The MLB trade deadline has some big names on the market, as players like Cole Hamels, Justin Upton, Johnny Cueto, David Price, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Leake and Craig Kimbrel are potential targets and teams like the NY Yankees, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, LA Dodgers, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals could be interested in making deals.
The Dodgers reportedly are looking at Hamels as a trade option, but the team is not looking to deal top prospect Corey Seager. Johnny Cueto and David Price are both heading into free agency next year and the players are considered rentals on the trade market. Justin Upton is also heading towards free agency and all signs point to him getting traded with the San Diego Padres out of contention. The deadline is expected to be active this year with so many rental players heading towards free agency.
The Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and NY Mets all are interested in making moves and it comes after those teams rebuilt for years. The Mets are interested in Ben Zobrist along with the Cubs, while the Astros have reportedly been looking to sign a pitcher. The Tigers are waiting to see if they sell and Price could be the top name to move along with Cespedes, as both are heading into free agency. Price has interest from teams and CBS Chicago reports that the Cubs have looked into Price and could try to make a deal.
Hamels comes in with multiple years left on his deal and that could make him tougher to trade for the Phillies. The team wants a major haul of prospects and teams are not likely to give that up, especially with Hamels scuffling this month. Cueto has had some shoulder issues in the past, but the Reds look like sellers and he could be an option to move along with Mike Leake and Aroldis Chapman. Price is expected to get major money on the market in free agency and he could be like Jon Lester, who was traded to the A's last season to help with the playoffs run and then left in free agency.
Upton is reportedly getting interest from teams, as Fox Sports reports that the Pirates and the Orioles have both looked into the Padres outfielder. Carlos Gomez is also getting attention with the Brewers and teams with outfield needs could go after those players. Zobrist also can play the outfield, but he is versatile enough to play multiple infield positions as well.
The Yankees are looking for more pitching, the Mets need offense, while the Red Sox could be an option for Hamels with their pitching struggles. The Dodgers are also a team to watch, as Zack Greinke can opt out of his deal and he may do so this offseason. That could spark LA to trade for a pitcher like Price or Hamels now.
Check here for more on the MLB trade deadline and updates on the latest developments.
