With the 2017 MLB All-Star break in the books, the focus will now shift to the July 31st trade deadline. Trade talks always ramp up in the weeks before the deadline and it’s always fun to predict which players will be on the move as contending teams attempt to solidify their rosters. The first domino has already fallen as the Chicago White Sox dealt staff ace Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs. With Quintana off the board, that’s increased the value of the remaining pitchers as teams that were looking for help have one less option. Here is a look at the top MLB players on the trade market right now.
SP: Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics
Gray’s resurgence in Oakland has led to him becoming a prime target on the trade market right now for a couple of reasons. First, teams that want to upgrade their pitching might consider him the top option available. Second, with a weak projected free agent crop of starting pitchers expected for this summer teams are already planning ahead. According to reports, there is a significant disconnect between Gray’s perceived value by the Athletics and by teams around the majors. Gray has registered a solid 3.72 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP this season but he has struggled with consistency over the past couple of seasons. Gray is likely still the top starting pitcher option on the trade block right now so don’t be surprised if he is moved to a contender at some point before the deadline.
SP: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are expected to cut payroll and Verlander could be their best bet to add some key prospects while shedding salary. An American League Cy Young award finalist a year ago, Verlander is still owed $78 million. He hasn’t been as good as he was last year with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, but he is an experienced veteran that has pitched at an elite level and could immediately bolster the starting rotation of a championship contender. His no-trade clause could make negotiations a little tougher on the Tigers. However, there is a good chance Verlander would welcome a trade to a contending team if it meant a shot at a World Series ring.
The challenge here is that Verlander has had a mediocre season and has a big contract remaining. If he were a rental, that would entice teams to make a move. But if they have to sign up to multiple more seasons of him while he’s in the twilight of his career, that could be a concern.
3B: Adam Frazier, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox already dealt Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs. Now their focus will shift to moving Frazier before the trade deadline. That shouldn’t be too hard considering Frazier has hit 16 home runs with 44 RBI in 280 plate appearances for Chicago this season. His .208 batting average this season is disappointing but there are a number of contending teams that need help at third base and Frazier could be a perfect fit.
SP: Johnny Cueto, San Francisco Giants
San Francisco’s championship aspirations crashed and burned with a brutal first couple of months. The Giants might have the pieces to contend next season but they would be smart to explore moving Cueto. The veteran pitcher has an opt-out clause after this year so San Francisco could end up losing him for nothing if they don’t act. Cueto has struggled with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP this season but a change of scenery could help him get his season back on track. It will be very interesting to see if the Giants make the move.
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
After a couple of disappointing seasons, it won’t be a surprise if the Pirates move McCutchen before the trade deadline. The veteran outfielder has a $14.5 million club option for next season or a $1 million buyout. He has turned it on over the last month with a .388 batting average and he is now hitting .294 with 17 home runs and 57 runs scored on the season. Pittsburgh will appreciate the timing as it gives his value a temporary boost. With McCutchen now 30-years-old, the Pirates should move him now while they can still get a decent return for him to help accelerate their eventual rebuild.
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