The 2016 MLB trade deadline isn’t guaranteed to feature a ton of blockbusters. But there’s a chance, especially with a bunch of very good players still on the trading block. Let’s take a look at those top players – the three best infielders, outfielders and pitchers (starting and relief) – who could be had for the right price. And for more MLB trade deadline coverage, check out our list of the players most likely to move, as well as the teams with the biggest trade needs.
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Lucroy is one of the best bats available on the market in this MLB trade deadline. He’s having another productive year, hitting .300 with 13 HRs and 50 RBIs. Not only does he offer a lot of value with his bat and his pitch framing as a catcher, he can also play at first base in a pinch.
Joey Gallo/Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers
The Texans are still -170 to win the AL West, but they need a shot in the arm after seeing their lead in the AL West shrink over the last few weeks. With young studs Joey Gallo and Jurickson Profar, they have the pieces to make such a move. Gallo hasn’t featured much this season, but the 22-year-old corner infielder does possess some serious pop. Meanwhile, Profar is just years removed from being the top prospect in baseball, and has transformed into a Swiss Army infielder who can play three of the four positions.
Yunel Escobar, 3B/SS, Los Angeles Angels
The market for infielders isn’t exactly stocked this year, so Escobar finds himself as one of the top guys available. Escobar is having a stellar season with the Angels, who would take what they can get for the 33-year-old. He’s played in just 47 games, but is batting .325, third-best in the AL. Any team looking for an impact bat and some positional versatility should definitely be interested in making a bid for the Angels infielder.
Top 3 Outfielders
Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
Bruce is a liability on defense, but his bat is definitely big enough for some power-starved teams to take him on for the stretch run. Bruce has been absolutely raking this season with 25 HRs and 79 RBIs (tops in the NL). He is on pace to go for 40 HRs and 127 RBIs, which would shatter his current career-highs.
Carlos Beltran, New York Yankees
Even at age 39, Beltran just continues to rake. He’s hitting .305 with 21 HRs and 62 RBIs this year. (At age 39!) He’s also slugging an astounding .548, his highest percentage in a decade. Beltran is having his best season since 2013, where he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win the NL pennant. But with the Yankees still in the the race for an AL wild card, it’ll take some deal to make them sellers.
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Braun won’t be easy to move due to his costly contract, which runs through to at least 2020. But the 33-year-old slugger has still been very productive this season for the Brewers, who should be more than willing to listen to any offers. Braun has 14 homers and is hitting a very robust .321 with a .515 slugging, both of which are his best marks in four years.
Top 3 Pitchers
Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox
After his much-publicized jersey blowup, it seems likely that the Chris Sale-Chicago White Sox relationship is destined for a divorce. If the White Sox do decide to part with their star, he’ll be hands down the top pitcher on the market. Sale is currently one of the frontrunners to win the AL Cy Young this season with his 14-4 record and 3.17 ERA. The big sticking point will be his price, though, as the White Sox will demand a king’s ransom for their ace.
Rich Hill, SP, Oakland A’s
If it weren’t for a groin injury which cost him the entire month of June, Rich Hill would be leading the AL in ERA. The 36-year-old left is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA this season for the Oakland A’s, who should be eager to get something in return for the upcoming free agent.
Wade Davis, RP, Kansas City Royals
The Royals most likely aren’t going to their third-straight World Series this year, and must now seriously consider being sellers. Wade Davis, who’s been one of the most reliable relievers in the majors for the last few years, is their most valuable trade asset at this point. Now that Aroldis Chapman is off the market, Davis’ value in the current reliever market only rises. Create a betting account now and hit it big on baseball just like some MLB teams on trade deadline day.
