There’s bound to be a bunch of activity as the MLB’s 2016 non-waiver trade deadline inches closer. Of course, there’s a lot of speculation going around lately regarding potential trades. Based on the chatter, let’s take some educated guesses as to which players will most likely be moving from now until Monday. Here are our picks for the most likely and second-most likely infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, and relievers to get dealt.
Players Most Likely to Move at 2016 MLB Trade Deadline
Infielders
Most Likely: Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers
The demand for Lucroy has never been higher. He’s having another outstanding season for the Brewers, hitting .300 with 13 HRs and 50 RBIs. A handful of AL contenders – the Indians, Rangers and Astros – are all reportedly in the mix for the All-Star.
The Brewers didn’t pull the trigger on a trade after Lucroy’s otherworldly 2014 season, and Lucroy subsequently fell back down to earth in 2015. It would honestly be a huge shock if they make the same mistake this year and don’t finally cash in on the 30-year-old.
Runner-up: Steve Pearce, Tampa Bay Rays
Pearce isn’t the sexiest name out there, but he’s got decent power (he has a .528 slugging this season) and can play two infield positions as well as the outfield. He also won’t cost very much, which would help facilitate a deal.
Outfielder
Most Likely: Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
Bruce is very much in-demand around the league, and rightly so. He’s currently fourth in the NL in home runs (25) and first in RBIs (79). Teams like the Mariners and Dodgers – who are +2,000 to win the World Series – could use his power, and the Reds are more than willing to deal him for the right price. With all the interest in him, there’s bound to be a package Cincy finds appealing enough to part with the slugger.
Runner-up: Josh Reddick, Oakland A’s
The A’s are once again in sell mode, and Reddick is one of their most attractive assets. It shouldn’t take an outstanding package for Oakland to accept a deal for the 29-year-old, who should provide some power in the outfield despite an injury-shortened season.
Starting Pitchers
Jeremy Hellickson, Philadelphia Phillies
There are a handful of available starting pitching options better than Hellickson in the current market. But the top pitchers (Chris Sale and, despite their struggles, Sonny Gray and Chris Archer) will command a significant price that will diminish the possibility of them getting dealt.
If those pitching-needy teams like the Orioles – +150 favorites to win the AL East – or Rangers strike out with the top guys, there’s a good chance they go hard for the next tier, led by Hellickson. The Phillies pitcher certainly supplied a great audition for teams this past July, as he delivered a 1.97 ERA in five starts.
Runner-up: Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres
Despite his poor 4.76 ERA, pitching is in such demand that someone is bound to take a flyer on Cashner. He’s shown just enough flashes for a team to talk itself into him, and the Padres aren’t exactly in a position to demand too much in a trade.
Relief Pitchers
Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. With all the times Smith’s name has been included in trade talks, he’s bound to end up somewhere other than Milwaukee after the deadline. The Brewers are already shopping their best bats, but they should have more than a few offers for a competent reliever who can provide bullpen help for any contender.
Runner-up: Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels
The Angels’ Joe Smith is on pace to record his highest-ever ERA of 4.08, but he’s still got some value. He’s a low-risk rental and he can provide a different look out of the bullpen with his low arm angle, so he should be a sought-after commodity.
