Top 20 position player trade candidates

We rank the top 20 position players that could be moved prior to the Aug. 2 trade deadline.

1. Juan Soto, Nationals

Position: OF
Age: 23
Contract: Arb eligible through 2025
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It seems crazy to even be writing this. Soto is the crown jewel of the deadline, and if the Nationals aren't in a rush to move him, he'll be highly coveted this winter. The opportunity to acquire a 23-year-old superstar rarely happens in MLB, so expect GM Mike Rizzo to take his time to ensure he gets the best haul. With teams like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Padres Cardinals, and others in their championship window, expect plenty of clubs to make a push for Soto heading into the deadline.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Angels

Position: SP/DH
Age: 28
Contract: Arb eligible through 2023
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️

It'd be a shocker if the Angels traded Ohtani with another year of control coming in 2023, but it only takes one aggressive front office to make an offer. Los Angeles is so far from being a legitimate contender, and with Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon still owed $450 million after this season, the Angels could land a potential franchise-alerting return for Ohtani. If the club feels like it can't sign him to an extension long term, it'd be prudent to at least explore the trade market no matter how tough a sell it'd be to the fanbase.

3. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox*

* July 28: Bogaerts told reporters he was assured he will not be traded.

Position: SS
Age: 29
Contract: Signed through 2025 (opt out after 2022)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️

The Red Sox could shake up the deadline in a big way if they continue to stumble. Bogaerts is a lock to opt out of his contract at the end of the season and test free agency. Boston's chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom should approach Bogaerts with one final extension offer before considering fielding trade calls.

4. J.D. Martinez, Red Sox

Position: DH
Age: 34
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $6.5M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Much like Bogaerts, this depends on the Red Sox becoming sellers, though Martinez is more likely to go if the team punts on the rest of 2022. The 34-year-old's five-year contract concludes at the end of this season, and the club has made no effort to talk extension. Martinez is enjoying another All-Star campaign, but has missed time with reoccurring back spasms. Plenty of suitors could use his right-handed bat in the middle of the order.

5. Bryan Reynolds, Pirates

Position: OF
Age: 27
Contract: Arb eligible through 2025
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reynolds' name has been mentioned in trade rumors since the offseason as the Pirates' rebuild continues to progress slowly. However, it would likely take a significant package to land the 2021 All-Star based on his performance, age, and team control. Only six outfielders in MLB accumulated a higher fWAR than Reynolds since the start of last season, and he isn't eligible to test free agency until after the 2025 campaign.

6. Willson Contreras, Cubs

Position: C
Age: 30
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $4M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Acquiring a catcher with Contreras' skill set at the deadline is rare. The three-time All-Star is on pace for a fourth 20-plus homer season and also rates above average defensively. While it's not always easy to acclimate a starting catcher into a new team so deep into the campaign, Contreras could be a game-changer for any club.

7. Josh Bell, Nationals

Position: 1B
Age: 29
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $4.2M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bell has enjoyed two solid seasons in Washington and offers an immediate boost for any team looking to add power at first base. He's a switch-hitter who offers similar splits from both sides of the plate (.895 OPS vs. RHP, .863 OPS vs. LHP), making him even more appealing.

8. Andrew Benintendi, Royals*

* - July 27: Yankees acquired Benintendi for prospects

Position: OF
Age: 28
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $4M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Benintendi no longer appears to be the 20-homer bat he flashed in Boston and instead has opted to use the entire field again. That has made him a valuable piece to any contender looking for a left-handed bat who can get on base regularly. The 28-year-old has significantly upped his walks in 2022, and he's a solid defender in the corner outfield. However, Benintendi isn't vaccinated against COVID-19, which could deter any team that still needs to travel to Toronto this season.

9. C.J. Cron, Rockies

Position: 1B
Age: 32
Contract: Signed through 2023
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cron has taken his bat to a new level since joining the Rockies. The All-Star slugger has gone deep 50 times with a .900 OPS across 235 games with Colorado. He's also producing great numbers while only making $7.25 million per season. The Rockies likely won't make a push for a wild-card spot this year. However, the club seems to be focused on adding talent instead of subtracting it after signing Kris Bryant to a monster deal.

