El Paso is all in for this season. And while EP can easily trade away another draft class this upcoming offseason to resign the big-name expiring contracts, it is time to start thinking about what kinds of returns might be had in trades now that the team as a whole is in its prime and a few guys reach the big" three-oh" in age.
I'm always willing to evaluate an offer on anyone, but here's some discussion starters.
Expiring contracts:- Lars Ringstad. Top 5 SP in the world. Was one start away from ABL POY last season. Future hall of famer. One of the few pitchers ever to tame the homer-friendly confines of Mumbai/El Paso. Asking $9.5m per year to renew...so a steal at less than $2m/WAR.
- Martin Diaz. Young SP in his prime. Was roughed up in El Paso last season, but that was due to an absolute fluke in HR/FB. His ask to extend is so low ($3m per year) that you could argue he is the most valuable guy on this list.
- Nicanor Lenire. Do it all stud at SS/2B. Was a 5-star player a month ago, so don't be fooled by the current star-rating silliness. He is entering his prime and should be a 5 WAR SS or a 6 WAR 2B for a long time. Asking just $5m per year to extend...so a massive steal at $1m/WAR or less.
Under contract:- Jose Rios. 3 Time ABL MVP. 5 tool CF with no weaknesses. Has a point to prove after a small slump in the postseason last year.
- Avajaya Ganeshwaran. Still the best 2B in the world. Was unstoppable last year, proved the down year due to injury a couple of seasons ago was just bad luck.