Major League Baseball is currently gearing up to complete this year's trade deadline. With the MLB trade deadline slated for July 31, there will surely be no shortage of players dealt ahead of the mid-season threshold.
Because (typically) well-regarded teams such as the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs will more than likely be sellers at this year's MLB deadline, things may get interesting in a hurry. On the other hand, there will be a ton of contending teams in the hunt for additional talent as October looms larger and larger as each week of the regular season passes.
As always, premiere MLB pitching will be highly coveted as both starters and relievers should be making moves throughout the American and National Leagues. Not only that, but more than a few big-named hurlers could be on the move before August 1 rolls around as contending teams will soon be on the hunt.
MLB trade deadline candidates:
10. Justin Wilson, LHP, New York Yankees
Despite not having the best year in pinstripes, New York Yankees relief pitcher Justin Wilson could surely provide a contending ball club with a relatively reliable left-handed arm come MLB playoff time. The return on Wilson probably won't be much but if the Yankees are truly selling, New York might as well unload everyone possible. It will be interesting to see which players remain in the Bronx and which player find homes elsewhere in the next few weeks as the Yankees haven't been in this position in about 30 years.
9. Chad Kuhl, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are rebuilding in a big way as the National League Central ballclub is going absolutely nowhere. With that in mind, starting pitcher Chad Kuhl is one of the few players that the Pirates could look to deal this summer in exchange for some MLB prospects with future potential. There are a few other Pirates that could be moves as well, but with starting pitchers currently in such high demand, Kuhl could become a potential piece that Pittsburgh can exchange for future talent.
8. Jordan Lyles, RHP, Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are not a good baseball team and could sell in a major way later this month. If that is the case, look for Texas to try to unload right-hander Jordan Lyles, a player that can still eat up innings at the back of a starting rotation for a contender. Lyles has the ability to both start and come out of the bullpen as needed, which could make him a bit more attractive to other clubs.
7. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers could be primed to part ways with a ton of talent in the coming weeks while right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson could become a sought after commodity with plenty of teams around the league looking to bolster their respective starting MLB rotations. Gibson could be a back-end of the rotation guy for a number of teams that are either injured or preparing for a deep postseason run and require additional depth.
6. Danny Duffy, LHP, Kansas City Royals
A veteran lefty, Kansas City Royals deliver Danny Duffy is almost certainly going to get traded before the month of July comes to an end. The Royals are in last place in the American League Central division and will continue to try to build for the future. With ball clubs throughout MLB gearing up for the postseason — or at least the potential for a run at the postseason — as August begins to loom large, a player like Duffy can come in and make an immediate impact for just about any franchise out there. A veteran hurler with postseason experience, Duffy could do wonders for many teams not just on the field but in the locker room as well — especially later in the season.
5. John Means, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
Currently on the Baltimore Orioles 10-day injured list, it shouldn't be too long before ace John Means making his way back into the starting rotation. However, it will be interesting to see if he ever returns to the Orioles starting rotation as Baltimore is going nowhere fast and could sell in a big way come late July. Means was absolutely dealing prior to going down with an injury while he has been one of the few Orioles to contribute in a positive way this MLB season. Baltimore could still elect to hold onto Means but the American League East ballclub could also take the haul that could come its way in exchange for the southpaw.
4. German Marquez, RHP, Colorado Rockies
After dealing St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado prior to the 2021 campaign, it became inevitably clear that the Colorado Rockies were taking things to another level in terms of the club's ongoing firesale. With All-Star shortstop Trevor Story likely next on the list to depart Colorado, another Rockies All-Star in starting pitcher German Marquez shouldn't be too far behind. There will definitely be suitors for his services, but his career being spent at Coors Field may give clubs some pause — but not enough for him not to move on from the struggling National League West organization.
3. Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Chicago Cubs
Yet another dominant MLB All-Star relief pitcher can give a contending team a major boost midway through the 2021 regular season. Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel could be on the move sooner rather than later. The Cubs will no doubt be sellers in July as the once heralded ball club has seemingly already thrown in the towel on 2021, especially since the franchise has a slew of impending free agents. Kimbrel has a club option attached to his contract for next season, which could entice clubs to make a legitimate case to land him as he could be under control for more than just 2021.
2. Aroldis Chapman, LHP, New York Yankees
Things are not well in the Bronx as the typically competitive New York Yankees have nothing more than a slim chance at reaching the postseason in 2021. Not only that, but the “Bronx Bombers” will more than likely be forced to become sellers ahead of this year's MLB trade deadline as the Yankees just haven't found a groove this time around. If the Yankees indeed clean house, look for teams to begin calling about left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. The All-Star closer has struggled a bit lately but is currently capable of pitching on the biggest stages. Chapman would probably cost quite a bit, though, as he is only in the second-year of a three-year deal with the Yankees.
1. Max Scherzer, RHP, Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer is currently in the midst of the final year of his seven-year, $210 million contract with the club, making his perhaps the most sought after trade target this summer. However, it remains to be seen as to whether or not the Nationals ultimately decide to deal “Mad Max” as Washington technically remains in the thick of the National League East playoff race. As it stands today, the Nationals trail the first place New York Mets by six games, though Washington has been a thorn in the side of several teams as of late. Obviously, Scherzer would provide any contender with a veteran ace that can produce some serious numbers during both the regular and postseason while one would have to infer that the Nationals would rather deal the seasoned hurler to the American League rather than within the National League.
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