Expect these 11 to be traded by Deadline
A number of teams have already gotten going on trade season, with Nelson Cruz, Adam Frazier, Rich Hill and Joc Pederson among the players who have changed uniforms so far this month.
But with the Trade Deadline set to arrive on Friday at 4 p.m. ET, many more players are expected to be on the move as contenders around the Majors try to augment their rosters for the stretch run.
As we inch closer to the Deadline, here’s a look at 11 players who have a decent chance to to be traded this week, starting with the most likely.
(Note: This was initially published on Wednesday morning, and we've already had at least two of the players traded as of Thursday morning)
1) Craig Kimbrel, Cubs RHP (reliever)
From the moment the Cubs declared themselves as sellers, Kimbrel has been one of the most likely trade candidates in the league. The All-Star closer has found his vintage form this season, and with a $16 million team option for 2022, competition for his services should be fierce, bringing back a solid return for Chicago.
Potential landing spots: Phillies, Red Sox, White Sox
• Latest Trade Deadline rumors from around the league
2) Max Scherzer, Nationals RHP (starter)
Speculation about Scherzer’s future has been rampant ever since the Nationals’ 21-29 start to the season. Unlike 2019, when Washington stormed back from a similar start to win the World Series, this year’s club hasn’t been able to do the same, with last weekend’s sweep at the hands of the Orioles seemingly clinching the decision to sell. Scherzer -- who has full no-trade rights and is believed to prefer a West Coast team -- is the biggest difference-maker available this trade season.
Potential landing spots: Dodgers, Giants, Padres
3) Kris Bryant, Cubs 3B/LF
One of the Cubs’ many impending free agents, Bryant appears unlikely to re-sign with Chicago, making it probable that he’ll be moved by Friday. Thanks to his versatility and recent performance -- he bounced back from a dreadful June (.445 OPS) with a solid July (.900 OPS) -- he is widely viewed as one of the most impactful bats on the market.
Potential landing spots: Mets, Phillies, Rays
• Bryant by the Bay? Giants, Cubs talking (source)
4) Starling Marte, Marlins CF (UPDATE: Traded to A's for LHP Jesús Luzardo)
Another impending free agent, he was the best center fielder on the market. Marte -- who had an .855 OPS, 21 stolen bases and 51 runs scored through 62 games this season -- recently turned down an extension offer from Miami.
5) Trevor Story, Rockies SS
It feels like Story has been on the trade block from the time the Rockies traded Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals back in February, though his subpar season has clouded his value to some extent. Colorado will likely move the two-time All-Star, but if the offers are underwhelming, interim GM Bill Schmidt -- who has run the club’s Draft for years -- could hold on to him, make him a Qualifying Offer, then collect the compensatory Draft picks if Story signs elsewhere this winter.
Potential landing spots: Athletics, Brewers, Yankees
6) Eduardo Escobar, D-backs 2B/3B (UPDATE: Traded to Brewers)
Escobar appeared to be headed to the White Sox a couple of weeks ago, but he remains in Arizona as one of the more attractive infield rental options. His versatility -- he can play second base, third base and shortstop -- should make him appealing to contenders looking for short-term infield help.
Potential landing spots: Blue Jays, Brewers, White Sox
7) Ian Kennedy, Rangers RHP (reliever)
The veteran right-hander has been solid for the Rangers this season, posting a 2.59 ERA with 33 strikeouts and just seven walks over 31 1/3 innings. Kennedy will be a free agent after the season and is owed less than $1 million in 2021, making him one of the more inexpensive bullpen upgrades out there.
Potential landing spots: Astros, Blue Jays, Dodgers
8) Daniel Hudson, Nationals RHP (reliever)
Another candidate to be part of the Nationals’ fire sale, Hudson has allowed just one earned run in eight appearances (8 1/3 innings) this month. He has a postseason track record and can fill a variety of late-inning bullpen roles, is owed a little more than $2 million this season and is slated to become a free agent this fall.
Potential landing spots: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Phillies
9) Michael Pineda, Twins RHP (starter)
The Twins’ biggest asset is José Berríos, but with another year of club control, the right-hander carries a high price tag and is no lock to be dealt. Pineda is among the rental starters on the market, and while he went through a rough stretch in June, he’s been solid in his past two starts.
Potential landing spots: Blue Jays, Mariners, Phillies
10) Richard Rodríguez, Pirates RHP (reliever)
No position is more coveted at this time of year than relief pitching, and given Rodríguez's modest salary ($1.7 million) and two more years of control, the righty should be a popular trade target in the coming days.
Potential landing spots: Astros, Blue Jays, Phillies
11) Jonathan Schoop, Tigers 1B/2B
With 17 home runs and a .799 OPS, Schoop is having a solid offensive season for the rebuilding Tigers. He’s on a good contract -- he’s owed less than $2 million this season -- and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Schoop could opt to sign an extension to stay in Detroit, but if those talks stall, he can add some pop to a contender in need of a lineup boost.
Potential landing spots: Mariners, Red Sox, White Sox