10 under-the-radar hitters to watch at Deadline

June 30th, 2018

When teams look for offensive help, they're looking for J.D. Martinez. Or at least someone just like Martinez.
Martinez did something that non-waiver Trade Deadline acquisitions don't usually do. He joined a team in the middle of a race for a postseason berth and helped push it over the top with 29 home runs in 62 games.
Over the next few weeks, as contenders jockey for Manny Machado, Mike Moustakas, or , they're hoping to get the kind of spark the D-backs got from Martinez in 2017.
Beyond the high-profile names being thrown about, let's check in on 10 players with slightly lower profiles who could nevertheless make a difference:
1. , DH, Rangers
Hey, it's only money -- $21 million for each of the next two seasons. Besides, the Rangers would be happy to pick up a chunk of it for a trade that would help replenish their farm system. There may be a team willing to at least have the conversation with Choo's on-base percentage at .396.
Potential fit: Indians, A's

2. , RF, Tigers
Castellanos' timing couldn't be better. He's having his best season -- 50 doubles and 20 homers are within range -- one year from his walk season. Castellanos has expressed an interest in re-signing with Detroit, but if he could bring a young, controllable asset or two, the right move is to trade him.
Potential fit: Angels, D-backs

3. Scooter Gennett, 2B, Reds
Gennett has followed up a breakthrough season with one in which he's flirting with a batting title and could finish with 40 doubles and 25 home runs. He has improved so much the last two seasons, but not everybody grasps how good he is.
Potential fit: Dodgers, Brewers

4. , 2B, Mets
Cabrera's best seasons have come after his 30th birthday, and he seems on track for 35 doubles and 25 home runs. His value on the market could depend on needs, and second base sometimes isn't a high-priority position.
Potential fit: Dodgers, Brewers

5. , CF, Tigers
Here's to you, Ron Washington. All those hours you spent working with Martin when both of you were with the Rangers have paid off. He has become an impact player at the plate, and especially in center field. Whether it's as a super utility player or an everyday center fielder, Martin seems likely to be an important pickup for some contender.
Potential fit: Giants, Rockies, Dodgers

6. , SS, Rangers
Profar was a top prospect at 17 and in the Majors at 19. Six years later, he has never played well enough to earn a full season of playing time. Profar finally got regular playing time this month, and has responded with a .763 OPS. He fits with a contender as a bench piece, or for a team with some patience, he would have the opportunity to grow into a contributor.
Potential fit: Mets, Royals, Padres, Phillies

7. , RF, Royals
At 26, Soler finally has given everybody a look at the player he was long projected to be. Because he's signed to a reasonable $4.7 million salary for each of the next two seasons, Kansas City may find a contender that sees him as a fit.
Potential fit: D-backs, Rays, Cardinals

8. , 3B. Rays
This season has been about getting back on the field and proving he's healthy. Having done that, it'll be interesting to see what the market is for a third baseman who is above average defensively and hitting over .300. Machado and Moustakas are the most sought after third basemen, but Duffy is an interesting alternative.
Potential fit: Twins, Phillies

9. Corey Dickerson, LF, Pirates
Dickerson's third season (first in Pittsburgh) as a full-time player seems to have settled exactly what he is: first-rate defensive presence, OPS just shy of .800 and capable of producing 35 doubles, 10 home runs and five triples annually. Home runs will be the most sought after thing on the market, but Dickerson, a year from free agency, brings plenty, too.
Potential fits: D-backs, Dodgers, Giants

10. , SS, Tigers
Iglesias is hitting .270 with a .692 OPS. He's also at 2.0 Wins Above Replacement, because he might be the best defensive player in the game, which makes his offensive contributions a bonus. Iglesias will not be the most pursued player at the Trade Deadline, but there's at least one contender for which he would provide a significant upgrade.
Potential fit: Phillies