15 early MLB trade candidates

With the July 30 trade deadline a month away, it's time for an early look at the players who are most likely to be dealt by the end of the month.

We decided to limit the pool to teams that appear destined to be sellers, so the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs are exempt for the time being. That doesn't mean Max Scherzer and Kris Bryant won't be moved, but their teams seem more likely to be buyers at the moment.

1. Trevor Story, Rockies

Age: 28
Position: Shortstop
Contract: 1-year, $18.5M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

Story's final chapter in Colorado appeared to be written when the Rockies traded Nolan Arenado in the offseason. After confirming he wouldn't talk extension before hitting the open market at the end of the year, that sealed the deal. Story is the ultimate rental for a team trying to make good without being locked into big money on a long-term contract. He has speed and power in equal measure and plays top-notch defense at a premium position. He's the jewel of trade season.

2. Jose Berrios, Twins

Age: 27
Position: Starting pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $6.1M (Arb 3, 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Minnesota is in the cellar, and Berrios has seen his name swirling in trade rumors. With another year of arbitration before free agency, the Twins would need to be blown away to deal their ace. However, he might be the most sought-after pitcher if he's available.

3. Nelson Cruz, Twins

Age: 41
Position: Designed hitter
Contract: 1-year, $13M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

Cruz settled for a one-year deal to return to Minnesota after seeking a multi-year pact. He's held up his end of the bargain and would serve as welcome insurance for an AL team looking to bolster its offense down the stretch.

4. Starling Marte, Marlins

Age: 32
Position: Outfield
Contract: 1-year, $12.5M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

The Marlins acquired Marte last summer when they emerged as surprise playoff contenders. Miami has fallen back to earth this year, but the impending free agent is having an All-Star caliber campaign. The entire Marlins outfield (Corey Dickerson, Adam Duvall) could be on the move, but Marte is the cream of that crop and it'd be shocking if he stuck around.

5. Joey Gallo, Rangers

Age: 27
Position: Outfield
Contract: 1-year, $6.2M (Arb 3, 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Gallo hits monster bombs and plays elite outfield defense. Any team looking for a left-handed power bat should probably be knocking on Texas' door. He has another year of team control remaining before hitting the open market, so he may command a hefty return for the rebuilding Rangers.

6. Adam Frazier, Pirates

Age: 29
Position: Second base, outfield
Contract: 1-year, $4.3M (Arb 3, 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Frazier's in the midst of a career season where he could compete for a batting title and would help shore up the top of many teams' lineups. He's already been linked to the White Sox as a possible replacement for injured second baseman Nick Madrigal, but other suitors are surely sizing him up.

7. Richard Rodriguez, Pirates

Age: 31
Position: Relief pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $1.7M (Arb 2022, 2023)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Rodriguez has consistently been a solid contributor out of Pittsburgh's bullpen since 2018 and is having his best year yet in his first season as a full-time closer. He comes with a team-friendly salary and a couple of years of arbitration, making him attractive for clubs looking for more than just a rental.

8. Kyle Gibson, Rangers

Age: 33
Position: Starting pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $9.6M ($7.66M in 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Gibson has quietly produced one of the best seasons for a starter in the AL, authoring a 2.00 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 15 starts while holding opponents to a .200 average. He's also doing this at a reasonable cost as he's earning $9 million this year and only $7 million in 2022. Texas should have no shortage of offers.

9. Jon Gray, Rockies

Age: 29
Position: Starting pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $6M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

Gray has rebounded after an ugly 2020. The 29-year-old dominated in his first start since coming off the IL after missing nearly a month due to a right flexor strain, striking out 10 Milwaukee Brewers over five shutout innings on June 25. Gray would likely welcome pitching outside of Coors Field heading into free agency.

10. Taylor Rogers, Twins

Age: 30
Position: Relief pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $6M (Arb 4, 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

A virtual bullpen Swiss Army knife, Rogers is the anchor of the Twins' relief unit and would be a perfect fit on any contender. The left-hander is striking out almost 12 batters a game and has seven saves, along with a 2.21 FIP. He still has one year of arbitration left. Minnesota didn't fair too well when it traded away Ryan Pressly a few years ago, so maybe that gives the team pause should it wish to compete again in 2022.

11. Eduardo Escobar, D-Backs

Age: 32
Position: Third base, second base, shortstop
Contract: 1-year, $7.66M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

The Diamondbacks have plenty of pieces to sell, and Escobar, a pending free agent, might be their best. The 32-year-old has 118 extra-base hits over his last three seasons and can cover defensively at three different infield positions. After a slow start, Escobar has a .829 OPS in June.

12. Trey Mancini, Orioles

Age: 29
Position: First base
Contract: 1-year, $4.75M (Arb 3, 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★☆☆

Mancini's been the best comeback story in baseball this year, and his powerful bat could help numerous contenders. The 29-year-old hit 35 homers in 2019 and has 14 this campaign, to go along with 52 RBIs. He isn't a liability at first base and can even play some corner outfield in a pinch. Set to hit free agency after next season, the Orioles need to decide whether or not Mancini is in the club's long-term plans. If he isn't, they would do well to let him play for a contender while bringing in future pieces.

13. David Peralta, D-Backs

Age: 33
Position: Outfield
Contract: 1-year, $7.5M ($7.5M in 2022)
Trade probability: ★★★★☆

Peralta's a former Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner who can provide solid production in left field. While not a perfect player, he's the kind of stealthy addition that can help a contender without costing a fortune. He's under contract through 2022.

14. Jonathan Schoop, Tigers

Age: 29
Position: Second base, first base
Contract: 1-year, $4.5M
Trade probability: ★★★★★

Schoop's .794 OPS is the second-highest among Tigers hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, and he's the only member of their team with more than 10 homers (he has 15). The veteran is also versatile defensively and can play all four infield spots, only adding to his appeal as a rental.

15. Danny Duffy, Royals

Age: 32
Position: Starting pitcher
Contract: 1-year, $15.5M
Trade probability: ★★★★☆​​​​​​

The biggest thing standing in the way of Duffy being traded is that he just reached his 10-and-5 rights this past week and can veto any deal. Still, he has to be one of the hottest commodities on the pitching market, thanks to a 2.44 ERA across 48 innings. He missed time with a flexor strain, which could cause teams to pause, but Duffy's success while healthy makes him an ideal target if he's willing to move.