Justin Smoak has declined of late and the Blue Jays may have a hard time finding a trade partner for the aging first baseman at the 2019 trade deadline. Photo by Keith Allison (Wikimedia Commons) [<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0">CC License</a>].
Smoak has hit 17 home runs in 82 games this season
The Blue Jays’ first baseman is a pure rental bat as an impending free agent
Light-hitting Indians have the shortest odds among potential trade partners
Despite a subpar season, Justin Smoak remains a trade chip for the rebuilding Toronto Blue Jays. But the window to deal the slugger before the MLB trade deadline (July 31) is closing by the minute, and no one is knocking down Toronto’s door to pick up the 2017 All-Star.
Will Ross Atkins find a new home for the first baseman?
The odds suggest Smoak will still be a Blue Jay when the deadline comes and goes next week, setting a price of -185 on the incumbent, followed by Cleveland at a distant +450.
Where will Justin Smoak play after the 2019 MLB trade deadline?
Team
Odds on Smoak’s Post-Trade Deadline Team
Toronto Blue Jays
-185
Cleveland Indians
+450
Boston Red Sox
+500
Tampa Bay Rays
+550
Washington Nationals
+550
Odds take 07/26/2019
One of the few remaining pieces from Toronto’s 2015 AL East-champion roster, Smoak may still be able to bring value to the clubs near the top of the 2019 World Series odds.
Among the teams that would benefit from adding Smoak to the lineup are the Cleveland Indians, who are in a battle for first place in the AL Central and are once again one of the favorites to win the 2019 American League pennant after a torrid stretch of baseball.
Cleveland potential landing spot
The Indians are listed at +450 for a potential landing spot for Smoak, who has 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 82 games this season. He’s only batting .216, but is sporting a decent .352 OBP and sits 19th in the majors in walks with 55.
Is Smoak a fit in Cleveland’s lineup? Carlos Santana has better numbers across the board (.282/.405/.518 , 21 HR, 54 RBI) but the Indians could use him at DH. Five different Indians have made at least eight starts at DH this season.
What are some other possible destinations for Smoak heading into the July 31 MLB trade deadline?
Red Sox in the mix for Smoak
The Red Sox are always a team involved in trade rumours this time of year and with Boston making a serious push for a Wild-Card spot in the American League, it’s quite possible the club could make a run for Smoak’s services. Sportsbooks have the Red Sox at +500 as a potential landing spot for Smoak.
The Tampa Bay Rays may be in need of some power at the plate, but the club is primarily looking for more production from the right side. Smoak is a switch hitter but is better from the left side, not making him a strong candidate to land in Tampa Bay — a +550 long shot.
The chances of Smoak going to the NL are also slim, as there’s no DH possibility. The Nationals are listed at +550 to trade for the first baseman, which is best among Senior Circuit clubs.
There’s no value in betting on Smoak staying in Toronto, which at this point is highly likely as the Blue Jays continue to seek a trading partner.
However, look for the Indians to be in play for Smoak, who could pan out to be a worthy pick for the Tribe and bettors alike.
Angelo Montilla is a writer, visual design instructor and graphic designer based on the East Coast. As a journalism graduate, his experience in the media industry spans more than 15 years and includes work with Nation Network, SportsBreak, Featurd, Hockey Writers and the Windsor Star.
