2022 Top 50 Trade Candidates

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We’re lower than a month from the August 2 commerce deadline, and the outlook for an excellent portion of the league has rounded into focus. MLBTR has compiled its preliminary listing of the highest 50 deadline commerce candidates, a listing that’ll be up to date not less than as soon as as July nears its finish.

As all the time, this listing is loosely ordered when it comes to each probability of being traded and worth to an buying membership. Rental gamers are inherently going to hold much less long-term worth however are usually likelier to be moved by advantage of their impending free company. Some controllable stars behind the listing could be marquee acquisitions if made obtainable, however they’re far much less prone to change groups than anybody within the high 15. There’s an inherent subjectivity in hanging that steadiness, after all.

It’s value mentioning that whereas many groups may be clearly bucketed into “purchaser” or “vendor” already, some membership’s instructions stay topic to how they play over the subsequent few weeks. At the beginning of final July, groups just like the Nationals and Cubs had been shut sufficient to rivalry they weren’t apparent sellers. After a month of poor play, each groups moved loads of high-profile gamers.

The Giants, Mariners, Marlins, Angels, and Rangers are amongst those that discover themselves in that center floor as of right this moment. San Francisco, for instance, has slumped of late and enters play Friday only a recreation above .500. They’re nonetheless solely two out within the Wild Card standings and are coming off a 107-win season, so it’s possible the entrance workplace will attempt to give this core a chance to iron issues out. Ought to they proceed to scuffle over the subsequent three weeks, they could be extra outlined sellers. Seattle, Miami, the Angels and Texas might all discover themselves in place to deal away impending free brokers whereas holding onto or even perhaps including controllable gamers to assist them compete in 2023 and past.

Onto the listing (with all stats not together with tonight’s motion):

1. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs:

Lengthy one of many recreation’s high catchers, Contreras has elevated his offensive output to new heights up to now in 2022. Sporting career-bests in stroll price (11.3%), strikeout price (20.7%) and hard-hit price (50.8%), Contreras is slashing a strong .274/.392/.498 with 13 house runs, 17 doubles and a triple. By measure of wRC+, he’s been 50% higher than a league-average hitter and one of many 15 finest certified hitters in all of MLB. Contreras hasn’t been thought-about an elite defensive catcher in his profession, and his defensive rankings up to now in 2022 are down from their sometimes closer-to-average requirements. He’s at -5 Defensive Runs Saved with a 23% caught-stealing price (just under the 25% common) and sub-par framing marks.

Contreras himself has voiced a want to stay in Chicago, however the Cubs have explored extension parameters previously with no deal coming to fruition. Now this near the open market, Contreras feels all however sure to vary groups between now and Aug. 2, which can formally flip the web page on the 2016 championship core. Trades of frontline catchers throughout a season are uncommon — studying a brand new pitching employees on the fly, midseason, is not any small job — so the Contreras commerce doesn’t have a lot current precedent.

Contractual particulars: $9.6MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

2. Andrew Benintendi, OF, Royals:

The Royals, buried at 20 video games beneath .500 in a comparatively weak division, have been working to maneuver previous their rebuild for 2 years. Benintendi’s very presence on the roster is proof of that, as he was considered one of a number of win-now strikes made by the Kansas Metropolis entrance workplace in recent times. The massive-picture objective hasn’t labored out, however Benintendi’s acquisition has been usually profitable. The previous first-rounder and high prospect plateaued with the Purple Sox in 2019 and cratered in 2020, however he had a strong 2021 season and is within the midst of a superb marketing campaign on the plate. In 336 plate appearances, Benintendi is hitting .316/.387/.404 — about 29% higher than league common, by measure of wRC+. His .363 common on balls in play screams for some regression, however a career-low 13.7% strikeout price and resurgent 10.4% stroll price are each positives in his favor.

Whereas Benintendi is best-suited for left discipline work, he can deal with middle discipline if wanted. His left-handed bat could be a welcome addition to a number of contenders (e.g. Blue Jays, Yankees), and the Royals are slam-dunk sellers who’ve already shipped out one veteran (Carlos Santana). Anticipate Benintendi to be considered one of a number of others they transfer.

Contractual particulars: $8.5MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

3. Josh Bell, 1B/DH, Nationals:

A longtime high prospect whose projected energy didn’t actually manifest in his first few massive league seasons, Bell loved what seemed to be a breakout with the Pirates in 2019 when he belted 37 lengthy balls and ultimately tapped into that home-run pop. Wanting extra intently at that season, nonetheless, Bell limped to the end with a poor second half, and a horrible 2020 exhibiting led to questions on whether or not his first-half surge with Pittsburgh in 2019 was a mirage through the juiced-ball season.

That appeared prefer it is likely to be the case when Bell stumbled out of the gates in 2021 following an offseason commerce to the Nats, however he completely mashed from Might onward and hasn’t stopped up to now in 2022. Bell is hitting .311/.393/.502 this season. Relationship again to Might 1 of the earlier yr, the switch-hitter has a .292/.376/.501 slash in 856 plate appearances. He’s ripped 37 homers, 39 doubles and three triples in that point. Bell has walked at an 11.4% clip in that point, fanned at only a 15.2% tempo and has hit nicely from either side of the plate. Although the playoffs had been out of the query for the Nats earlier than the season even started, the choice to not commerce Bell within the offseason may very well be prudent, as he might need additional raised his inventory within the first three months of play.

