10 players getting buzz as potential trade candidates

Trade stock is a funny thing.

The closer we get to the Trade Deadline, the more important it can become for a player to thrive, increasing their value as clubs around the league look to bolster their rosters for the stretch run.

Yet as we sit here just past the quarter-mark of the season, names are beginning to buzz as potential trade candidates. After all, the Trade Deadline is only 10-plus weeks away.

Here’s a look at 10 players (listed alphabetically) who figure to hear their names mentioned in trade rumors this summer.

Tim Anderson, SS, White Sox
If the White Sox decide to undergo a full rebuild, Anderson is a prime candidate to move prior to the Trade Deadline. The two-time All-Star turns 30 next month and has a $14 million club option for 2024, making him more than a one-year rental.

Dylan Cease, RHP, White Sox
Cease entered the season on the short list of AL Cy Young favorites, but after a strong start to his year, the right-hander struggled for four straight outings before throwing six scoreless innings against the Astros on May 13. The 27-year-old has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining, making him Chicago’s biggest trade chip.

Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Royals
Bullpen depth is king during trade season, and despite a couple of recent hiccups, Chapman’s 2023 resurgence figures to make him a popular target this summer. The 35-year-old lefty is striking out 14.6 batters per nine innings, a big jump from his 10.7 mark a year ago.

Jack Flaherty, RHP, Cardinals
Much like the Cardinals, Flaherty is off to a rocky start, posting a 5.24 ERA through his first nine starts. St. Louis has plenty of time to right the ship, but if the Cards become sellers, the right-hander -- who is earning $5.4 million in his final year before free agency -- could be on the move.

Lucas Giolito, RHP, White Sox
Another potential trade chip for the White Sox, Giolito is headed for free agency at the end of the season, making him a prime rental candidate for contenders looking to bolster the rotation. Since his April 7 blowup against the Pirates, Giolito has a 2.82 ERA over his past seven starts, one of the few bright spots on a disappointing Chicago team.

Yasmani Grandal, C, White Sox
Grandal is in the final year of the four-year, $73 million deal he signed with the White Sox after the 2019 season. The 34-year-old would be one of the most appealing catching candidates on the trade market if Chicago chose to move him.

Randal Grichuk, OF, Rockies
Grichuk got off to a late start in 2023 thanks to sports hernia surgery, but the 31-year-old has performed well since making his season debut on April 29. Grichuk can play all three outfield positions and is earning $9.33 million in the final year of his contract, making him an affordable outfield option for most teams. The Rockies have a number of impending free agents aside from Grichuk, so Colorado GM Bill Schmidt could be quite busy this summer.

Wil Myers, INF/OF, Reds
Myers’ versatility -- he can play first base and both corner outfield spots, with the ability to play third base in a pinch -- would make him an intriguing option for contenders, though his bat will have to heat up if the Reds hope to get a decent return for the impending free agent.

Joc Pederson, OF/DH, Giants
Pederson continues to be a productive bat in San Francisco, and while the Giants are firmly in the NL Wild Card mix, their sub-.500 record might prompt them to move the impending free agent. Pederson can’t be extended another qualifying offer, so the Giants won’t receive any compensation if he leaves via free agency next offseason.

Jurickson Profar, INF/OF, Rockies
Profar has played left field exclusively since the start of 2022, but his ability to play all around the diamond makes him a useful fit for many clubs. The Rockies signed him to a one-year, $7.75 million deal in March, so getting a prospect or two back would seem like a win for Colorado.