Who is -- and isn't -- untouchable in the AL East

July 26th, 2018

On the table. Off the table. Kicking the tires. All three are frequent phrases as Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline nears.
Every club -- regardless of whether they are buyers or sellers -- has the "untouchable," the guy whom the organization isn't taking calls on (and if it did, the conversation would be, ahem, pretty short.) But there are also some names that may surprise you that could be moved -- and at the very least, discussed -- over the next few days. Here they are.
Blue Jays
Who it is: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Why: Guerrero is arguably the best prospect in all of baseball for a reason, and there's simply no chance the Blue Jays would consider moving him in a deal. The future slugging star likely won't make his Major League debut until April 2019 as Toronto looks to secure an extra year of control, but Guerrero's future is bright and he is expected to be the face of the franchise for a long time. He's as close to untouchable as anybody in the game.

Who it isn't:
Why not: Stroman has just two years of control remaining after this season and the Blue Jays are in the early stages of a rebuild. There likely won't be a window to contend in the near future, which means Stroman could be shopped for prospects. The right-hander won't be dealt at the Deadline because his value took a hit with an early-season shoulder injury, but if he finishes the year strong, that stance should change this offseason. The same thing could be said about , who also has just two years of control remaining.
Orioles
Who it is:
Why: No one is untouchable, or should be, as the Orioles begin a long and painful rebuild. But consider Bundy the best current player the O's want to keep. He's just 25 and is under team control until 2022.

Who it isn't: ,
Why not: There's a plethora of names that could go here, but Schoop and Gausman are two examples of exactly the kind of guys Baltimore needs to listen in on. Schoop can be a free agent at the end of next season while Gausman will hit the market in 2021. Neither are having great years, but their youth, past success and contract status could net the O's a good return.
Rays
Who it is:
Why: Snell has come into his own this season, using four quality pitches to baffle the American League. Not only does the left-hander have quality stuff, but he has matured into a tough competitor who shows some fire and mettle -- qualities that were missing in the past. Just 25, Snell is viewed as an integral part of the team's future.

Who it isn't:Chris Archer
Why not: While his stuff is of the ilk that scouts fall in love with, there are questions about whether Archer will ever turn the corner as a top-of-the-rotation starter. The right-hander has a team-friendly contract ($27.5 million for the next three seasons) and could bring a high yield from a contending team.
Red Sox
Who it is:
Betts is one of the most dynamic players in the game and is under the club's control for two more seasons, and simply isn't going anywhere. If anything, the Red Sox would love to sign the all-around star to a long-term extension.

Who it isn't: Michael Chavis
Why not: Sure, Chavis is ranked the No. 1 prospect in Boston's farm system by MLB Pipeline. But president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has never been shy about dealing prospects. With the Indians recently getting Brad Hand and the Yankees striking for Zach Britton, the pressure is on the Red Sox to find a stud addition for their bullpen. Chavis may be the chip that Dombrowski needs to make it happen.
Yankees
Who it is:
Why: The other 29 teams quickly learned not to waste their breath asking about and in potential trades, and Torres has joined those "Baby Bombers" among the Yanks' untouchables. General manager Brian Cashman recently joked that he couldn't consider trading the potential AL Rookie of the Year -- even in a possible blockbuster -- because "I've got to walk around this town."

Who it isn't:
Why not: Andujar has been an extra-base hit machine since taking over the everyday third-base duties from in April, and the Yankees have been pleased with the rookie's commitment to polishing what had been reputed to be shaky defense. Still, they recognize that Andujar could anchor a trade for a front-line starter, and Drury's presence provides a built-in replacement should that become necessary.