Figuring out exactly which players will likely be dealt before the MLB trade deadline on August 1 is quite a tall order. But with plenty of rumors circulating around the league, we at least have an idea as for which names are the most sought-after.
Here are the five best and most-talked about players that could find new homes before the end of July. And while you’re at it, head on over here to know which teams are in dire need of upgrades for their respective bids for the 2016 postseason.
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Top Five Available Players in the 2016 MLB Trade Deadline
1. Chris Sale
Likely suitors: Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox
Was the throwback-jersey-induced tantrum thrown by Chicago White Sox starter Chris Sale the last straw for the standout lefty? Sale is clearly unhappy in the Windy City, and a large number of playoff contenders have shown great interest for his services in a hurry as a result.
Sale has been spectacular this season, posting a superb 3.18 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP as of this writing. And true to his name, he currently has a budget-friendly contract in relation to his pitching prowess. However, given Sale’s outstanding 2016 campaign, you can also expect the White Sox to ask for top-dollar value in return for their prime starter.
2. Jonathan Lucroy
Likely suitors: Rangers, Indians, Mets
Catcher is one of baseball’s toughest positions to play and fill in, so the demand for the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jonathan Lucroy is very high indeed. This season, Lucroy is heralded as a top-five catcher in the league along with the likes of San Francisco’s Buster Posey and Washington’s Wilson Ramos, posting a solid slash line of .301/.362/486 to go with 13 homers and 50 RBIs.
Although Milwaukee would likely want to dump former NL MVP Ryan Braun’s massive contract first, Lucroy stands as the most-attractive pickup for most teams looking for an offensive boost from the rebuilding Brewers.
3. Andrew Miller
Likely suitors: Giants, Mariners, Tigers
After seeing what the Yankees got from the Chicago Cubs for top-flight closer Aroldis Chapman, it then stands to reason why the Bronx Bombers have been hesitant to part ways with their other standout reliever in Andrew Miller. In 45.1 innings of work this season, Miller has a dazzling 1.39 ERA as the shutdown setup-man for Chapman.
Not all teams are in search of quality starting pitching, and New York, which has a couple of trade deadline prospects on this here list, is fully aware of the reigning AL Reliever of the Year’s overall mid-game value. This has left many prospective buyers hard-pressed to pull the trigger on Miller at a premium price, but anything could change within the next couple of days before the deadline if someone is daring enough to really take on the hefty asking price for the invaluable lefty out of UNC.
4. Carlos Beltran
Likely suitors: Rangers, Astros, White Sox
39-year-old Carlos Beltran should no longer be capable of putting up the type numbers that he has racked up for the New York Yankees this season. The Puerto Rican switch-hitter currently leads the Yanks in homers (21) and runs batted –in (62) this season, and is a solid veteran pickup for any team in need of an experienced slugger with decent fielding skills to boot.
But apart from his age, a deal for Beltran is hampered by a couple of factors: the Yankees’ indecisiveness to buy or sell before the deadline, and the fact that Beltran’s basically only a good fit for American League teams in search of a dependable designated hitter. Nevertheless, the nine-time All-Star’s form is fine like wine right now, and it wouldn’t hurt for other AL teams to take a sip and a chance on Beltran, even on a short-term rental.
5. Chris Archer
Likely suitors: Orioles, Dodgers, Marlins
If there’s one thing the Tampa Bay Rays know how to do well, it’s how to run a farm for up-and-coming pitchers. 27-year-old righty Chris Archer is one such pitcher who’s had success with the Rays’ developmental system, following Tampa Bay’s previous pitching aces that have already found new homes like David Price, James Shields and Scott Kazmir.
Unfortunately, Archer is having his worst season in five years in the majors (4.42 ERA, 1.350 WHIP), and his stock certainly isn’t as valuable as it was a season ago. Then again, Archer’s likely buyers can still take comfort from the fact that the strikeout extraordinaire is still whiffing opposing batters left and right (155 K’s this season), he’s never ended a season with an earned-run average that’s higher than 3.33, and his contract worth just $2.9 million a year is still a huge bargain.
