When it comes to the trade deadline, which will be July 30 this year, pitching figures as the focus of trade negotiations. Any team could benefit from the addition of one or two arms (or in some cases, many more). But several contenders will be looking to bolster other spots on their respective rosters.
Here’s a look at the best players available at each position.
C: Luis Campusano, Parents
Although we don’t normally include prospects on this list, this is the exception for two reasons. First, there aren’t that many big-name catchers that seem to be available and not that many contenders are looking for help behind the plate. Second, the Frailes have solid catching with Puerto Rican Victor Caratini and Austin Nola. So if CEO AJ Preller plans to make an impact move at the deadline, Campusano would be a sought-after prospect that could be sold.
The Colorado team signed Cron to a one-year offseason deal, a deal that has paid off. Cron has hit 11 home runs with an .806 OPS in 66 games, delivering good production at a low price. For a team needing help starting, Cron might be one of the best options – and the best value.
2B: Adam Frazier, Pirates
Possibly the most attention-grabbing player on the market, Frazier would fit into several contenders. His versatility on defense (in his career he has patrolled each of the three outfields and seen action at shortstop and third base) and another year of contract control would make the infielder an attractive candidate, giving him instead. Buccaneers pieces of good value.
SS: Trevor Story, Rockies
For some, he’s the biggest name on the exchange market this summer and they’ll likely wear another uniform sometime after the All-Star break in a few weeks. Story got off to a slow start in 2021, but his recent streak has reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best shortstops in the majors.
3B: Eduardo Escobar, Diamondbacks
Based on recent reports, the Venezuelan could be the next traded player, according to a source who indicated that the D-backs and White Sox have entered into negotiations. Escobar has rebounded from a near disappointing 2020, posting a .752 OPS with 17 home runs after his first 79 games in 2021. Escobar’s versatility would fit well in Chicago after Nick Madrigal’s season-ending injury.
OF: Mitch Haniger, Mariners
Seattle has surprised many, but it remains to be seen if this promotion will stop GM Jerry Dipoto from being a salesperson at the deadline. Haniger has finally stayed healthy after a couple of injury seasons, posting an .805 OPS with 18 homers in his first 77 games. With prospects Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez as alternatives for the prairies, the Mariners are in a position to trade Haniger to add more young talent.
Texas has just three players making more than $ 5 million this season and looking at the team’s mark, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they tried to cut their budget. Gallo – who makes $ 6.2 million this year – has hit 20 home runs and is prone to on-base, as shown by his 63 traded walks (leading the majors). That would go down well with teams looking to add thunder. Although Gallo has exclusively patrolled the right forest this season, he has experience in both corners of the outfield during his career.
OF: Starling Mars, Marlins
The Fish sent Corey Dickerson to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, but he’s not expected to be the only Miami ranger traded before July 30. Marte – who makes $ 12.5 million this season, more than twice the number of the next player on the team – will be a free agent at the end of the year, making him a candidate to be traded.
BD: Nelson Cruz, Twins
Minnesota was expected to be in contention for the top of the AL East for the third year in a row, but has not been able to recover from a poor start. Cruz, who turns 41 on Thursday, has been one of the few Twins players to have succeeded, hitting 18 home runs with 45 RBIs and a .966 OPS in 70 games. A slew of contenders on the Young Circuit would need more thunder at the designated hitter spot, making the veteran a strong candidate for a trade as his contract expires at the end of this season.
Starter: Kyle Gibson, Rangers
There may not be any big-name openers available on the exchange market, leaving Gibson the best of all. The 33-year-old right-hander leads the American League with a 2.00 ERA, his best season since posting a 3.62 ERA in 32 starts for the Twins in 2018.
Reliever: Richard RodrÃguez, Pirates
In July, most teams are looking for relievers and this year would be no different. The Venezuelan is having a great season for the Pirates sotaneros, posting a 2.59 ERA and a 0.798 WHIP in 31.1 innings. For a contender looking for a late-inning arm, Rodriguez – who makes $ 1.7 million this season and will be eligible for salary arbitration for another two years – could be an alternative that would make sense.
.