Street, Hanrahan, Betancourt: Saves to Holds Trade Candidates

With the trade deadline looming and injuries affecting many contender’s bullpens, non-contending teams will start listening in on offers for closers. Many of these closers will lose value in roto leagues, but in holds leagues such as ottoneu or any other league that accounts for holds, the value of these relievers is still prevalent. Some teams may be looking to ditch these relievers as the deadline nears, but if you are looking to solidify your bullpen for the stretch run of the season, these closer trade candidates could be solid targets.

Huston Street

Street came off the disabled list earlier this month, saving three games and earning a win in his other appearance. With the Padres so far out of contention, Street is a legitimate candidate to be traded. If you are looking for holds long term, Street could be a quality pitcher to acquire as the likelihood that he is traded is rather high. Street’s production over the past few years have been stellar, with xFIPs of 2.86, 3.56, 3.14, and 2.64 this season. As a set-up man, Street could be elite in terms of holds if the right team trades for him. Since he is recently off the disabled list and on a struggling team, trading for Street now could be a solid time to acquire him.

Rafael Betancourt

The Rockies do not necessarily have to move Betancourt, despite being 15 games out, but they would likely be wise to do so if they do not make up significant ground in the next 20 or so games. The often underrated right-hander is owed $4.25m next year, which will be his age 38 season, and has a mutual option for the same amount in 2014, that includes a $0.25m buyout. With Betancourt’s nice contract and superb performance over the past number of years, many teams looking to bolster their bullpen should be asking the Rockies of the price. Betancourt has a 72 ERA- and has had a mark of 81 or below in each of the past four seasons.

Joel Hanrahan

This situation is a bit trickier, as Hanrahan being moved involves the Pirates falling out of the race. With their -31 run differential that is better than only the Cubs and Astros in the division, the Pirates could easily fall out of the race in the near future. If they don’t, they may opt to be buyers and hold onto Hanrahan. With that included, teams will certainly be asking for Hanrahan, who should be one of the most highly coveted relievers if made available. Be cautious with Hanrahan, however, as his numbers so far this year look mor alike the Hanrahan in Washington than the Hanrahan in Pittsburgh. His FIP has ballooned to 4.42 as his strikeout and walk rates are both up. Much of Hanrahan’s added value last year came in his command and ground ball rate, which exceeded 50%. Now, it is back below his career average of 40.1% with his walk rate over 12% after recording a career best 5.8% mark last year.