10 MLB trade candidates whose bonuses are rising

The stars put on a show in Los Angeles this week, but with the Mid-Season Classic behind us, it’s time to focus on August 2; trade deadline this year.

Numbers of completed seasons and history of success often dictate the value of a specific player. However, there are several teams that could be interested in one that is in the midst of a big moment. With that in mind, we take a look at 10 players who have raised their bonuses in the last month.

Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies
Bard’s third season with Colorado has been the best of his career, posting a 1.96 ERA in 36 appearances in 2022. The 37-year-old veteran has been terrific of late, allowing just three earned runs in his last 22 appearances leading up to the hiatus, posting an earned run average of 0.81 in that span. Bard is making $4.4 million in 2022 and will be a free agent this winter.
Possible destinations: Blue Jays, Padres, Red Sox

Anthony Bass, RHP, Marlins
The 34-year veteran has been extraordinary this year, posting a 1.51 ERA in 42 appearances with Miami. Bass tied up opponents in his last 16 appearances before the break, limiting them to a .441 OPS over 15.2 shutout stretches. Bass is making $3 million this year and has a $3 million option ($1 million compensation) for 2023, but the Marlins could use their breakout season to get a young player or two.

possible destinations: Blue Jays, Giants, White Sox

Josh Bell, 1B, Nationals
Bell has hit just two home runs since June 24, but has 16 extra-base hits and an impressive .330/.409/.557 hitting line in that span. With the worst record in the majors at the time of the break, Washington appears headed for a garage sale and Bell — who is headed for free agency — should be one of the players on the move. Bell could fill the designated hitter duties for a team that doesn’t require a first baseman.

Possible destinations: Astros, Mets, Red Sox

Andrew Benintendi, LF, Royals
Benintendi finished the first half in a big way, hitting .389 with an .895 OPS since June 2. The 28-year-old outfielder, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, should be one of the players to leave Kansas City. Benintendi’s vaccination status could raise some questions for the Blue Jays, as well as other teams in the mix with several games left in Toronto.

Possible destinations: Mariners, Padres, Phillies

Luis Castillo, RHP, Reds
Castillo is the best starter available on the trade market this year, and his current performance has proven that. The Dominican right-hander went 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his last four starts before the All-Star Game, a stretch in which he struck out 33 batters in 27.0 innings of work.

Possible destinations: Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees

Brandon Drury, INF, Reds
One of the most versatile players on the market this year, Drury is capable of seeing action at any infield position and also has experience in the outfield. At 29, he is hitting .274 with an .863 OPS, four home runs and 18 RBIs in 104 at-bats since June 25.

Possible destinations: Dodgers, Giants, Mets

Shohei Ohtani, DH/LD, Angels
No player would draw more attention in the trade market than Ohtani, who is crafting another breakout season after being named the AL MVP in 2021. As of June 1, Ohtani has nine home runs, 25 RBIs and an . 876 while going 6-2 with a 2.22 ERA in eight starts. Ohtani won’t be a free agent until the end of the 2023 season, and given the Angels’ current state, Ohtani’s value may never be higher than it is right now. However, the Angels reportedly have no intention of trading him.

Possible destinations: Mets, Padres, Yankees

David Robertson, RHP, Cubs
Robertson’s renaissance has extended into July: The veteran closer had a 1.69 ERA in his last nine appearances before the All-Star break, making him one of the most coveted trade candidates. His experience as a closer and setup man makes him attractive to most contending teams.

Possible destinations: Mets, Red Sox, Twins

Amed Rosario, SS, Guardians
Rosario has one more year of salary arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent, and since Andres Gimenez can move to shortstop (and infielder Gabriel Arias is on hold at Triple-A), Cleveland he could try to get rid of Rosario to create space. The Dominican batted .347/.378/.505 with an OPS of .883 since June 1.

Possible destinations: Orioles, Phillies, Rays

Juan Soto, RF, Nationals
He’s posting a .352/.521/.722 line and a 1.243 OPS with six home runs since July 1 and suddenly finds himself on the trade market after turning down a 14-year, $440 million contract extension from the Nationals. The Dominican is eligible for salary arbitration two more times before becoming a free agent after the 2024 season.

Possible destinations: Cardinals, Mariners, Padres, Yankees