Contractual particulars: $10MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

4. Luis Castillo, RHP, Reds:

With a number of of the opposite apparent rotation commerce candidates –together with Castillo’s personal teammate — all of the sudden coping with well being points, Castillo more and more seems just like the crown jewel of not simply the beginning pitching market however maybe the whole commerce market. He was slowed in Spring Coaching by a shoulder concern and missed the primary month of the season whereas successfully going via a Spring Coaching-esque buildup, however Castillo has returned wanting like his sometimes glorious self. By way of 11 begins, he’s sitting on a 3.09 ERA (3.23 FIP, 3.67 SIERA) with a 24.7% strikeout price, an 8.2% stroll price and a 48.3% ground-ball price. His fastball velocity and strikeout price had been down a bit early within the yr as he completed build up on the MLB degree, however since Might 31, Castillo is averaging 97.2 mph on his heater with a 26.2% strikeout price.

Relationship again to Opening Day 2019, Castillo has a 3.55 ERA in 512 1/3 innings and is averaging simply shy of six innings per begin. He throws arduous, misses bats, points walks at a median price and possesses nicely above-average ground-ball tendencies. It is a playoff-caliber starter who’d be a right away improve to any rotation in Main League Baseball. The Reds have balked at buying and selling him previously, however the demand this time round may very well be so nice that they’ll’t resist. Castillo’s commerce worth is at its apex, and that coalesces with an arbitration wage that’ll soar previous $10MM for a Reds staff that has been working to chop payroll since 2020.

Contractual particulars: $7.35MM wage, arb-eligible via 2023 season

5. Frankie Montas, RHP, Athletics:

Up till this week, a spirited debate may very well be had about whether or not Castillo or Montas was the true prize of the beginning pitching market. Some should choose Montas on expertise alone, however he’s lacking his subsequent begin because of shoulder irritation that required a cortisone injection. The A’s haven’t positioned him on the injured listing but, and it’s nonetheless attainable that he might bounce again from the cortisone shot, pitch nicely for his subsequent 5 or so begins and render this shoulder concern a mere blip on the radar. Time will inform, however the present ailment has not less than clouded Montas’ outlook a bit.

Given how the remainder of their offseason went, it was a shock that the A’s didn’t commerce Montas on the heels of an excellent 2021 season during which he pitched to a 3.37 ERA with a 26.6% strikeout price, 7.3% stroll price and 42.8% grounder price in 187 innings. He’s been nearly as good — arguably higher — up to now in 2022. Montas has an 80-game PED suspension as a black mark on his observe report, however that was again in 2019 and he’s been excellent since with out ever failing a check. Since 2019, he has 497 2/3 innings of three.51 ERA ball with comparable velocity and strikeout/stroll charges to these of Castillo. If Montas is wholesome, anticipate him to be moved. The fee-cutting A’s aren’t going to increase him and gained’t get as a lot for one season of him in an offseason commerce as they’d for one-and-a-half seasons previous to the deadline.

Contractual particulars: $5MM wage, arb-eligible via 2023 season

6. Tyler Mahle, RHP, Reds:

Like Castillo and Montas, Mahle is managed cheaply for one more season and a half. In contrast to them, he obtained out to a dismal begin to the 2022 season, yielding 20 earned runs via his first 25 2/3 innings. Since Might 8, Mahle has mirrored his quietly robust 2020-21 kind, nonetheless, notching a 3.51 ERA, 27.6% strikeout price and eight% stroll price in his previous 11 begins. He nonetheless has a methods to go to carry his season ERA again to anticipated ranges — he’s presently at 4.48 — however Mahle owns a 3.94 ERA with spectacular strikeout charges and solely barely below-average command via 320 innings since Opening Day 2020.

It’s not an in depth observe report, however right this moment’s entrance places of work will care much more about what they undertaking Mahle to do via the tip of the 2023 season than about what he did earlier in his profession. And whereas it is a fairly rudimentary cut up, it’s nonetheless noteworthy that Mahle has a 4.90 ERA and 1.71 HR/9 at house over the previous three seasons, in comparison with a 2.93 ERA and 0.52 HR/9 on the street away from his bandbox of a house park.

Sadly for Mahle and the Reds, he landed on the injured listing this week because of what’s being characterised as a minor shoulder pressure. He’s the one injured participant included on this listing, and that’s as a result of Mahle has already mentioned he’ll return proper after the All-Star break. That may give him a number of begins to show his shoulder’s well being, and if he can accomplish that, Mahle might discover himself packing up his locker identical to his teammate, Castillo.

Contractual particulars: $5.2MM wage, arb-eligible via 2023 season

7. Jose Quintana, LHP, Pirates:

An unsurprisingly common identify in early commerce chatter, the 33-year-old Quintana seems an terrible lot just like the 26-year-old model of himself in what’s proving to be a renaissance season. The previous White Sox/Cubs hurler has pitched 81 innings of three.33 ERA ball with above-average command, strong ground-ball tendencies and an solely barely below-average strikeout price. Quintana is averaging simply over 5 innings per begin, however there are many pitching-hungry contenders who’d like to financial institution on 5 to 6 strong innings each fifth day, relatively than questioning which depth arm they’ll carry up from Triple-A or how they’ll navigate yet one more bullpen recreation.

