As of this writing, the MLB trade deadline is just two weeks away. Aug. 1 is coming as fast as Billy Hamilton going from first base to second. Generally considered the most exciting time of the year for baseball fans, a few notable players from teams out of contention typically float around as trade bait. A handful of trades have already transpired, like Drew Pomeranz and Aaron Hill both going to Boston in separate moves.
But as the MLB season draws closer and closer to August, more deals will be made and more players will switch uniforms. The Red Sox surely won’t be the only ones getting in on the fun. Contending teams are almost ready to start dealing their prospects for proven major-league talent. The Marlins are expected to make moves, the Cardinals need a piece or two, and it’s fair to say the Dodgers won’t keep quiet. On the other side of the standings, though, are the teams willing to sell like the Brewers, Yankees, Rays and Reds.
But which noteworthy players will be on the move? Here are five who will likely be on different teams come Aug. 1.
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 14: Jay Bruce #32 of the Cincinnati Reds waits to bat prior to hitting a three-run homer in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on June 14, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
1. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
For what seems like the past 100 years, Jay Bruce’s name has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. Yet every year the trade deadline passes and he’s still a member of the Reds’ organization. I say that ends this year. The Reds suck. Like, they’re really bad. Even though it might not seem like it to outsiders, Cincinnati is in full rebuild mode, which means they need to move a guy like Bruce before his value starts falling. He’ll be 30 next year, and that’s typically when a player starts to see a little decline in production. Bruce would be a perfect addition to an AL team in need of a power bat with the 14th-highest isolated power (.264) in the majors.
2. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers
It’s not ideal for a team to bring in a catcher halfway through the season. But with a catcher like Jonathan Lucroy, most of the concerns are irrelevant. Lucroy has cemented himself back in the “best catcher in baseball” discussion with a tremendous bounce-back year. He’s still one of the best defensive catchers in the game, but it’s his bat that has woken up from a year-long sleep. The 30-year-old is getting on base at a .360 clip and is creating 22 percent more runs than league average with a good amount of pop. The Rangers have said to be interested in him, as well as the New York Mets. But don’t count out the Indians. Yan Gomes will be sidelined for four to eight weeks following an A/C joint separation, and Cleveland might use an unfortunate event to their advantage by acquiring Lucroy.
3. Rich Hill, Oakland Athletics
Blister injury aside, Rich Hill is the best starting pitcher available in the current market. And while the market is relatively weak, Hill is not, as he’s been pitching like an ace every time he’s taken the mound this season. Both his ERA and FIP sit well below 3, and the lefty has been able to strike out just shy of 11 batters a game. If he wasn’t in the middle of a one-year deal, his age (36) would be a huge red flag for interested teams. Instead, it’s his injury history that will give general managers sleepless nights. Hill has pitched more innings this season than he has in any since 2007. That’s nine years. A huge warning label should be plastered on his forehead. But because he just needs to get through a few more months and the fact that he’s the prize of the starting pitcher trade market, teams will definitely take the risk. I’d say there’s a 95 percent chance Hill is shipped out of Oakland.
4. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees
The New York Yankees haven’t finished under .500 since 1992, but that 24-year run of success could be at risk. At 45-46, the Yankees recently decided to become sellers before the deadline, meaning shut-down reliever Andrew Miller could be on the move, especially with reports saying that the Yankees could offer Aroldis Chapman a contract extension. Teams looking for bullpen help will find no better arm than Miller. Go look at his strikeouts and you’ll leave with your mouth on the floor. The dude is striking out over 15 hitters per nine innings while, by the way, not walking anyone. He’s one of the most dominant relievers in recent memory, and will surely be talked about among teams wanting to boost their bullpen. To acquire him will be a high price to pay, however.
5. Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays might end up trading their entire starting rotation with the amount of interest they’re garnering, but I think Jake Odorizzi has the highest chance to be moved. Scouts have already been watching Odorizzi, despite his less-than-stellar stats so far in 2016. Actually, his stats aren’t even that bad; they’re just down from 2015. He’s still been an innings-eater (110.2 this season), and has accumulated 1.2 WAR so far. But it’s his contract that teams are slobbering over. Odorizzi is only making $500,000 this season and will be entering arbitration for the first time in his career next year. He’ll require a salary bump, but his contract will still be ridiculously team-friendly. The team that trades for Odorizzi will plan for him to be a mainstay in its rotation for years to come. Plus, he has the ability to pitch for a team in the playoffs. Whoever lands him will be getting great value.
Honorable mentions
Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves – The Braves want major leaguers back for their top starting pitcher (2.79 ERA this season), which could cause teams to shy away. I’m not sure Atlanta knows how to rebuild.
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers – His contract (four years remaining for at least $76 million, up to $87 million if his 2021 option is picked up) will be an issue, but he’s revived his bat with a .313 average, .874 OPS and 13 home runs.
Matt Shoemaker, Los Angeles Angels – The Angels are in desperate need to revamp their farm system. Trading Shoemaker (5-9, 4.08 ERA) could be the start of that.
Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds – He’s still relatively young (26 years old) and I’m not sure the Reds want to give up young, controllable arms (eligible for free agency after the 2020 season). But DeScalfaini could bring back significant value.