10. Ian Happ, Cubs

Position: OF
Age: 27
Contract: Arb eligible through 2023
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happ and Contreras are the best trade chips for a Cubs team that desperately needs a reset. Happ is coming off his first All-Star nod and has hit at least 24 round-trippers twice during his six-year career. He predominately plays outfield but can also man second or third base if needed.

11. Trey Mancini, Orioles

Position: 1B
Age: 30
Contract: Signed through 2022 ($10M mutual option for 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mancini looked like a lock to be traded since he'll likely enter free agency after this season. And then a funny thing happened - the Orioles started winning. Mancini has hit 20-plus homers in each of the last four years, so Baltimore would probably be better off keeping him as it tries to make the postseason for the first time since 2016.

12. Whit Merrifield, Royals

Position: 2B/OF
Age: 33
Contract: Signed through 2023 ($18M mutual option for 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It seems the Royals missed an opportunity to maximize a return for Merrifield in a trade. The two-time All-Star is having the worst season of his seven-year career. He can still be a productive player for a contender, especially with his ability to hit for contact and elite speed. Like Benintendi, he is unvaccinated, but hinted he would be willing to if he moves to a contending team.

13. Brandon Drury, Reds

Position: 3B/2B/1B
Age: 29
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $360K)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Drury is a certainty to be traded amid a career season prior to free agency on a dreadful Reds club. Cincinnati is probably thrilled to get a prospect or two in return after signing him to a minor-league deal.

14. Christian Vazquez, Red Sox

Position: C
Age: 31
Contract: Signed through 2022
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vazquez could be a sneaky option for teams looking to add an experienced option behind the plate. The 31-year-old can handle a pitching staff and is a dependable hitter who can consistently make contact.

15. Joey Gallo, Yankees

Position: OF
Age: 28
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $4.1M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gallo's time with the Yankees has been a nightmare. The two-time All-Star is slashing .161/.294/.372 with 25 homers over 137 games since a trade from the Rangers in July 2021. With Texas, he accrued an .833 OPS over 568 contests. New York likely won't deal the struggling slugger because his value is so low.

16. Ramon Laureano, Athletics

Position: OF
Age: 28
Contract: Arb eligible through 2024
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Laureano still carries two years of club control. The 28-year-old has been at least a league-average offensive player in every year of his career. Laureano has struggled this season defensively relative to his usual standard. However, his power and speed combination still make him an attractive trade option to a number of clubs.

17. Brian Anderson, Marlins

Position: 3B/OF
Age: 29
Contract: Arb eligible through 2023
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anderson has been rumored to be on the block dating back to the offseason. The Marlins don't have to force anything with an additional year of arbitration remaining, but he's due for a raise from the $4.475-million salary he'll earn this season, so now might be time to work out a trade. Anderson could benefit from a change in scenery. Once viewed as a core piece, he's hit just 10 home runs to go with a .719 OPS over his last two seasons. Still, he hits the ball hard when he does make contact, he draws walks, and he has above-average speed.

18. Tyler Naquin, Reds

* - July 28: Mets acquired Naquin in four-player deal

Position: OF
Age: 31
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $1.6M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Naquin has fallen off after a hot start. The 31-year-old isn't an everyday option at this stage of his career. Despite some inconsistencies in his game, Naquin can still be an effective bench bat and option against right-handed pitching for a contending team.

19. Jose Iglesias, Rockies

Position: SS
Age: 32
Contract: FA after 2022 (Owed $2M)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Iglesias isn't quite the defensive option he used to be but remains a known commodity at shortstop. The 32-year-old doesn't provide a ton of offensive punch. However, he's a quality contact hitter and could help several teams in the postseason with good at-bats and the ability to put the ball in play.

20. Nelson Cruz, Nationals

Position: DH
Age: 42
Contract: Signed through 2022 ($16M mutual option for 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It appears Father Time is finally taking its toll on Cruz. The veteran slugger is a below-average offensive player for the first time since 2007. Although he may not be the player he once was, a handful of contending teams will likely show interest in Cruz with the hopes that he can recapture his form down the stretch.