15 names to watch heading into the trade deadline
With the MLB draft in the rearview mirror, front offices around the league have now switched their focus to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Here are 15 players that could be moved before the deadline.
J.D. Martinez, OF, Tigers
Tigers president of baseball operations Al Avila held off blowing up the club this winter, but with his team owners of the third-worst record in the American League, it's time to finally make some moves with the future in mind. Martinez will likely be the best available bat on the market. Since coming off the disabled list in mid-May, he's hitting .294/.390/.647 with 11 home runs, seven doubles, and 26 RBIs over 35 games. A free agent at the end of this season, Martinez would immediately transform any offense needing a boost.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Cardinals, Indians, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Dodgers, Astros, Twins
Johnny Cueto, SP, Giants
Cueto will be one of the most intriguing names heading up to the deadline. The right-hander has four years and $87 million remaining on his deal, but could choose to opt out at the end of this season. That adds a wrinkle to a potential trade. If Cueto rebounds from his rough start, he'll likely opt out and become one of the top free-agent pitchers. If he continues to struggle, then he won't opt out and the club acquiring him will be stuck with his contract. Cueto is 5-7 with a 4.42 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 15 starts.
Potential suitors: Cubs, Astros, Rangers, Yankees
Zack Cozart, SS, Reds
Cozart is enjoying a breakout year and will be the best shortstop available, so expect the rebuilding Reds to move the impending free agent in order to capitalize on his hot start. Cozart is hitting .320/.404/.562 with nine home runs and 16 doubles over 58 games, but currently is on the disabled list with a quad injury, though he's expected to return next week.
Potential suitors: Orioles, Rays, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Brewers
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
The Pirates shopped McCutchen during the offseason but were stuck with the disgruntled outfielder after they failed to complete a trade. McCutchen got off to a poor start this season, but has bounced back since the club dropped him in the order. The 30-year-old is hitting .260/.333/.476 with 14 homers and 12 doubles on the season and has the ability to play all three outfield positions. The Pirates sit five games back in the division and 12 out of the wild card, so now could finally be the time to part with the franchise icon.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Rockies, Cardinals, Indians, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Dodgers, Astros, Cubs, Nationals
Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlins
Ozuna is one of the game's best young players and would land a major return if the Marlins decide it's time to blow things up. Miami is six games under .500 and on the verge of new ownership. The organization hasn't reached the playoffs since 2003 and could dangle Ozuna in order to restock an underwhelming farm system. The 26-year-old is hitting .327/.395/.582 with 18 homers this season and doesn't become a free agent until 2020. The Marlins don't need to trade him, but it could be a franchise altering move if they do.
Potential suitors: Cardinals, Indians, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Yankees, Astros, Twins, Cubs
Lance Lynn, SP, Cardinals
The Cardinals will likely enter the deadline as both buyers and sellers. St. Louis has underachieved all season and currently sits six games under the .500 mark. While Lynn has been one of the club's best starters, he's an impending free agent and the Cardinals could see more value in shipping him off rather than holding on to him. The right-hander is 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 14 starts.
Potential suitors: Cubs, Astros, Twins, Red Sox, Indians
Sonny Gray, SP, Athletics
Despite the requests by skipper Bob Melvin to keep him, the Athletics could trade Gray during a complete selloff. Oakland owns the worst record in the AL and would be better served tearing the roster apart. The Astros are believed to have plenty of interest in the right-hander, who is under team control until 2020. Injuries and inconsistent performances have hurt Gray's value a bit, but the Athletics should be able to receive a nice package for the 27-year-old.
Potential suitors: Astros, Yankees, Indians
Todd Frazier, 3B, White Sox
The White Sox still have plenty of veterans they could deal, so expect general manager Rick Hahn to be open for business. Luckily for Hahn, a number of teams with postseason aspirations are desperate for help at the hot corner, and Frazier has bounced back after a poor start. The two-time All-Star is hitting .205/.312/.410 with 11 home runs and 10 doubles in 60 games and is a free agent at the end of the season.
Potential suitors: Red Sox, Yankees
David Robertson, CL, White Sox
Robertson was rumored to be almost traded to the Nationals over the winter before ownership nixed the deal, but with Washington's bullpen woes a serious problem, it wouldn't be a shock to see talks revisited. The right-hander has enjoyed a solid season, posting a 3.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 37 strikeouts, and 11 saves over 23 appearances. He's owed $13 million next season.
Potential suitors: Dodgers, Nationals, Diamondbacks
Jay Bruce, OF, Mets
Everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong for the Mets - except for the play of Bruce. The three-time All-Star is hitting .274/.340/.556 with 19 homers and 16 doubles in 65 games and could be one of the club's biggest trade chips. The 30-year-old is limited defensively, but could be valuable to an AL club that could use him as an outfielder/designated hitter.
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Rockies, Cardinals, Indians, Diamondbacks, Rangers
Yonder Alonso, 1B, Athletics
Alonso expressed his desire to remain in Oakland, though his trade value has never been higher and it doesn't make much sense to sign the 30-year-old to an extension. Alonso is hitting .301/.395/.622 with a career-high 17 homers in 61 games and is a free agent at the end of the season.
Potential suitors: Yankees, Rangers, Twins
Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals
The red-hot Royals are making things tough on the front office. Winners of eight of their last 10 games, the Royals are in striking distance in the division and may not blow things up after all. Depending on how the next month shakes out, Kansas City could be buyers, or they could be one of the league's biggest sellers. If they sell, expect Moustakas to get a lot of attention. The left-handed hitting third baseman is slashing .276/.315/.544 with 18 homers, 13 doubles, and 45 RBIs in 63 games. Like a number of the Royals' core, Moose is a free agent at the end of the season.
Potential suitors: Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees, Astros
Jed Lowrie, IF, Athletics
Lowrie has put together a strong season now that he's healthy again. With an ability to play second base, shortstop, and third base, Lowrie offers suitors versatility defensively, and is a switch-hitter who is slashing .287/.358/.484 with eight homers and 23 doubles. The 33-year-old also comes with an affordable $6 million team option for 2018.
Potential suitors: Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Rays, Brewers, Angels
Pat Neshek, RP, Phillies
Expect the last-place Phillies to try to squeeze any value out of their veterans come the deadline. Neshek might net the biggest return, as the funky-throwing righty is posting the best numbers of his 11-year career. Neshek owns a 0.67 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 27 innings and has held left-handed hitters to a .175/.209/.250 line in 44 plate appearances. A free agent at the end of the season, Neshek would be a major piece in a contender's bullpen.
Potential suitors: Dodgers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Mariners
Jaime Garcia, SP, Braves
The Braves signed a number of veterans on one-year deals this offseason with ambitions of flipping them at the deadline, though that plan may have backfired as rival GMs likely aren't picking up the phone to deal for R.A. Dickey or Bartolo Colon. One pitcher that should generate interest, however, is Garcia. The left-hander owns a 3.59 ERA and 1.26 WHIP to go with 60 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings. He's a free agent at the end of the season, further motivating the Braves to move him.
Potential suitors: Brewers, Astros, Orioles, Cardinals, Angels, Indians
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)