We are 10 days out until RDBL Rosters are due to the Commissioner's Office which is expected to lead to a flurry of activity across the league with Front Offices making their final preparations for Draft Day. Here are 15 players that are the most likely to be discussed or traded before that deadline.
Alamo Short Stacks: C Christian Vazquez (2FA/$5)
There is a clear shortage of available talent in the Free Agent Market for catchers and with as many as 19 spots to fill on Draft Day, the stock for cheap producers at the position might never be higher. Vazquez has quietly been one of the league's top producers at catcher over the last two seasons, finishing 3rd in scoring in 2019 and backing that up with an .801 OPS in 2020 while finishing 5th in scoring. The Stacks don't have another option at catcher if they do make a move, but the Front Office seems to be open to making the move if they can add a player back with control through at least 2022.
Asti Grape Stompers: RHP/U Shohei Ohtani (3R/$5)
Ohtani's camp seems to be fed up with GM Terry Shelley has he has spent more than a year in trade rumors making it logical that the two sides part ways before Keeper Lists are due in 13 days. The stock is pointing upward on Ohtani early in camp as he is reportedly been up to 100 mph on the mound while looking much more healthy at the plate after dealing with knee and elbow injuries over the last two seasons. He's not an ideal fit in the RDBL scoring system given his use, but the league's rule change in the off-season should be a positive for whatever team holds him for 2021.
Burlingame Blue Ducks: SS Xander Bogaerts (3/$31)
The Ducks don't want to make the move, but when push comes to shove, it looks like it would be the right one for the franchise if they can get a return that provides depth on controllable contracts. Few teams have seen such significant value dips than the 2019 Champions which has sapped the club of their once dominant and deep starting rotation. Moving Bogaerts could allow GM Ryan Walsh to take one step back to take two steps forward.
Cloverdale Clovers: OF Anthony Santander (2FA/$5)
The Clovers are comfortable retaining Santander, a favorite of GM Chris Shelley, but after reviewing a fairly deep Free Agent class of outfielders, the club is hesitant to carry a full outfield into Draft Day. The Clovers already hold Mookie Betts, Marcell Ozuna, Juan Soto and activation Alex Verdugo while holding a projected $105 in cap space. Given the top of the starting pitching market is expected to be as hot as ever, the club could look to route that money to an outfielder with a more proven track record while using Santander to grab another early round selection or help in the infield.
Idaho Taters: OF George Springer (2/$34)
The asking price has held firm over the past two weeks for Springer but as Draft Day approaches, the Taters expect a club to meet it given his reasonable contract and control through 2022. GM Mike Friedrich has been focused on a top-tier prospect that's close to the big leagues and an early round selection according to sources as the club looks to align more assets with their core of Nate Pearson, Spencer Torkelson, Matt Manning, Ke'Bryan Hayes and a pair of activation-ready catchers.
Honolulu Hammerheads: SS Miguel Rojas (2FA/$5)
The 'Heads are facing a roster crunch in the middle infield as Corey Seager and Carlos Correa and set at SS and MI, leaving Rojas, also only SS-eligible, as the club's U player. GM Ross Horiuchi will likely be seeking more roster flexibility making Rojas the odd man out.
Lake Merced Goutfish: 1B/OF Garrett Cooper (2FA/$5)
The Goutfish have been able to stockpile draft picks thanks to a deep roster that is still being trimmed down. Cooper appears to be fighting for the last spot on the roster against relievers Tony Gonsolin and Edwin Diaz. If he doesn't make the club, he should have some interest across the league with the bonus of positional flexibility in the outfield and at first base.
Las Vegas Aristocrats: OF Starling Marte (2/$31)
The 'Crats are still looking to address their hole at catcher and could dangle Marte to help land one for their Keeper Roster. Marte has been a steading 370-400 point producer throughout his career and could be a fit for a club with cap space that is seeking help in the outfield.
Lunatic Fringe: 1B Miguel Sano (2FA/$5)
The Fringe would love to find a trade partner for high-priced assets Charlie Blackmon and Patrick Corbin, but Miguel Sano seems to be the more likely asset to be moved. When Sano made contact he ranked third in baseball in hard-hit rate (57.3%) and second in average exit velocity (95.2 mph) per Baseball Savant. His 2020 stats would be pro rated for 35 home runs over a full season. He had trouble making contact, however, as he had a 43.9% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate, both career worsts.
Maltese Falcons: OF Bryce Harper (3/$50)
The only knock against Harper is that he is entering the final year of his contract which could limit his return but the Falcons are in rebuild mode and they are motivated to make the move. Harper would rival Christian Yelich as the top outfielder available on the market and is a solid bet to move teams before the Keeper Deadline.
Meinert Hops: IF Luis Urias (2R/$3)
A former top prospect, Urias is fighting for a daily role on the Brewers but could start the year backing up at three positions. A rebuilding club would make a great deal of sense for Urias who was viewed as a .300 potential hitter as a Top 30 prospect just 18 months ago. The Hops are in desperate need of more pitching help and Urias could be one answer for GM Garrett Shelley.
Mission Viejo Maulers: RHP Taijuan Walker (2FA/$5)
The Maulers continue to clean house and have a trio of starting pitchers that would fit at the back of any RDBL rotation. While Zack Davies and Dylan Bundy are candidates to be moved, Taijuan Walker would likely generate the largest return. The righty just signed a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Mets.
Mt. Diablo Devils: C James McCann (2FA/$5)
As many as 19 spots at catcher are expected to be open on Draft Day leaving current catchers quite valuable in the trade market. GM Jason Watson would still love to add some depth to his starting rotation as well as an additional bat and could make McCann available to address those needs while still holding onto J.T. Realmuto.
Spokane Fightin' Fish: RHP Pablo Lopez (2FA/$5)
The Fightin' Fish have been comfortable entering Draft Day with a full rotation but the deeper they look into the current Free Agent market, GM Michael Tirabassi seems to have interest in freeing up a spot. If they do, the Fightin' Fish could make Trevor Bauer available but the more likely move would be to deal Pablo Lopez who has received strong praise this off-season in Fantasy circles. The Asti Grape Stompers and Alamo Short Stacks reportedly made a run at Lopez early in the off-season.
St. Joseph Jokers: 3rd Round Pick (36th Overall)
The Jokers don't have a clear candidate that could be moved but do have a number of spots to fill on their Keeper List making their 3rd Round Pick the most likely to go before Draft Day. GM Rick Steen could use a hitter/pitcher combo in return making a deal with the Mission Viejo Maulers or Lunatic Fringe potential fits.
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