Top 15 MLB Trade Candidates

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJuly 19, 2016
© USA TODAY Sports

1. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds


Remaining 2016 Salary: $5.19M
Contract Status: Holds a $13M club option for 2017 ($1M buyout)

He's never been categorized as a "great" player, likely in large part to the struggles the Reds have had winning in his time there, through 9 seasons Bruce is averaging 30 HRs, 94 RBIs, 32 2Bs, and a .786 OPS. His initial trade interest appears mild, but could/should heat up in the next week.

 

2. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Brewers


Remaining 2016 Salary: $1.76M
Contract Status: Holds a $5.25M club option for 2017 ($250,000 buyout)

Lucroy's made it clear that he's ready to join a winning franchise, but the Brewers price appears too rich for teams who are truly in need of an upgrade. It's possible an AL team with a need at 1B/DH could also come into the conversation.

 

3. Aroldis Chapman, RP/CL, Yankees


Remaining 2016 Salary: $4.7M
Contract Status: Pending UFA

The Yankees haven't officially become sellers, but every team in contention is ready & waiting. Both Chapman and Andrew Miller appear poised to be on the move, with the Dodgers, Giants, Cubs & Rangers all likely trade partners for the former.

 

4. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers


Remaining 2016 Salary: $7.9M
Contract Status:Signed thru 2021

He's here because the rumors have been flying for months, but Braun's recent production + his mammoth contract ($95M remaining) seem to make him a VERY unlikely trade candidate. The Brewers might be going in the wrong direction, but Braun is still a guy you can build your team around.

 

5. Rich Hill, SP, Athletics


Remaining 2016 Salary: $2.5M
Contract Status: Pending UFA

At 36 years old, Hill certainly isn't the sexiest name on the trade block, but he's been getting the job done in Oakland (9-3, 2.25 ERA, 90K). He's arguably the best available rental arm heading toward August.

 

6. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies


Remaining 2016 Salary: $7.06M
Contract Status: Signed thru 2017 ($20.4M salary)

He drops on this list because we're not convinced the Rockies will ever make this move, but if he becomes available, he's a Top 3 candidate. Carlos is on pace to repear his 40 HR, 97 RBI performance from 2015, while improving his batting average (.316) by 50 points. It will take a haul to get him, but he's a "Cespedes to the Mets" type of impact acquisition.

 

7. Josh Reddick, OF, Athletics


Remaining 2016 Salary: $2.73M
Contract Status: Pending UFA

While the average (.291) is up, and strikeouts (27) are down, Reddick's power appears to have fallen off a bit in 2016. A lingering thumb injury should also post red flags for teams with interest this deadline.

 

8. Danny Valencia, 3B, Athletics


Remaining 2016 Salary: $1.3M
Contract Status: Aribtration-eligible in 2017, then UFA.

Valencia certainly isn't the best defensive 3rd baseman in baseball, but he's offestting this concern by continually hitting for power and production. He's a prime trade candidate for a team looking to add pop to their lineup, potentially moreso for AL teams with the DH spot (Houston, Texas, Cleveland).

 

9. Jake Odorizzi, SP, Rays


Remaining 2016 Salary: $216,247
Contract Status: Aribtration-eligible 2017-19

The Rays are one of those franchises that look to move players before they enter arbitration/free agency in order to keep their annual payroll low. Odorizzi has posted back to back to back "good" seasons in Tampa, and could be a good depth piece for a team like Texas, who can't seem to keep pitchers off the DL.

 

10. Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Phillies


Remaining 2016 Salary: $2.9M
Contract Status: Pending UFA

One of the biggest surprises of 2016 continues to pitch well, even as the Phillies slip out of contention down the stretch here. He's an innings eater and has experience in both leagues now, making him a nice addition to a contender.

 

11. Carlos Beltran, OF, Yankees


Remaining 2016 Salary: $6.22M
Contract Status: Pending UFA

He's still hitting for power, for production, in the clutch, when no other Yankee is, etc. The 39 year old is on pace for 30 2B, 30 HR, 100 RBI, and an average hovering around .300. If the Yankees put on their selling hats, Kansas City, Houston, and Cleveland will be calling.

 

12. Andrew Miller, RP, Yankees


Remaining 2016 Salary: $3.73M
Contract Status: Signed thru 2018

The list of teams waiting of the Yankees to make Miller available appears endless, with Cleveland and Texas at the top. The Indians' need for depth and a left-handed-arm in their bullpen make them a prime fit.

 

13. Chris Carter, 1B, Brewers


Remaining 2016 Salary: $1.03M
Contract Status: Arbitration Eligible thru 2017

Carter's mammoth power has to be peaking interest. He's averaged 30 HR & 80 RBIs over the past 3 seasons, and has posted 22/52 already in 2016. He'll strikeout plenty, and will never hit for average, but he's a nice option off the bench in October.

 

14. Ervin Santana, SP, Twins


Remaining 2016 Salary: $5.6M
Contract Status: Signed thru 2019

Santana's come on as of late, making him a prime candidate to eat up innings down the stretch and in the postseason for a contender. Minnesota will likely need to keep some of the $33.6M owed to him through 2019 though.

 

15. Jed Lowrie, INF, Athletics


Remaining 2016 Salary: $3.11M
Contract Status: Signed thru 2018

Lowrie's versatility on the infield and past power/production at the plate make him an intriguing player for contender teams at the deadline. However he's owed $3.11M more in 2016, $7.5M in 2017, and holds a $6M club option in 2018 with a $1M buyout.


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