The Pirates signed Quintana with simply this in thoughts, and his $2MM wage is inexpensive for any staff that desires him. The lefty’s 2020-21 seasons had been forgettable, to place factor issues properly, however that is nearly as good as Quintana has appeared since 2016.

Contractual particulars: $2MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

8. David Robertson, RHP, Cubs:

Nearly each contender in baseball will likely be trying to improve its bullpen, and it’s arduous to think about there’s a single such membership that wouldn’t wish to carry Robertson into the fold. The damage bug lastly caught up with the beforehand ultra-durable Robertson in 2019 after he signed a two-year cope with the Phillies. Robertson made 60 or extra appearances and pitched not less than 60 innings in every of the 9 prior seasons, however forearm and elbow troubles ultimately led to Tommy John surgical procedure. Final yr’s return — first within the Olympics with Staff USA after which with the Rays — was strong however unexciting.

The Cubs took a one-year flier on Robertson and should be thrilled to have achieved so. The common 93.5 mph velocity on Robertson’s cutter is the best it’s been since 2011, and he’s saved a dozen video games whereas pitching to a 1.89 ERA via 33 1/3 innings. Robertson’s 11.1% stroll price is just too excessive, however he’s fanned a 3rd of his opponents this season and is sporting a 50.7% ground-ball price — second-best of his prolonged profession. He’s been lights-out this season, and Robertson has extra expertise in postseason play and high-pressure conditions than just about any reliever available on the market.

Contractual particulars: $3.5MM wage (plus one other $750K of incentives remaining to be unlocked), free agent at season’s finish

9. Michael Fulmer, RHP, Tigers:

Very arguably the 1b to Robertson’s 1a amongst this summer season’s class of bullpen leases, Fulmer is in his first full season as a reliever and has dominated in his new position. The 2016 AL Rookie of the 12 months’s profession has been repeatedly set again by accidents, together with Tommy John surgical procedure and an ulnar nerve transposition process, however he’s been wholesome and good in 2022. By way of 31 innings, Fulmer carries a 2.03 ERA with a 25% stroll price towards an admittedly bloated 12.1% stroll price. He’s slowly improved his stroll price over the course of the season after a shaky begin, although, simply as he’s seen his velocity proceed to extend (93.6 mph common via Might 25; 94.6 mph since).

Fulmer, considerably remarkably, has given up only one “barreled” ball this season (as outlined by Statcast), and he’s within the 87th percentile or higher in every of Statcast’s hard-hit price, anticipated batting common, anticipated slugging proportion, anticipated ERA and anticipated wOBA. He’s been working as a setup man to Gregory Soto this season however could be a closing possibility on a number of contenders.

Contractual particulars: $4.95MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

10. Andrew Chafin, LHP, Tigers:

When the Tigers signed Chafin to a two-year contract this winter — the second season of which is a participant possibility — it was with the intent of constructing a robust bullpen for a hopefully aggressive membership. With a complete rotation on the injured listing and sudden struggles on the plate from a number of key members of the lineup, nonetheless, Detroit has solely narrowly managed to keep away from the AL Central cellar. Chafin’s efficiency certainly isn’t accountable.

Although he missed three weeks with a groin pressure again in April, Chafin has been excellent out of AJ Hinch’s bullpen. In 24 2/3 innings, he has a 2.55 ERA with a career-best 30.6% strikeout price towards a better-than-average 7.1% stroll price. His 53.4% ground-ball price is his finest since 2017. He’s been each bit nearly as good towards righties as he has towards lefties. The participant possibility successfully makes Chafin a rental, as a result of until he will get injured, he’s going to say no that assured yr and return to the market seeking one other multi-year deal — which he ought to completely discover. For now, he’s the very best lefty reliever on the commerce market (once more).

Contractual particulars: $5.5MM wage, $6.5MM participant possibility for 2023

11. Trey Mancini, 1B/OF, Orioles:

Mancini’s return from Stage 3 colon most cancers was a feel-good story of triumph that resonated not simply with O’s followers however with all baseball followers. And whereas the slugger had a little bit of a pedestrian exhibiting in final yr’s return from that life-threatening analysis, he’s in higher kind this yr, hitting .288/.355/.426. The facility isn’t what was in 2019 (hey there, juiced ball!), however Mancini is a nicely above-average hitter whose right-handed bat would enhance any lineup, be it at first base, designated hitter or within the outfield corners. (Defensively, he’s best-suited for first base.)

The Orioles are going to take a PR hit once they commerce him, and the transfer gained’t be well-received within the clubhouse. However Baltimore has proven no willingness to spend any long-term cash through the rebuild, and Mancini is a free agent in a number of months. (Technically, he has a mutual possibility, however these are nearly by no means exercised by each events.) The return will in all probability underwhelm followers, as we’re speaking a few rental of a defensively-limited participant, however the O’s ought to nonetheless get a little bit of assist for the farm system at any time when they discover a commerce accomplice.

Contractual particulars: $7.5MM wage, $10MM mutual possibility ($250K buyout) for 2023

12. Martin Perez, LHP, Rangers:

Simply as everybody predicted, Perez ranks second amongst American League pitchers in wins above alternative because the All-Star break attracts nea– wait, what?

Perez’s second stint with the Rangers has been a revelation. He’s boasting career-bests in strikeout price (19.8%, nonetheless under the league common) and stroll price (6.1%, nicely higher than common). His 52.6% grounder price is his finest since 2016. Perez is wildly unlikely to maintain suppressing homers at this price — previously decade, there are solely 4 situations of a starter (min. 100 innings) with a decrease HR/FB than his present 4.4% — however Perez nonetheless seems higher than ever. There’s been hypothesis that Texas might attempt to prolong him.

