status at the dish is questionable. After that, there's Josh Palacios on the 40 man (classic AAA/MLB shuttle guy) and....that's it. If you need to understand the Jays' OF depth issues, consider that they constantly test their IF prospects in the OF to see if they can cut it. See: Kevin Smith, Otto Lopez, Samad Taylor. None of these guys are more than backups, and are far better utilized in the IF. Jays can't sell from their OF without either getting significantly worse (trade a starter, replace with Grichuk/Biggio) or having to sign another OF. The Jays aren't deep in the OF.
The reason Jays fans want to trade Gurriel Jr is simple (not sure what your thinking is) we have 4 OFs that could reasonably start on most teams and need SP, RP and 3B help. Trading from a source of depth for an area of need. Also, the Reds shed $10M in salary over the next two years while staying competitive.
In this trade scenario the Jays are left with an OF of: Springer (CF), Teoscar (RF), FA signing / Grichuck (LF), and Placios in the minors. I agree it is not the deepest in baseball, but signing a half decent OF FA should be relatively easy (think Corey Dickerson) and worst case is they have Biggio as a short term injury replacement. I'd be curious as to people's perspective on why or why not the trade works from the Reds perspective. I see it as salary savings + 2 years of above average LF production from Gurriel and two halfway decent prospects.
Biggio can't play 3B and has limited time at 1B. He is a 2B and the Reds already have a 2B. Biggio as part of a package doesn't make sense for the Reds. Gurriel as a OF does make sense though. Cheap control over 2 years with a 115 wRC+.
I'm not advocating trading Biggio here. I'm saying the Jays don't have depth to trade any OF, no matter the fit for the other team.
My bad for the misread. Agreed they don't have depth in the minors for OF's. But there are intriguing options through FA. My preference would be C. Taylor. Then sign a middling corner OF as the 4th. Gurriel and Grichuk now become movable. And teams will be lining up for Grichuk ;)