A few National League teams could be looking to move players in the immediate future or in the offseason. Nothing is certain right now, but speculation has brought up Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese, and Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez as potential trade candidates.
Giancarlo Stanton is the most surprising name here. The Marlins hope to sign Stanton to a long-term deal in the offseason, but officials high up in the organization aren't sure that's going to happen, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. So just like any other team who can't lock up their superstar, they're going to want to get value for him, and the Boston Red Sox could be a team seeking Stanton's services.
Stanton leads the National League in home runs with 31 (which is also tied for the MLB lead) along with RBIs (82), and Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 5.8. His performance throughout the season has helped keep Miami in playoff discussions, but if the Marlins can't sign him this winter, it is rumored he could be sent to Boston for Yoenis Cespedes and young talent that includes either Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts, and/or potentially Xander Bogaerts depending on Boston's willingness to part ways with valuable youth. But because of Stanton's all-around All-Star statistics, a number of other teams are likely to inquire about him if the contract talks don't go as planned for the Marlins.
In the NL East division, the Mets could also be looking to make roster moves. Both pitcher Jonathon Niese and outfielder Curtis Granderson have cleared waivers, giving the team the option to trade them to anyone in the MLB. Niese clearing waivers sounds surprising, but it's likely because other teams didn't think they would be able to work out a deal for the left-hander in 48 hours. Teams that could be in the market for Niese to help their postseason positioning/hopes include the Tigers (if Justin Verlander is out longer than expected), Dodgers, Pirates, Yankees, and Angels. However, Niese is under a bargain contract for New York, so their willingness to trade him may not be great unless they get good value in return.
Pedro Alvarez of the Pittsburgh Pirates could be in need of a change of scenery, and the team might want one for him as well. After leading the NL in home runs last year with 36, Alvarez is batting just .231 this season with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs. He also leads the MLB in errors with 24. It was rumored he would be dealt before the deadline, but that never happened, and since his salary can balloon with arbitration in the offseason, according to Bleacher Report, he may not be worth keeping. Pittsburgh is now moving him to first base and it could happen as soon as this week. If his fielding and batting don't improve, the Pirates could seek to move Alvarez on the waiver wire in August.
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