Contractual particulars: $4MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

13. Brandon Drury, INF/OF, Reds:

Drury would possibly go down as the very best minor league signing of the season. The journeyman infielder/outfielder has been Cincinnati’s finest hitter, slashing .270/.331/.524 with 17 lengthy balls — already a career-high — via 293 plate appearances. He’s performed all 4 infield positions this yr (albeit simply 4 innings at shortstop) and has loads of prior expertise within the outfield corners. Drury is barreling extra balls than ever, isn’t benefiting from a fluky BABIP and is strolling at what could be a full-season career-high of seven.2% (admittedly, nonetheless under common). The facility isn’t solely a product of Nice American Ball Park, both; he’s homered 9 occasions at house and eight on the street. What contender couldn’t use a bat like this — be it as a starter or a closely used utilityman?

Contractual particulars: $900K wage, free agent at season’s finish

14. Matt Moore, LHP, Rangers:

The previous high prospect in baseball hasn’t had the profession anybody envisioned for him on the time, however Moore has discovered a house within the Texas bullpen. After floundering for a number of seasons as a starter following Tommy John surgical procedure, he’s embraced a full-time aid position with a 1.98 ERA, 27% strikeout price and 52.9% grounder price in 36 1/3 frames. He’s strolling method too many hitters (13.8%), however he’s had higher command over the previous month or so.

Contractual particulars: $2.5MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

15. Mychal Givens, RHP, Cubs:

The Cubs will not be good general, however their short-term veterans will maintain loads of enchantment to different groups — and Givens is not any exception. The 32-year-old is doing what he does yearly… which is to say he’s posting a robust ERA (3.24) with loads of strikeouts (29.2%) and much too many walks (11.1%). Givens’ common fastball has dipped from 95 mph in 2021 to 93.8 mph in 2022, which may very well be a slight concern, however he’s pitching to his observe report. An affordable, skilled setup man should land with a contender earlier than too lengthy, as soon as the Cubs start buying their commerce chips in earnest.

Contractual particulars: $3.5MM wage, 2023 mutual possibility ($1.5MM buyout)

16. David Peralta, OF, D-backs:

Talking of observe information, Peralta has bounced again from the lone below-average season of his profession on the plate (2021) to put up a .250/.318/.470 line with 11 homers in 258 plate appearances this season. The left-handed-hitting Peralta has enormous platoon splits all through his profession, and that’s once more the case in 2022 (.121/.256/.212 in 39 PAs towards lefties). On the flipside, Peralta hits right-handers fairly nicely and ranks as a strong defender in both outfield nook. The D-backs appear prepared to commerce some outfielders, and there’s a wave of younger expertise respiration down Peralta’s neck.

Contractual particulars: $7.5MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

17. Chad Kuhl, RHP, Rockies:

The signing of Kuhl couldn’t have gone a lot better for the Rockies up to now, because the longtime Pirates righty has pitched to a 3.83 ERA in 82 1/3 frames. That’s already the second-highest innings whole of the oft-injured Kuhl’s profession, although, and his sometimes unexciting Ok-BB% is as soon as once more relatively lackluster (16.9% strikeout price, 8.6% stroll price). That mentioned, that is Kuhl’s lowest stroll price since his rookie effort in 2016, and the righty can also be limiting homers at the very best price of his profession. Had been it not for the Rockies’ historical past of weird deadline selections, Kuhl would in all probability rank greater. Nevertheless, the Rockies repeatedly delude themselves into considering they’re a pair breaks from contending and have repeatedly eschewed buying and selling productive veterans even in in any other case misplaced seasons (see: Jon Gray and Trevor Story simply final yr). The Rox would possibly simply maintain onto Kuhl, and I wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they appeared into an extension.

Contractual particulars: $3MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

18. Jordan Lyles, RHP, Orioles:

Lyles surprisingly obtained the biggest contract given out by the Orioles beneath GM Mike Elias, though the truth that mentioned contract contained only a $7MM assure speaks to the aggressive nature of Baltimore’s tanking through the present rebuild. Lyles was signed to eat innings and has achieved that capably, pitching 92 frames with a 4.70 ERA. His capacity to take in these innings is likely to be extra worthwhile to the Orioles than to a contending membership, however Lyles has been moved on the deadline a number of occasions previously.

Contractual particulars: $5.5MM wage, $11MM membership possibility for 2023 ($1MM buyout)

19. Miguel Andujar, INF/OF, Yankees:

Andujar, the American League Rookie of the 12 months runner-up in 2018, missed practically all of 2019 because of shoulder surgical procedure and has been an afterthought within the Yankees group since. He retains hitting in Triple-A — .316/.362/.485 in 185 PAs this yr — and the Yankees maintain discovering causes to maintain him in Scranton. Andujar has diversified his defensive talent set, spending time in left discipline and at first base, however it doesn’t look like he’ll get an actual likelihood with the Yankees anytime quickly. He reportedly requested for a commerce following a current demotion.

