Potential MLB Trade Sellers & Candidates

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJuly 24, 2023
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As the August 1st trade deadline in MLB approaches our look at teams destined to be active sellers, & a few dozen players who may be headed elsewhere in the coming days.

Trade Chance: Spotrac's Dan Soemann has evaluated each trade possibility, offering a percentage probability that the player will be moved before the deadline.

The New York Mets

Despite a league high $350M payroll ($380M+ in terms of the luxury tax), the Mets find themselves in 4th place in the NL East, 7.5 games out of a Wild Card spot as August nears.

Max Scherzer (SP, 39)

Trade Chance: 20%

Remaining in 2023: $16M ($14M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $43.3M player option for 2024

Justin Verlander (SP, 40)

Trade Chance: 20%

Remaining in 2023: $16M ($14M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $43.3M in 2024, $35M vesting option in 2025

David Robertson (RP, 38)

Trade Chance: 85%

Remaining in 2023: $3.7M ($3.2M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Brooks Raley (RP, 35)

Trade Chance: 50%

Remaining in 2023: $1.6M ($1.45M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $6.5M club option in 2024

Tommy Pham (OF, 35)

Trade Chance: 90%

Remaining in 2023: $2.2M ($1.9M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Mark Canha (OF, 34)

Trade Chance: 25%

Remaining in 2023: $3.9M ($3.3M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $11.5M club option in 2024

The Chicago White Sox

Despite a small run near the All Star break, the White Sox find themselves nearly 20 games under .500 heading toward August - 4th in the AL Central, and 14.5 games out of a Wild Card spot at the time of this publication. The #12 payroll in MLB is likely headed toward a fire sale in the coming months

Lucas Giolito (SP, 28)

Trade Chance: 95%

Remaining in 2023: $3.85M ($3.35M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Lance Lynn (SP, 36)

Trade Chance: 90%

Remaining in 2023: $6.8M ($5.9M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $18M club option in 2024

Joe Kelly (RP, 35)

Trade Chance: 90%

Remaining in 2023: $3.3M ($2.9M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $9.5M club option in 2024

Keynan Middleton (RP, 29)

Trade Chance: 75%

Remaining in 2023: $278k ($242k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Reynaldo Lopez (RP, 29)

Trade Chance: 60%

Remaining in 2023: $1.3M ($1.1M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Tim Anderson (INF, 30)

Trade Chance: 30%

Remaining in 2023: $4.6M ($4M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $14M club option in 2024

The St. Louis Cardinals

Despite a 6-4 record in their last 10, the Cardinals still feel too far behind to consider themselves a playoff squad in 2023 (11 GB in the NL Central, 10 GB from a Wild Card). At the very least, grabbing a prospect or two for their surplus of outfielders and an expiring pitching contract makes sense - if not more.

Jordan Montgomery (SP, 30)

Trade Chance: 80%

Remaining in 2023: $3.7M ($3.2M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Jack Flaherty (SP, 27)

Trade Chance: 80%

Remaining in 2023: $2M ($1.75M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Paul DeJong (INF, 29)

Trade Chance: 25%

Remaining in 2023: $3.3M ($2.9M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $12.5M club option in 2024

Jordan Hicks (RP, 26)

Trade Chance: 85%

Remaining in 2023: $681k ($592k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Chris Stratton (RP, 32)

Trade Chance: 70%

Remaining in 2023: $1M ($903k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Tyler O'Neill (OF, 28)

Trade Chance: 40%

Remaining in 2023: $1.83M ($1.6M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 1 more arbitration year

Dylan Carlson (OF, 24)

Trade Chance: 60%

Remaining in 2023: $275k ($240k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 3 years of arbitration

The Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in a bit of a pickle. On one hand, there’s young talent ready to develop into legitimate MLB production. On the other hand, there are pricey veterans probably better served elsewhere. Chicago probably needs to take 2 steps backward before they proceed forward - but it could very well be a quick process.

