The MLB trade deadline is getting closer and as teams win or lose over the next two weeks, that could be the difference between being a buyer and a seller and the teams that are most likely to deal away players are over 10 games out of a playoff spot and some include the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.
Overall, the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners are 10 games out and while not all of them will be sellers, there is a good chance that will go down for most of those teams, especially the Cubs and the White Sox, as Matt Garza and Alex Rios are the top names being mentioned. The trades that have already gone down could signal how teams react later down the line, including with the Dodgers, as they are interested in Garza despite already dealing for Ricky Nolasco.
Other deals that have gone down show that the Cubs are willing to move players, as they traded outfielder Scott Hairston to the Washington Nationals and also dealt starting pitcher Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles. The White Sox fit into the same category and Chris Sale could be added to that mix, as reliever Matt Thornton was dealt to the Boston Red Sox already and Jesse Crain could be the next guy to move.
Garza has been rumored most to the Rangers and some prospect names that have come up, according to Fox Sports, including Mike Olt, C.J. Edwards as well as Neil Ramirez. The Rangers should be careful though, as they traded away a superstar in Chris Davis for a relief pitcher two years ago and look how that one turned out. Some of the other big names at the deadline include : Justin Morneau, Phil Hughes, Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez, Alex Rios, Chris Sale as well as Tim Lincecum, Ervin Santana and Chase Headley.
The Yankees could be in the market for Headley depending on what happens with Alex Rodriguez, while Josh Johnson could also be a player that moves. Lincecum is interesting after he threw a no hitter and he has been solid recently, putting up a 3.16 ERA, in 51.1 IP with 42 H, 17 BB, 57 K in his last eight starts. Sale likely won't get dealt since he is young, but the White Sox are so out of it they may just decide to let him go and teams will be interested with his sub-3.00 ERA this season and he could be an ace for almost any team in the league.
Morneau could also be a piece that moves due to how bad the Twins have been and one option could be the Yankees, as Moureau has raked at the Stadium and his career stats of .835 OPS, 211 homers, 1,280 hits and four All-Star appearances is very appealing. The Twins love him after winning MVP, but it might be time to move on as he has $6 million remaining on his 2013 contract and the team has young stars in Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano.