Contractual particulars: $1.3MM wage, arb-eligible via not less than 2024 (presumably 2025, relying on how a lot time he spends in Triple-A)

20. Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, Mets:

Smith was one of many NL’s finest hitters in 2019-20 when he slashed .299/.366/.571 with 21 homers in 396 PAs. He cratered in 2021 with a .244/.304/.363 exhibiting, although Smith revealed this spring that he performed via a small tear in his shoulder final yr. The 27-year-old was the odd man out following a busy offseason of acquisitions, remaining on the roster regardless of no actual path to even semi-regular at-bats. He obtained 101 PAs in just below two months, hit .186/.287/.256 in that point, and was optioned to Triple-A in late Might. Smith hit .266/.347/.438 in 15 video games with Syracuse and is hitting .333/.333/.556 in 27 PAs since being recalled. The logjam nonetheless exists, and upon being requested previously, Smith has candidly mentioned he’d choose to play on a regular basis, even when it meant a commerce.

Contractual standing: $3.95MM wage, arb-eligible via 2024

21. Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Angels:

Though the 29-year-old Syndergaard hasn’t in any respect resembled the flamethrowing strikeout machine was early in his profession — this yr’s common fastball velocity of 94.6 mph is down a whopping 5 miles from its 99.6 mph peak in 2017 — he’s nonetheless been a strong member of the Anaheim rotation. By way of 13 begins, “Thor” has logged 70 1/3 innings of three.84 ERA ball with a career-low 18.8% strikeout price however a 5.5% stroll price that’s according to his excellent profession ranges. The wage is relatively steep for this model of Syndergaard, but when the Angels can’t flip issues round, he might nonetheless assist a contender’s rotation — and the Angels might improve their return by masking among the invoice.

Contractual standing: $21MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

22: Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies:

Three years into some of the inconceivable comebacks in current reminiscence, the 37-year-old Bard seems higher than he has since 2010. Somewhat extremely averaging a career-high 98.3 mph on his heater, Bard has punched out 29.5% of his opponents and saved 16 video games whereas notching a 2.35 ERA via 30 2/3 innings. His 12.4% stroll price is way too excessive, however Bard can also be sporting a career-best 55.6% grounder price, serving to him to each mitigate some injury from these free passes and maintain the ball within the yard. Even with some regression to be anticipated — Bard’s .229 BABIP and 82.3% left-on-base price are each unlikely to be sustained — he nonetheless seems like a strong late-inning energy arm.

Contractual standing: $4.4MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

23. Ian Happ, OF, Cubs:

A profession that has been punctuated by inconsistency and lofty strikeout totals has begun to take a flip for the higher. Happ has all the time been productive on the plate even despite penchant for punchouts, thanks largely to nicely above-average energy and excessive stroll charges. In 2022, nonetheless, he’s begun to maneuver away from the three-true-outcome mould, decreasing his strikeout price to a 20.7% mark that sits practically 9 proportion factors shy of final yr’s 29.2% mark (and even additional under the 30.8% price he took into the 2022 season). Happ continues to be hitting for some energy (eight homers, .175 ISO), and his .279/.377/.454 batting line is 31% higher than league common, per wRC+.

A switch-hitter, Happ has been much better from the left facet of the plate however is above-average even from his “weaker” facet. He can play an above-average left discipline, deal with middle or second base if wanted, and is batting .282/.371/.506 courting again to Aug. 1, 2021 (552 PAs). The Cubs don’t have to commerce Happ, however his worth is at its peak.

Contractual standing: $6.85MM wage, arb-eligible via 2023

24. Whit Merrifield, 2B/OF, Royals:

Merrifield’s identify has been in commerce rumors without end, and whereas GM-turned-president-of-baseball-ops Dayton Moore has expressly acknowledged previously that Merrifield is off limits, Kansas Metropolis is reportedly extra open to a deal in 2022 than at any level previously. In fact, Merrifield’s peak worth seems to have handed. Whereas he’s managed into subsequent season, the two-time AL hits chief and three-time AL stolen base chief is hitting simply .236/.288/.322 in 365 PAs this season. Merrifield’s observe report is outstanding, however that is the worst season of his profession to this point. His exit velocity, hard-hit price, strikeout price and stroll price are nonetheless according to his halcyon days, however Merrifield is hitting fewer line drives and extra innocent flies than ever earlier than.

Contractual particulars: $7MM wage, $2.75MM in 2023 (plus $4MM of bonuses/escalators), $18MM mutual possibility for 2024 ($500K buyout)

25. Nelson Cruz, DH, Nationals:

Cruz has been the gold normal for designated hitters for upwards of a decade, however the 41-year-old slugger is lastly exhibiting his age a bit in 2022. He’s posted a .288/.364/.445 slash in 215 plate appearances since a depressing begin to the season, however Cruz’s general .239/.321/.365 is noticeably under common. He’s nonetheless hitting the snot out of the ball, evidenced by a 90.9 mph common exit velocity and 48.1% hard-hit price, however method too a lot of these well-struck balls are on the bottom; Cruz’s 50.5% ground-ball price is way and away the worst of his profession. If he can get again to elevating the ball, his bat may very well be a game-changer, however that’s an costly gamble.

Contractual particulars: $12MM wage, $16MM mutual possibility ($3MM buyout)

26. Steve Cishek, RHP, Nationals:

At 36 years of age, the veteran sidearmer isn’t going to wow groups along with his upside. That mentioned, Cishek has lengthy been a reliable center reliever or setup man who can miss bats and overwhelm righty opponents (profession .210/.280/.306 batting line). He’s inexpensive for any staff, and this yr’s 24.2% strikeout price is his finest since 2018. Cishek’s 4.60 ERA isn’t fairly, but when his uncharacteristic 16.1% homer-to-flyball ratio regresses towards his profession ranges (8%), he’s a strong bullpen arm.

