10 players who will probably be traded by Monday

With the non-waiver trade deadline just over 48 hours away, speculation is beginning to reach fever pitch.

From salacious rumors to reported blockbuster "extravaganzas," and of course hug watch, the next three days promise to be packed with excitement, confusion, and possibly even tears.

Since half the fun is playing the guessing game, we joined the speculation parade to list 10 players we think will be traded by Monday at 4 p.m. ET:

Jay Bruce

The apparent center piece of Friday's reported three-way blockbuster extravaganza, the Reds slugger has generated interest from the Mets, Dodgers, and Indians, among others. With the Dodgers seemingly hesitant to move Yasiel Puig, and the market remaining somewhat quiet on Josh Reddick, Bruce is the preeminent bopper available this weekend.

Joe Smith

Everyone wants to talk about Chris Sale, Vince Velasquez, and even Rich Hill (who's trade value has taken a significant dip with his ongoing blister issues), but trade season is all about the unheralded pieces. In this case, there's a good reason why Smith's name isn't celebrated in trade columns, as the veteran right-hander is pitching through the worst season of his career. Even still, there are apparently "numerous" teams in on the 32-year-old Angels reliever, which is why he finds himself on our list.

Jonathan Lucroy

The top catcher available this summer, Lucroy's team-friendly contract and All-Star resume makes him a likely candidate to be dealt by Monday. The Brewers' catcher can block a trade to eight teams, but among those clubs, only the Indians have expressed strong interest. One team not on that list is the Mets, who are reportedly eager to acquire the 30-year-old veteran.

Matt Moore

Moore might not be the most coveted Rays starter, but reports suggest he's the most likely to be moved. The 27-year-old lefty is finally healthy, he's striking out more batters, and he's managed to lower his walk rate enough to pitch deeper into games. He won't cost teams nearly as much as teammates Chris Archer or Jake Odorizzi, and that's why he'll probably be pitching for someone else next week.

Mark Melancon

Entering the trade season, Melancon wasn't a popular name among trade prognosticators. The Pirates remain in the wild-card hunt, and the veteran closer is coming off his second straight All-Star appearance. But given the robust market for relievers, and Melancon's impending free agency, it appears increasingly likely that he could be poached by a bullpen-starved club like the Indians, Giants, or Nationals. UPDATE: Melancon traded to Nationals.

Boone Logan

Logan, a free agent this winter, is enjoying the best season of his 11-year career, posting a 2.48 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and holding left-handers to a .147/.183/.235 slash line. The Blue Jays are reportedly interested in making a deal with the Rockies to bolster their depleted bullpen.

Daniel Hudson

Not every player moved before Monday will get fans jumping out of their seat, so expect to hear about the Hudsons and Jim Johnsons of the world over the next couple days. The D-Backs were reportedly close to dealing Hudson this week, but with 23 runs over his last eight innings, as noted by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, it's of little surprise he hasn't been moved yet.

Derek Norris

There's a much better chance Norris is traded than Lucroy, if only because the cost acquisition figures to be significantly less for the former. The Padres' catcher is having the worst offensive season of his career, but the right-handed Norris still offers clubs a capable bat against lefties at a premium position. Reports indicate the Rangers are a likely landing spot.

Jeremy Hellickson

The rebuilding Phillies are reportedly fielding offers for Velasquez, but the more affordable option for pitching-hungry teams is Hellickson, the 29-year-old right-hander who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Though his performance is much-improved from a year ago, it's unclear whether teams would be willing to offer up the reported asking price of a top-five prospect to secure the right-hander and his 3.65 ERA. Among the teams reported to have expressed interest: the Blue Jays, Rangers and Orioles.

Steve Pearce

Pearce has been slowed by injuries this season, but he remains a popular target with his ability to play multiple positions and 1.212 OPS against lefties. His impending free agency makes him a near-certainty to be moved to a contender looking to beef up their infield.