Trade Value Rankings 10-6: Ryan Braun and the cheap guys

Today's installment focuses on numbers 10 through 6. Previous editions are 20-16 and 15-11. Previous rankings also reproduced here so you can yell at me in the comments.

20. Michael Blazek

19. Matt Garza

18. Corey Knebel

17. Kyle Lohse

16. Tyler Thornburg

15. Gerardo Parra

14. Aramis Ramirez

13. Adam Lind

12. Francisco Rodriguez

11. Scooter Gennett

10. Luis Sardinas

Team control: Through 2020

Sardinas has been not so good in his brief Major League career so far, but he just turned 22 and is very capable defensively in the middle infield. He remains under team control for another 5 + seasons and was the main piece brought to the Brewers in exchange for Yovani Gallardo. If the Brewers were looking for a Gallardo-like starter, they could probably get one for Sardinas. That's why he slots into the list here.

Trade framework: The Brewers, however, are not looking for a Gallardo-like starter and it's very unlikely they'd move a young guy with potential to be a part of the next contending team when that's they type of guy they need to be stockpiling.

Should Brewers Trade?: No. Hopefully they will be able to use their surplus of shortstops coming through the system to increase depth somewhere else at some point.

9. Ryan Braun

Team control: Through 2020 (plus option)

Braun's obviously the toughest guy to place on this list, and it could be argued that he should place lower. Any trade involving Braun would have to involve big money, in the form of dollars accompanying Braun to his new home or a similar big, not-so-good contract coming back to the Brewers. That's why it's so tough to place Braun on the list; a trade of Will Smith and $20 million would bring more than Will Smith but that's not something that can happen logistically. If the Brewers made up their mind to move Braun, they could find something of value in return. Though he's under contract for a long time, it's not relatively that much in salary per year. But there are significant injury and productivity risks, not to mention the PR issues.

Trade framework: Something like the Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder trade between the Tigers and Rangers. The Tigers wanted out of Fielder's contract and ate $30 million. They got a pretty good (if a bit overpriced) player in return.

Should the Brewers Trade?: I'm the biggest Braun homer there is, but if a team wants to take on the contract and the health risk and give something in return, I'm fine with it. But his value can only go up from here, and just one solid season in the next couple could make a lot of people forget about this forgettable string of campaigns. It's very likely he'll be sticking around.

8. Mike Fiers

Team control: Through 2019

Fiers has now pitched 293 Major League innings with a 3.54 FIP, 3.66 ERA with 9.5 strikeouts per nine to 2.7 walks. Those are really good numbers, and he's cost-controlled for a few more years. On the other hand, he's already 29, was never a highly regarded prospect, and doesn't have traditionally great stuff.

Trade framework: It's tough to envision a Fiers deal unless it's a package. One could definitely see Fiers being paired with a rental like Adam Lind or Aramis Ramirez to make the acquiring team feel better about giving up real prospects.

Should Brewers Trade?: Despite his success you get the feeling that he's not going to keep this up forever. There's no reason to trade him for the sake of trading him, but it's doubtful his value rises much from here on out.

7. Khris Davis

Team control: Through 2019

Cheap, servicable, wasn't highly regarded but has performed in the big leagues, and has some upside. He's a lot like Fiers in many ways. He wouldn't bring in multiple top prospects in return, but there would be a nice market for his services. However, he's probably not an upgrade in left field for most of the teams in contention right now so there's not going to be a noticeably larger demand for him halfway through this year than their would be this offseason.

Trade framework: Like Fiers, Davis could be the centerpiece of a trade paired with a rental type to get something of real value back in return.

Should Brewers Trade?: It could make sense to trade some of the older players on this list for a young major league player with upside and not just some prospects. Davis is that kind of player, so the only trade that makes sense here is a straight up package of prospects. It doesn't seem like a great move, and Davis's value could rise further with one complete year.

6. Will Smith

Team control: Through 2019

Smith arrived to the Brewers in exchange for Nori Aoki in the 2013-14 offseason. He was great to start 2014 and fell off during the late summer, bringing up concerns that he couldn't get right-handers out consistently. He's been great again to start 2015. He doesn't have "closer experience", but he's good, young, and cheap.

Trade framework: Relievers can fetch a nice return in prospects at the deadline; but Smith isn't much like the closer/set-up man types usually moved who are a bit more established and later in their careers. But some team could offer a solid package if they're less interested in a rental reliever on the market.

Should Brewers Trade?: I tend to think that it's always smart to sell high on relievers when you can. But Smith will be around for a few more years and they might be able to pad his value with some more time in the late innings. But if the right offer comes around, you make the move.