Trade season has arrived, baseball fans. With the MLB All-Star game now in the past, it’s time for teams to decide whether they’re trade deadline buyers or sellers.
The wheeling-and-dealing has already begun, as the Boston Red Sox acquired Drew Pomeranz in the first high-profile move before the Aug. 1 deadline. (Yes, MLB moved the deadline back by a day this year since July 31 fell on a Sunday).
Trade season 2016 doesn’t look to be as much of blockbuster as the past two seasons. There’s no David Price or Jon Lester out there waiting to shake up entire divisions. But there are interesting players and interesting storylines.
The team we’re watching most is the New York Yankees, who have a few sell-able assets if they decide to punt on 2016, break up their bullpen and send veteran Carlos Beltran to yet another team. Beyond that, players like Ryan Braun, Carlos Gonzalez and Sonny Gray could be made available ahead of a weak free agent class, but that’s hardly a guarantee — and the price on each of them would be high.
The real key to this year’s deadline might be in the players who are down a run on the ladder. The Jay Bruces and Julio Tehrans of the world, for instance, could make all the difference for a team eyeing an October run.
With that, here are 15 of the most intriguing names to watch before baseball’s Aug. 1 trade deadline.
Andrew Miller, New York Yankees
Having one of best relievers in the game on a team that likely won’t make the playoffs is a waste of resources. Given his track record of dominance, New York Yankees reliever Andrew Miller could fetch a decent prospect or two in a trade if the Yankees decide they are sellers. Since 2012, Miller has a 2.22 ERA, ranks third with a 39.4 percent strikeout rate and is eighth in fWAR among relievers. He’s been dominant, should continue to be dominant, and is under contract through 2018 at $9 million per season. All those things make him the best reliever on the market. (Chris Cwik)
Having one of best relievers in the game on a team that likely won’t make the playoffs is a waste of resources. Given his track record of dominance, New York Yankees reliever Andrew Miller could fetch a decent prospect or two in a trade if the Yankees decide they are sellers. Since 2012, Miller has a 2.22 ERA, ranks third with a 39.4 percent strikeout rate and is eighth in fWAR among relievers. He’s been dominant, should continue to be dominant, and is under contract through 2018 at $9 million per season. All those things make him the best reliever on the market. (Chris Cwik)
Aroldis Chapman, Yankees
If Miller is No. 1, then teammate Chapman is No. 2. And there’s a good chance we Chapman hitting triple digits on yet another team’s radar gun this month. While Miller is the better long-term option out of the Yankees’ bullpen, Chapman will come cheaper. He’s a tried-and-true rental, a free agent after this season. So any team needing bullpen help and willing to look past his baggage, might find a valuable piece of their bullpen. The Cubs, for instance, could be instantly improved by adding either Chapman or Miller. (Mike Oz)
If Miller is No. 1, then teammate Chapman is No. 2. And there’s a good chance we Chapman hitting triple digits on yet another team’s radar gun this month. While Miller is the better long-term option out of the Yankees’ bullpen, Chapman will come cheaper. He’s a tried-and-true rental, a free agent after this season. So any team needing bullpen help and willing to look past his baggage, might find a valuable piece of their bullpen. The Cubs, for instance, could be instantly improved by adding either Chapman or Miller. (Mike Oz)
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
If a team needs offensive production, they don’t need to look further than Ryan Braun. He’s hitting over .300 and having his best season since 2012, even with the weak lineup the Brewers are putting around him. Plop him in a lineup with better hitters, and Braun could really shine. Even though health is always a concern with Braun, he’s managed to avoid the DL despite nagging injuries. Of course, the cost can’t be ignored. Braun is signed through at least 2020, with a mutual option for 2021, and the cost is between $17 million and $20 million a year. That’s not chump change. But it’s a small price to pay for a guy who has a .379 average in 15 postseason games. (Liz Roscher)
If a team needs offensive production, they don’t need to look further than Ryan Braun. He’s hitting over .300 and having his best season since 2012, even with the weak lineup the Brewers are putting around him. Plop him in a lineup with better hitters, and Braun could really shine. Even though health is always a concern with Braun, he’s managed to avoid the DL despite nagging injuries. Of course, the cost can’t be ignored. Braun is signed through at least 2020, with a mutual option for 2021, and the cost is between $17 million and $20 million a year. That’s not chump change. But it’s a small price to pay for a guy who has a .379 average in 15 postseason games. (Liz Roscher)
Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
Somebody is about to land a motivated outfielder. After a couple rough offensive seasons, Bruce has been back in All-Star form this season connecting for 18 home runs ahead of the break. He’s also not known for his defense, but made one of the best plays over the weekend to take away a home run. He looks like a guy itching to play meaningful baseball and the team that land him should benefit greatly. (Mark Townsend)
Somebody is about to land a motivated outfielder. After a couple rough offensive seasons, Bruce has been back in All-Star form this season connecting for 18 home runs ahead of the break. He’s also not known for his defense, but made one of the best plays over the weekend to take away a home run. He looks like a guy itching to play meaningful baseball and the team that land him should benefit greatly. (Mark Townsend)
Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
Carlos Gonzalez isn’t going to be on the next Rockies winner and is owed a fair amount of money over the next year and a half. It makes all the sense in the world for the Rockies to deal him now. In 88 games, he’s hit .316/.365/.546, with 19 home runs. While he’s been injury-prone over his career, he’s been healthy this year and played in 153 games last season. The lefty is owed half of his $17 million salary this year, and will make $20 million next season. For the right contender, though, that might all be worth it. (Cwik)
Carlos Gonzalez isn’t going to be on the next Rockies winner and is owed a fair amount of money over the next year and a half. It makes all the sense in the world for the Rockies to deal him now. In 88 games, he’s hit .316/.365/.546, with 19 home runs. While he’s been injury-prone over his career, he’s been healthy this year and played in 153 games last season. The lefty is owed half of his $17 million salary this year, and will make $20 million next season. For the right contender, though, that might all be worth it. (Cwik)
Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves
With his thigh injury behind him, the 2016 All-Star may be the most interesting starting pitcher on the market. At 25, Teheran still has youth on his side. He’s also affordable with $25.5M owed over the next three seasons and a $12M team option for 2020. That should put him on every contender’s radar, but it will be interesting to see which team comes up with the prospects that entice the Braves front office. (Townsend)
With his thigh injury behind him, the 2016 All-Star may be the most interesting starting pitcher on the market. At 25, Teheran still has youth on his side. He’s also affordable with $25.5M owed over the next three seasons and a $12M team option for 2020. That should put him on every contender’s radar, but it will be interesting to see which team comes up with the prospects that entice the Braves front office. (Townsend)
Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics
The 26-year-old Gray might be in the middle of his worst season, but he still has value. The stats, including a 5.12 ERA and career-worst strikeout rate, aren’t exactly enticing, but consider Gray pitched through a neck injury earlier in the year. When healthy, he’s been one of the better, young pitchers around. On top of that, he’s under team control through 2019. The A’s don’t have to sell him now, but after seeing what Drew Pomeranz fetched back from Boston, they may want to at least entertain some offers. (Cwik)
The 26-year-old Gray might be in the middle of his worst season, but he still has value. The stats, including a 5.12 ERA and career-worst strikeout rate, aren’t exactly enticing, but consider Gray pitched through a neck injury earlier in the year. When healthy, he’s been one of the better, young pitchers around. On top of that, he’s under team control through 2019. The A’s don’t have to sell him now, but after seeing what Drew Pomeranz fetched back from Boston, they may want to at least entertain some offers. (Cwik)
Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres
Cashner has had flashes of brilliance early in his career, but just couldn’t stay healthy. Now that he’s finally healthy, he’s having trouble putting up great stats. Over the past two seasons, Cashner has a 4.53 ERA over 252 1/3 innings. At 29, the hope that he turns into an ace might be gone, but maybe a change of scenery can get him back to his promising ways. He’s only under contract through the end of the year, and could improve his free-agent prospects if he pitches well with a new club. (Cwik)
Cashner has had flashes of brilliance early in his career, but just couldn’t stay healthy. Now that he’s finally healthy, he’s having trouble putting up great stats. Over the past two seasons, Cashner has a 4.53 ERA over 252 1/3 innings. At 29, the hope that he turns into an ace might be gone, but maybe a change of scenery can get him back to his promising ways. He’s only under contract through the end of the year, and could improve his free-agent prospects if he pitches well with a new club. (Cwik)
Jeremy Hellickson, Philadelphia Phillies
This season has been an encouraging step forward for Hellickson. The 2011 Rookie of the Year has had a tough few seasons on the mound, but he’s been mostly solid for the Phillies, giving them some stability in a rotation that desperately needs it. Even though the Phils look better than they did a year ago, they certainly don’t need him for a postseason run, and they have yet another young pitcher waiting in the wings to take his place. Hellickson can provide a steady, if not spectacular arm in the back of a thin rotation, and there’s even a chance he could show more of the form that got him that Rookie of the Year award five years ago. (Roscher)
This season has been an encouraging step forward for Hellickson. The 2011 Rookie of the Year has had a tough few seasons on the mound, but he’s been mostly solid for the Phillies, giving them some stability in a rotation that desperately needs it. Even though the Phils look better than they did a year ago, they certainly don’t need him for a postseason run, and they have yet another young pitcher waiting in the wings to take his place. Hellickson can provide a steady, if not spectacular arm in the back of a thin rotation, and there’s even a chance he could show more of the form that got him that Rookie of the Year award five years ago. (Roscher)
Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers
Impact catchers are so difficult to find that it’s not just contenders who have expressed interest in Lucroy. Teams like the Rangers, Mets and Astros have all been linked, but so have the Braves as they attempt to accelerate their turnaround before moving into their new stadium. With that interest in mind, it’s expected that the Brewers will let the market play out in attempt to get the most for their asset. Don’t be surprised if he’s still a Brewer until the final hours before the deadline. (Townsend)