Marcus Stroman (SP, 32)

Trade Chance: 85%

Remaining in 2023: $9.2M ($8M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $21M player option in 2024 (likely opt-out)

Cody Bellinger (OF, 27)

Trade Chance: 85%

Remaining in 2023: $4.4M ($3.8M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $12M mutual option in 2024 (likely opt out)

Michael Fulmer (RP, 30)

Trade Chance: 40%

Remaining in 2023: $1.48M ($1.3M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Kyle Hendricks (SP, 33)

Trade Chance: 55%

Remaining in 2023: $5.2M ($4.5M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $16M club option for 2024

Yan Gomes (C, 35)

Trade Chance: 35%

Remaining in 2023: $2.2M ($1.9M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $6M club option for 2024

The Detroit Tigers

Despite positive steps forward (9 games under .500, 3rd in the AL Central currently), the Tigers likely still view themselves on the outside looking in down the stretch. They also hold 3-4 veteran arms that should be flipped into younger players this week.

Eduardo Rodriguez (SP, 30)

Trade Chance: 85%

Remaining in 2023: $5.2M ($4.5M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 3 yrs, $49M, but he can opt-out after 2023

Michael Lorenzen (SP, 31)

Trade Chance: 20%

Remaining in 2023: $3.15M ($2.75M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Jose Cisnero (RP, 34)

Trade Chance: 30%

Remaining in 2023: $848k ($738k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

The Washington Nationals

The Nats are going to finish the 2023 season where they were expected to (last place in the NL East), but it’s safe to say that they showed a lot more grit and progress (especially on the mound) than anticipated. There are at least a few legitimate building blocks in place right now, and a sale of the team could invigorate a flashy and fun roster push in the coming months/years.

Jeimer Candelario (3B, 29)

Trade Chance: 65%

Remaining in 2023: $1.85M ($1.6M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Kyle Finnegan (RP, 31)

Trade Chance: 70%

Remaining in 2023: $862k ($750k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2 more years of arbitration

Hunter Harvey (RP, 28)

Trade Chance: 30%

Remaining in 2023: $322k ($280k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2 more years of arbitration

Lane Thomas (OF, 27)

Trade Chance: 35%

Remaining in 2023: $816k ($710k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2 more years of arbitration

 

A Few More

Shohei Ohtani (SP/DH, 28, Angels)

Trade Chance: 45%

Remaining in 2023: $11.1M ($9.6M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Paul Blackburn (SP, 29, Athletics)

Trade Chance: 40%

Remaining in 2023: $704k ($613k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2 more arbitration years

Patrick Wisdom (3B, 31, Cubs)

Trade Chance: 25%

Remaining in 2023: $283k ($246k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 3 arbitration years left

Aaron Civale (SP, 28, Guardians)

Trade Chance: 65%

Remaining in 2023: $965k ($840k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2 more arbitration years

Josh Hader (RP, 29, Padres)

Trade Chance: 80%

Remaining in 2023: $5.2M ($4.5M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Blake Snell (SP, 30, Padres)

Trade Chance: 80%

Remaining in 2023: $6.1M ($5.3M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Juan Soto (OF, 24, Padres)

Trade Chance: 65%

Remaining in 2023: $8.5M ($7.4M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 1 more arbitration year

Rich Hill (SP, 43, Pirates)

Trade Chance: 75%

Remaining in 2023: $2.9M ($2.5M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Jonathan India (INF, 26, Reds)

Trade Chance: 65%

Remaining in 2023: $282k ($245k on 8/1)
Contract Status: 3 arbitration years

C.J. Cron (1B, 33, Rockies)

Trade Chance: 40%

Remaining in 2023: $2.7M ($2.3M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Elias Diaz (C, 32, Rockies)

Trade Chance: 30%

Remaining in 2023: $2M ($1.7M on 8/1)
Contract Status: $6M in 2024

Randal Grichuk (OF, 31, Rockies)

Trade Chance: 20%

Remaining in 2023: $3.8M ($3.3M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 2024 UFA

Brad Hand (RP, 33, Rockies)

Trade Chance: 60%

Remaining in 2023: $556k ($483k on 8.1)
Contract Status: $7M club option in 2024

Scott Barlow (RP, 30, Royals)

Trade Chance: 90%

Remaining in 2023: $1.9M ($1.7M on 8/1)
Contract Status: 1 more arbitration year


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