The MLB trade deadline is coming and names like Ben Zobrist, Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir have been getting thrown around with the All-Star break here and teams like the NY Yankees, Mets, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays all could be in the mix to make a big pickup heading into the second half of the season.
Ben Zobrist is one of the top players on the market and he is expected to be traded at the deadline by the Athletics, as they are scuffling in the AL West. According to Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe, there will be plenty of interest in Zobrist, as the Yankees, Mets, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs are potential landing spots for the utility infielder. Zobrist can play nearly any position in the infield and outfield and that makes him an attractive trade option.
Zobrist is heading into free agency and he has five home runs and over 30 RBI in 57 games played. Zobrist has had interest from the Mets, as the New York Post reports that the team is willing to "overpay" for Zobrist this summer at the deadline. The Mets have been terrible offensively and Zobrist can help take some pressure off the infield if he is acquired. The pitchers are also important to watch, as Hamels and Cueto have been getting attention from numerous teams.
Hamels has been struggling over his last few starts and his manager said it may have to do with all the trade talk. Hamels has been on the trading block since last season and now it's looking likely that he will be dealt. The Red Sox were once considered favorites, but they have slipped and teams like the Yankees, Orioles and Blue Jays could be interested.
Hamels has a 3.36 Era this season and a 5-7 record and he is a main target along with Cueto and Mike Leake for the Reds. Joel Sherman of the Post reports that the Yankees, Orioles, Blue Jays and Ranges have all scouted Cueto this season and they could be targets for trades with the Reds. The Yankees do not want to give up top prospects, but since both and Leake are heading into free agency, they could try and hold back to see what the Reds are willing to do to give up Cueto or Leake.
The Yankees are expected to be active at the trade deadline, as the team needs another starting pitcher with the struggles they have had this year. The team has had Masahiro Tanaka dealing with injuries and CC Sabathia has struggled and that makes Hamels and Cueto options along with Mike Leake of the Reds. Other teams in need of starting pitching include the Houston Astros, LA Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees are not limited to pitching though, as they also are reportedly interest in Ben Zobrist, as they have not been getting production up the middle of the infield. The Mets are being pushed by the media, fans and even their manager to make a move as they struggle offensively, while the Nationals, Giants and Orioles are all buyers at the deadline. The playoff standings are fairly close and that could make for some interesting teams getting involved in the market, but the Reds, Athletics and Brewers look like firm sellers right now.
Check here for more on the interest in Zobrist and other targets at the MLB trade deadline.
