Potential trade fits for 10 players on the rise

July 24th, 2019

We’re one week away from the Trade Deadline, and while many teams continue to assess their postseason chances, contending general managers are working the phones in an attempt to bolster their rosters for the stretch run.

The players we assumed were locks to be dealt in recent weeks might no longer be on the move (we’re looking at you, ), while others have emerged as more realistic trade candidates.

Here’s a look at 10 players whose trade stock has risen as we inch closer to July 31, and who now look more likely to be traded than they did a few weeks ago.

, LHP, Rangers

The Rangers have been a surprise this season, hanging around the American League Wild Card race in a year most assumed would be a rebuilding year. Minor has been a big part of the team’s success, going 8-5 with a 2.86 ERA in 20 starts. He has a team-friendly contract (he’s owed about $12.7 million through the end of 2020) and would surely bring back a solid return if Texas opts to sell. And given that the Rangers have lost eight straight to fall out of the race, that’s looking more likely.

Potential fits: Braves, Yankees, Brewers

, RHP, Blue Jays

Stroman has been an obvious trade candidate for weeks (months?), but given the Giants’ recent run, which could result in Bumgarner staying in San Francisco, the right-hander has emerged as the best starter available. Stroman – who has a 3.06 ERA in 20 starts and made his first All-Star team this month – is owed about $2.5 million for the rest of this season and is under control next season thanks to a fourth year of arbitration, making him one of the most desirable assets out there.

Potential fits: Yankees, Braves, Astros

, LHP, D-backs

Ray has pitched well this month as his name continues to be mentioned in trade rumors, going 4-0 with a 3.33 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings over four starts. The 27-year-old is owed a little more than $2 million this season, and like many of the other trade candidates, will be arbitration-eligible for the final time this offseason. If Bumgarner stays in San Francisco, Ray will be widely viewed as the best available left-hander on the trade market.

Potential fits: Yankees, Phillies

, RHP, Rangers

Like Minor, Lynn has been a crucial piece of the Rangers’ surprising success. Lynn is in the first year of a three-year, $30 million deal, so although Texas could keep him as a part of its rotation as it moves into a new ballpark next year, his bounceback season following a tough 2018 presents an opportunity for GM Jon Daniels to sell high.

Potential fits: Brewers, Braves

, LHP, Tigers

Boyd had a 2.85 ERA at the end of May, but the 28-year-old has posted a 6.08 ERA in eight starts since the beginning of June. So why has his stock risen? He’s arbitration-eligible for three more seasons, and in this era, controllable starters are always in demand. Boyd has shown enough for a contender to believe he can help down the stretch and be a part of its rotation for the next few years.

Potential fits: Padres, Braves, Brewers

, RHP, Mets

Wheeler’s stock plummeted when he landed on the injured list last week with a shoulder impingement, but he is scheduled to make his return on Friday, giving contenders a chance to watch him pitch five days before the Trade Deadline. Wheeler had a 1.86 ERA in his three starts before July 7, when he allowed six runs over five innings, prior to landing on the IL. The 29-year-old had a huge second-half run last season (9-1, 1.68 ERA in 11 starts after the All-Star break), and a similar two-month stretch would be a boost to any contender’s rotation. He’s owed about $2 million for the rest of the season and is slated to become a free agent this offseason.

Potential fits: Yankees, Red Sox

, RHP, Tigers

Nearly every contender is searching for bullpen help, and Greene is among the top relievers available. The 30-year-old has been superb this season, posting a 1.25 ERA in 36 appearances, though he’s blown his only two save chances this month. Greene is owed about $1.4 million this season and is under control for 2020, so a team on the postseason bubble could acquire him with the knowledge that it would have him next season, too.

Potential fits: Twins, Cubs, Phillies

, RHP, Blue Jays

Giles has had a big season for Toronto, looking like his old self following a tough 2018 campaign. He has a 1.64 ERA in 33 appearances, striking out 57 in 33 innings, but with the Blue Jays going nowhere, he’s a prime trade chip for GM Ross Atkins. Giles is owed about $2.1 million this season and is arbitration-eligible next season, so the Blue Jays should be able to land a good prospect or two in exchange.

Potential fits: Twins, Braves

, RHP, Padres

Three years ago, Yates had a 5.23 ERA in 41 games with the Yankees, then, after being claimed off waivers by the Angels, posted a 3.97 ERA in 62 games before the Padres claimed him in April 2017. Since then he’s been one of the best relievers in the game, with a 1.70 ERA in 106 appearances, including a 1.05 ERA and league-high 31 saves this season. The Padres appear to be among the teams uncertain whether they will buy or sell, and given their desire to contend in 2020, they would likely only deal Yates (who is owed about $1 million for the rest of 2019 and will be arbitration-eligible for the final time this offseason) if they can bring back a solid return. Given the need for relief arms around the league, that may just happen.

Potential fits: Braves, Twins

Castellanos got off to an uninspiring start this season, posting a .268 average and .766 OPS over his first 50 games. He’s rebounded with a .304 average and an .890 OPS in his last 43 games, lifting his trade value. The 27-year-old is due about $3.3 million for the rest of 2019, after which he’ll become a free agent.

Potential fits: Indians, Cubs