The MLB trade deadline is getting closer and rumors about Cole Hamels, Justin Upton, David Price, Johnny Cueto, Ben Zobrist, Aroldis Chapman, Mike Leake and Jonathan Papelbon are starting to fly and teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, NY Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, LA Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles could be targets for deals.
The deadline has bigger names than usual this season and with the second wild card, more teams are in the mix for the playoffs and could be buyers. Cole Hamels is expected to get traded by the Phillies after being shopped for over a year, while the Reds are also expected to be sellers. Hamels, Johnny Cueto and David Price are the top pitchers on the market and right now pitching appears to be the main concern for teams heading into the deadline.
Ben Zobrist, Justin Upton and Austin Jackson could be trade targets at the deadline and teams like the Mets, Cubs and Orioles could be interested. All of those teams have some needs in the outfield and the Mets also could look at Zobrist as an option for the infield. The Mets have been trotting out a lineup that is not major league ready and while they brought up prospect Michael Conforto with Michael Cuddyer on the DL, a trade could still be an option.
The Yankees were expected to be a team that made a move at the deadline, but GM Brian Cashman said to ESPN New York that the team may sit things out this year. Zobrist is getting interest from the Washington Nationals, Cubs, Mets and Yankees and he could be next to go for the Oakland Athletics after the team traded Scott Kazmir to the Astros. There are some low level pitchers out there as well behind Hamels and Price, including Mike Leake and Yovanni Gallardo.
Justin Upton is a prime candidate to be traded, as he is heading towards free agency and the San Diego Padres are not in contention. Upton has had interest from the Mets and he could be an option for a team like the Orioles if they are willing to give up some prospects. The Mariners were supposed to contend and now they are terrible and players like Austin Jackson, Mark Trumbo and Hisashi Iwakuma could be targets. Jackson is heading into free agency along with Iwakuma and it comes as the Mariners have fallen into the bottom of the AL after having playoff expectations.
Hamels is likely getting traded, but the Phillies need to lower their asking price. The Dodgers appear to be the favorites for the deal, as Jon Heyman reports the team is looking into the trade along with the Texas Rangers. The sides have had talks, but LA is unwilling to give up Corey Seager in any deal. The Dodgers can go after Hamels, as they have no problem with his $70 million in guaranteed money. Hamels has sculled as of later and he could be insurance if Zack Greinke opts out of his contract. Cueto is also likely getting traded and he is considered a rental player due to him hitting free agency after the season.
Check here for more on the MLB trade deadline and for updates on the latest trades and deal news.