Contractual particulars: $1.75MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

27. Alex Colome, RHP, Rockies:

The 33-year-old’s strikeout price (15.7%) is at an all-time low, however his 53.9% grounder price is a career-high. Colome was by no means going to repeat the two.27 ERA he notched in two seasons with the ChiSox, when his BABIP was a minuscule .211. That mentioned, he throws pretty arduous, retains the ball on the bottom and points walks at a below-average clip. He’s miscast as a high-leverage reliever, however Colome is an honest middle-relief arm.

Contractual particulars: $4.15MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

28. Tyler Naquin, OF, Reds:

A former first-rounder who by no means developed because the group hoped in Cleveland, Naquin was non-tendered and signed with the cross-state Reds, solely to take pleasure in a few of his best massive league work thus far. He can’t hit lefties in any respect, however Naquin’s lefty bat has produced a .281/.341/.511 batting line towards lefties since Opening Day 2021. He’s a high-quality nook outfielder who can deal with middle in a pinch, and groups in search of lefty sticks within the outfield ought to be intrigued by Naquin’s platoon manufacturing.

Contractual particulars: $4.025MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

29. Tommy Pham OF, Reds:

Pham began the season 1-for-26 — such a brutal funk that the most typical query requested in weekly chats for a pair weeks was, “When will the Reds launch Tommy Pham?” In 275 plate appearances since, Pham is hitting .271/.353/.450 with 11 homers and 10 doubles. Not solely is Pham not getting reduce — he might web the Reds a prospect from a staff needing nook outfield assist.

Contractual particulars: $6MM wage, $6MM mutual possibility for 2023 ($1.5MM buyout)

30. Donovan Solano, INF, Reds:

Let the run of Reds leases proceed! The 34-year-old Solano has barely performed this season, however he hit .308/.354/.435 in 775 plate appearances with the Giants from 2019-21. The commerce market is perilously skinny on infield choices, and “Donnie Barrels” provides infield-needy groups a veteran hitter who’s had one thing of a breakout on the dish since Opening Day 2019.

Contractual particulars: $4.5MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

31. Ramon Laureano, OF, Athletics:

There aren’t many middle fielders who might hit the commerce market, however Laureano is an exception. With the A’s tearing down and rebuilding at a time when Laureano’s wage is climbing in arbitration, he’s an intriguing, controllable possibility who supplies worth each on the plate and with the glove. Laureano does have a current PED suspension on his observe report, which can give groups some pause. Then once more, he’s hitting .246/.341/.406 (122 wRC+) with six homers and eight steals since returning earlier this yr. An added wrinkle to that PED suspension is that Laureano missed sufficient time that he gained’t be capable of accrue the service time he must cross from three to 4 years in 2022. In different phrases, it pushed his free company again by a full yr, that means Laureano continues to be controllable for 3 years after the present season. As such, the worth will likely be steep — however a profession .261/.336/.457 hitter in middle would match a number of golf equipment properly.

Contractual particulars: $2MM wage, arb-eligible via 2025

32. Jorge Lopez, RHP, Orioles:

MLBTR wrote about Lopez at length final week, and he subsequently had three poor outings (sorry, Jorge!). That’s unlikely to tarnish his commerce worth a lot, although, as Lopez continues to be brandishing a scintillating sinker and dominant curveball which have led to a plus strikeout price and elite ground-ball price as he’s emerged as Baltimore’s nearer. The previous second-round decide and high prospect is lastly tapping into that potential, and his post-hype Baltimore breakout might give GM Mike Elias some of the coveted bullpen arms available on the market.

Contractual particulars: $1.5MM wage, arb-eligible via 2024

33. Joe Mantiply, LHP, D-backs:

Thrice drafted as an novice — by no means greater than the twenty seventh spherical — Mantiply bounced across the league on a sequence of waiver claims and minor league offers earlier than ultimately touchdown in Arizona and establishing himself as a high quality reliever. He’s pitched 72 2/3 innings of two.72 ERA ball courting again to 2021, and he’s presently boasting a ridiculous 34-to-1 Ok/BB ratio up to now within the 2022 season. Mantiply doesn’t throw arduous, however he retains the ball on the bottom and has among the finest command you’ll discover in a reliever. He’s a late bloomer at 31 years of age, and with 4 seasons of management remaining past the present marketing campaign, the Snakes don’t want to maneuver him. There aren’t many lefties available on the market although, and there’s a “discovered cash” component to catching lightning in a bottle like this which may tempt GM Mike Hazen.

Contractual particulars: Pre-arbitration, controllable via 2026

34. Joe Jimenez, RHP, Tigers:

Lengthy regarded a attainable closer-in-waiting, Jimenez has had an inconsistent profession arc in Detroit. He’s all the time thrown arduous and missed bats, however points with walks and residential runs typically led to ugly ERA totals. He’s gotten issues beneath management this season, nonetheless, posting a career-best 3.16 ERA via 31 1/3 innings. Jimenez has struck out 32% of opponents, has a personal-low stroll price (5.6%) and he’s inexpensive sufficient to enchantment to just about any contender. With a further season of management past this yr, the Tigers don’t should make a transfer on Jimenez. His commerce worth won’t ever be greater than it’s this summer season, and his profession volatility may lead GM Al Avila and his employees to grab the chance.

