MLB trade rumors: Why Padres' Brad Hand could be the biggest prize

by Felix Pantaleón

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). San Diego Padres reliever Brad Hand could the hottest pitcher on the market, with playoff-contending teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies looking into upgrading their bullpen for the stretch run.

The most important pitcher who could be moved before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline is probably the one with whom you are least familiar.

His name is Brad Hand, and he toils in near-anonymity for the San Diego Padres, who are 35-45 this season, making them the National League West cellar dwellers, 10.5 games behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks.

But with teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies all in the playoff hunt, and all possibly looking to upgrade their pitching staffs, Hand could be the most valuable commodity on the market.

The Athletic’s Peter Gammons explains why:

Brad Hand in 2018 is what Andrew Miller was in 2016, and Miller carried the Indians to the 10th inning of the seventh game of the World Series. This is not about leading the National League in saves, because we all understand the evolution of bullpen use. “Right now, he and Kenley Jansen are the two best closers in the game,” says one National League scout who has been following the Padres and focusing on their bullpen. “He’s throwing his four-seamer 95 (mph), his sinker is a tick under 95, he’s got the dominant slider, and a contender with a closer can utilize him like Miller. He’s been a starter. He is a high-leverage matchup dream if you’re playing a team like the Nationals, because lefties are hitting .068 against him and have struck out in more than half their at-bats.

“And,” adds the scout, “he’s signed to a club-friendly deal through 2021.” Indeed. If he’s acquired by the July 31 deadline he would be owed less than $2 million for the remainder of this season; then he’s scheduled to earn $7 million in 2019 and $7.5 million in 2020, with a $10 million option for 2021. That’s $26.5 million for four potential Octobers, if you’re looking at the game the way the Astros, Cubs, Dodgers and Yankees do when they view their payroll projections.

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Hand is 1-4 with 21 saves and a 2.82 ERA this season.

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