Everyone is trying to figure out trade scenarios for Roy Halladay. It’s funny when just because a GM, in this case Toronto GM J.P Ricciardi, says he would listen to offers, everybody automatically thinks that player will be traded. In reality all GM’s listen to offers, they wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t. I don’t believe Halladay will be traded unless the Jays are like Ricciardi says, “Blown away” by an offer.
Halladay is under contract until after the 2010 season for only around $15 million. He also has a no-trade clause which makes him harder to deal. If the Blue Jays didn’t have so many injuries to their starting staff, they probably would be a serious contender in the AL. Next season it could all come together for the Jays.
With that said, let’s assume that the Jays are serious about trading their ace. I’m sure most of the real contenders in the MLB are interested. With the cost it would take in prospects and in a new contract, I’m going to knock a few teams out. I think the most serious teams will be the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and Rangers.
1. Phillies- I think the most likely and sensible destination for Halladay. The Phillies need starting pitching desperately to be a serious contender for a repeat. Halladay would give them a dominant starter that is better than Santana. The Jays would be able to trade Halladay out of their league. The two issues are whether Halladay would want to go to Philly and pitch in a hitter friendly park and whether the Phils are willing to part with enough to get him. I think the Phillies should do whatever it takes to get him.
2. Rangers- The Rangers have been desperate for years to get good starting pitching and I think they are definitely willing to take the extra step to acquire great pitching. The Rangers certainly have the prospects to land Halladay. Much like the Phillies, a major issue is whether Halladay would want to pitch in Texas. If the Jays trade in the AL, I can definitely see Texas as a landing spot.
3. Mets- They are desperate for pitching and adding a star to their fading team. I just think there is anything in the Mets system worthwhile. All their top prospects have really struggled on major level. They might push hard but I don’t think they have enough.
4. Red Sox- I can see the Sox also pushing hard for this. They have pitching depth, but I think they would trade some of their young top pitchers for another ace. I think adding Halladay would make Boston unstoppable and as close to an automatic for the World Series as possible. I just highly doubt that the Jays would trade within the division.
5. Yankees- After the homeruns that Halladay gave up last week, I don’t think Halladay would like to pitch in the new Yankee Stadium more often. Also, like the Sox I don’t think the Jays would trade to a division rival. The Yankees will pursue hard like they always do for available stars, if only to make it harder for the Sox to acquire him. However, the Yanks passed on a younger Santana for a package of prospects that wouldn’t compare to what it would take to get Halladay. That said, I believe Halladay is better than Santana and like I said with Boston, would make the Yankees an unstoppable championship force.
All in all I don’t think the Jays will trade Halladay. In fact an extension wouldn’t surprise me. If next season they are out of it by the trade deadline, then I can see him being traded. If you forced me to pick a place for Halladay, I would say Philadelphia.