Contractual particulars: $1.79MM wage, arb-eligible via 2023

35. Lou Trivino, RHP, Athletics:

Many followers will take a look at Trivino’s ghastly 6.94 ERA this season and rule him out as a viable commerce candidate. It’s definitely an eyesore, and the A’s would in all probability recoup much less for him this summer season than they may’ve final offseason because of this. There’s sufficient promising in his underlying numbers that some golf equipment would nonetheless take a shot on his rounding into kind.

Trivino has a career-best 29.7% strikeout price. He’s inducing grounders and whiffs at barely above-average clips. Trivino has given up loads of arduous contact this season, however he’ll definitely not proceed to look at practically half the balls in play towards him drop for hits. He has a usually strong observe report, notably towards right-handed batters. He’s labored in late-game conditions for the previous few years, together with a run as Oakland’s nearer. The A’s definitely aren’t going to take him off the desk given their aggressive window. There’s an excellent likelihood he nonetheless goes this summer season, ugly ERA however.

Contractual particulars: $3MM wage, arb-eligible via 2024

36. Anthony Bass, RHP, Marlins:

Bass isn’t essentially the most thrilling reliever round, however he’s been a usually efficient center innings arm over greater than a decade within the massive leagues. He’s a dependable strike-thrower and has had a succesful two-year run in Miami. He’s given the Marlins 33 2/3 innings of 1.60 ERA ball this season, and whereas he’s unlikely to proceed pitching at that degree, he’d be a well-rounded veteran bullpen presence. Miami’s current strong run has pulled them again to inside 4 video games of a Wild Card spot, however short-term veterans like Bass might come obtainable if the membership scuffles over the subsequent few weeks.

Contractual particulars: $3MM wage, $3MM membership possibility for 2023

37. Blake Snell, LHP, Padres:

The Padres would solely transfer Snell as a way of creatively liberating some payroll room for additions elsewhere on the roster. They’re proper up towards the bottom luxurious tax threshold and loath to exceed it, however they’re anticipated to gauge the marketplace for outfield assist. Shifting Snell, who’s taking part in on a $13.1MM wage however has a extra significant $10MM CBT hit for the Friars, might clear some respiration area to tackle wage in a subsequent commerce.

Snell gained’t have enormous surplus worth after an up-and-down yr and a half in San Diego. He struggled mightily early in his Padres tenure, then appeared the ace the membership believed they had been buying within the second half. After beginning this season on the injured listing, he’s had erratic management and posted an ERA above 5.00, however few beginning pitchers throw as arduous or miss as many bats. There may very well be a buy-low alternative for one more staff if the Padres are comfy sufficient with their rotation depth to half with Snell.

Contractual particulars: $13.1MM wage, beneath contract for $16.6MM in 2023

38. Mike Clevinger, RHP, Padres:

If the Padres are reluctant to half with Snell, who’s beneath contract for subsequent season, they may view Clevinger as a substitute. He’s considered one of 4 potential impending free brokers within the rotation. Making simply $8MM with a $5.75MM CBT hit this season, Clevinger wouldn’t clear as a lot room towards the tax. But that affordability also needs to make it simpler to discover a taker for him than it’d be to maneuver Snell, and San Diego has loads of beginning pitching for the stretch run. Clevinger missed all of final season recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure, however he’s returned with a 3.34 ERA and barely above-average strikeout and stroll numbers via his first 9 begins of the yr.

Contractual particulars: $8MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

39. Joey Gallo, OF, Yankees:

One of many Yankees’ massive ticket acquisitions final summer season, Gallo’s 12 months within the Bronx has been a disappointment. He has a .162/.294/.369 line in 462 plate appearances for the reason that commerce, hanging out in just below 40% of his journeys. He’s a high quality defensive nook outfielder and baserunner, and his enormous energy potential permits him to hold a lineup when he’s on. All that mentioned, there’s no sugarcoating how misplaced he’s appeared on the plate for just about the whole lot of his time in pinstripes.

The Yankees would definitely be promoting low had been they to maneuver Gallo on the deadline. They gained’t fetch a robust prospect return, and transferring him for little greater than wage aid would sensible after they despatched 5 prospects to land him final summer season. He’s not carried out wherever close to the extent the membership had envisioned, although, and so they’ve already begun to discover the marketplace for attainable outfield upgrades. It could simply be time for a change of surroundings.

Contractual particulars: $10.275MM wage, free agent at season’s finish

40. Michael A. Taylor, OF, Royals:

MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald recently covered Taylor’s commerce candidacy at size. A Gold Glove caliber middle fielder, Taylor’s hitting at a career-best .265/.345/.388 degree whereas slicing again on strikeouts which have some lengthy given him hassle. In what may very well be a really sparse marketplace for true middle fielders, there’s first rate enchantment for contenders in search of assist on the place. Taylor is beneath contact for $4.5MM subsequent season, so the Royals don’t should deal him. With no hope of competing this season, this will likely be their finest likelihood to recoup an honest prospect return although.