Impact catchers are so difficult to find that it’s not just contenders who have expressed interest in Lucroy. Teams like the Rangers, Mets and Astros have all been linked, but so have the Braves as they attempt to accelerate their turnaround before moving into their new stadium. With that interest in mind, it’s expected that the Brewers will let the market play out in attempt to get the most for their asset. Don’t be surprised if he’s still a Brewer until the final hours before the deadline. (Townsend)
Melvin Upton Jr., Padres
Who would have thought that we’d be talking about the erstwhile BJ Upton as a viable trade candidate? Upton’s having a pretty good season with the San Diego Padres, hitting .262 with 16 homers. He’s WAR is 2.3 this season, already surpassing last season and his two previous seasons in Atlanta, both of which saw him playing below replacement-level. But now, he’s reportedly attracting attention. He’s still owed some cash, mainly $16.4 million next season, but the right contender might see fit to gobble that up. (Oz)
Who would have thought that we’d be talking about the erstwhile BJ Upton as a viable trade candidate? Upton’s having a pretty good season with the San Diego Padres, hitting .262 with 16 homers. He’s WAR is 2.3 this season, already surpassing last season and his two previous seasons in Atlanta, both of which saw him playing below replacement-level. But now, he’s reportedly attracting attention. He’s still owed some cash, mainly $16.4 million next season, but the right contender might see fit to gobble that up. (Oz)
Carlos Beltran, Yankees
Elder statesman Carlos Beltran is having his best season since 2013. His average is up 20 points over 2015, and he’s hit 19 homers in 86 games, which is the same number he hit in 133 games in 2015. Not bad for a 39-year-old. He’s in the last year of his contract with the Yankees, and would be a prime candidate for a team searching for a DH. As long as they can keep him there and avoid putting him in the field, Beltran’s got plenty left in the tank for a contender who needs a bat. (Roscher)
Elder statesman Carlos Beltran is having his best season since 2013. His average is up 20 points over 2015, and he’s hit 19 homers in 86 games, which is the same number he hit in 133 games in 2015. Not bad for a 39-year-old. He’s in the last year of his contract with the Yankees, and would be a prime candidate for a team searching for a DH. As long as they can keep him there and avoid putting him in the field, Beltran’s got plenty left in the tank for a contender who needs a bat. (Roscher)
Rich Hill, A’s
The first couple months of 2016 had Hill looking like one of the top pitchers in the AL, and given the Oakland Athletics’ rep for wheeling-and-dealing, it wasn’t hard to imagine Hill, who is on a one-year deal, headed somewhere else by August. That’s been muddied some by injuries, as he first went to the DL with a groin injury and then left Sunday’s game after five pitches because of blisters on his pitching hand. Still, he’s been good enough this season (9-3 with a 2.25 ERA) that he should have plenty of suitors once he proves he’s healthy. (Oz)
The first couple months of 2016 had Hill looking like one of the top pitchers in the AL, and given the Oakland Athletics’ rep for wheeling-and-dealing, it wasn’t hard to imagine Hill, who is on a one-year deal, headed somewhere else by August. That’s been muddied some by injuries, as he first went to the DL with a groin injury and then left Sunday’s game after five pitches because of blisters on his pitching hand. Still, he’s been good enough this season (9-3 with a 2.25 ERA) that he should have plenty of suitors once he proves he’s healthy. (Oz)
Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays
He isn’t the same pitcher than the one who went 17-4 a few years ago, but the Rays should still be able to move Moore and get something good in return. The 27-year-old, when on, is very worth a rotation spot. He hasn’t thrived since coming back from Tommy John surgery last season, but the Rays shouldn’t have trouble finding someone who thinks Moore can bounce back from 4.33 first-half ERA. (Oz)
He isn’t the same pitcher than the one who went 17-4 a few years ago, but the Rays should still be able to move Moore and get something good in return. The 27-year-old, when on, is very worth a rotation spot. He hasn’t thrived since coming back from Tommy John surgery last season, but the Rays shouldn’t have trouble finding someone who thinks Moore can bounce back from 4.33 first-half ERA. (Oz)
Ervin Santana, Minnesota Twins
The Twins fired by their long-time GM Terry Ryan on Monday, so we’ll see how that impact their trade-deadline moves. One of their players most likely to move, according to reports, is starter Ervin Santana, who is in the second season of a four-year deal in Minnesota. His overall numbers aren’t great this season — a 4.12 ERA with a 3-8 record — but he’s shown flashes. Last July 6, when he threw a two-hit shutout against the A’s. The Twins as a whole will be an interesting team to watch since they’re transitioning their front office at the same time the trade deadline approaches. (Oz)
The Twins fired by their long-time GM Terry Ryan on Monday, so we’ll see how that impact their trade-deadline moves. One of their players most likely to move, according to reports, is starter Ervin Santana, who is in the second season of a four-year deal in Minnesota. His overall numbers aren’t great this season — a 4.12 ERA with a 3-8 record — but he’s shown flashes. Last July 6, when he threw a two-hit shutout against the A’s. The Twins as a whole will be an interesting team to watch since they’re transitioning their front office at the same time the trade deadline approaches. (Oz)
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