Contractual particulars: $4.5MM wage, beneath contract for $4.5MM in 2023

41. Sean Murphy, C, Athletics:

As with Laureano, the worth to get the A’s to drag the set off on Murphy will likely be hefty. A franchise catcher controllable for 3 and a half seasons, he might definitely stick round within the Bay Space. He’s headed into his first season of arbitration eligibility on the finish of the yr, and Oakland’s acquisition of high catching prospect Shea Langeliers within the Matt Olson commerce might enhance their willingness to deal Murphy.

If he’s obtainable, the 27-year-old would discover loads of demand. His .225/.294/.397 line doesn’t appear to be a lot at first look, however it’s higher than the .223/.292/.363 league mark for catchers. The higher enchantment is what Murphy presents behind the plate. Proprietor of an elite arm and persistently robust pitch framing numbers, he’s simply a plus defender.

Contractual particulars: Pre-arbitration, controllable via 2025

42. Anthony Santander, OF, Orioles:

Santander is having a pleasant first half, drawing walks at a career-best price en path to a .239/.323/.425 line. A switch-hitter with energy from either side of the plate, he’s a wise goal for golf equipment wanting so as to add some offense to the nook outfield. Santander’s .261/.315/.575 exhibiting through the shortened 2020 season seems like an outlier. The O’s aren’t prone to see him as an untouchable member of the long-term core, however he’s an above-average hitter controllable for the subsequent two and a half seasons.

Contractual particulars: $3.15MM wage, arbitration-eligible via 2024

43. Brad Keller, RHP, Royals:

Keller’s a usually low-variance back-end starter. The Royals nabbed him within the Rule 5 draft a number of years in the past, and so they’ve been rewarded with sturdiness and succesful if not overwhelming innings. Keller doesn’t miss many bats, however he throws a good variety of strikes and racks up ground-balls. After an outlier 5.39 ERA final season, he’s bounced again with a 4.37 mark via 16 begins. Like Merrifield and Taylor, he’s controllable via 2023 however might transfer if Kansas Metropolis considers a extra drastic roster shakeup.

Contractual particulars: $4.825MM wage, arbitration-eligible via 2023

44. Madison Bumgarner, LHP, D-backs:

The D-Backs would certainly love the chance to get out from the ultimate two and a half seasons of Bumgarner’s contract. The five-year, $85MM funding was a major gamble for the low-payroll membership, one which hasn’t paid off. Bumgarner noticed his velocity and strikeout numbers tumble via his first two seasons within the desert, however he’s seen his fastball climb again to the degrees he reached late throughout his time with the Giants.

Bumgarner throws loads of strikes and earned a popularity as a postseason warrior in main San Francisco to a title in 2014. That mystique paired with a modest bounceback (3.74 ERA via 17 begins) may lead a contender to kick the tires on bringing him in. Would anybody be prepared to take sufficient of the remaining wage to make it worthwhile for Arizona?

Contractual particulars: $23MM wage, beneath contract for $23MM in 2023 and $14MM in 2024 (deal contains deferrals)

45. Pablo Lopez, RHP, Marlins:

Lopez would draw loads of curiosity if the Marlins made him obtainable. Controllable for 2 and a half seasons and solely 26 years previous, he’d fairly possible carry again the strongest return bundle of any pitcher dealt this summer season. Lopez has a 2.97 ERA throughout 16 begins and has posted top-of-the-rotation manufacturing since a 2020 breakout. Miami was reportedly reticent to deal the righty even once they had been pretty far again within the standings a number of weeks in the past. It’s even tougher to see them doing so now that they’ve pulled again inside 4 video games of a Wild Card spot.

Contractual particulars: $2.45MM wage, arbitration-eligible via 2024

46. Paul Blackburn, RHP, Athletics:

Blackburn has given the A’s 16 begins of two.90 ERA this yr, a stunning breakout marketing campaign. He’s not a strikeout artist, however he’s lengthy had plus management and ground-ball numbers and he’s working with career-best velocity (91.8 MPH on common) on his sinker this season. He gained’t attain arbitration-eligibility till after the season and may cling round for 3 extra years. The A’s gained’t be in any rush to maneuver him, however maybe his breakout first half positions them to promote excessive on a pitcher who cleared waivers a season in the past.

Contractual particulars: pre-arbitration, controllable via 2025

47. Austin Hays, OF, Orioles:

A former high prospect, Hays has been a strong on a regular basis left fielder for a number of seasons. He’s taken his recreation up a notch this yr, hitting .264/.322/.448 and a personal-best arduous contact price. Set to achieve arbitration for the primary time subsequent winter and controllable for 3 and a half seasons, there’s no urgency for the Orioles to drive a deal. They’ll possible take heed to presents as a matter of due diligence, however Hays is the sort of participant they’re hoping to construct round as they lastly transfer in direction of the tip of their rebuild.

Contractual particulars pre-arbitration, controllable via 2025

48. Cedric Mullins, OF, Orioles:

It’s an nearly equivalent scenario for Hays’ outfield mate. Mullins wasn’t a high prospect however broke via emphatically in 2021, eclipsing 30 homers and steals apiece whereas incomes some down-ballot MVP votes. He’s not taking part in at that degree this season, however he has barely above-average offensive marks and is regarded by most public metrics as a plus defensive middle fielder. He’d carry again an enormous return, however with three and a half seasons of remaining management himself, it’s unlikely the Orioles make a transfer.

Contractual particulars pre-arbitration, controllable via 2025

49. Bryan Reynolds, OF, Pirates:

Reynolds is roughly the Pirates’ equal of Mullins. Reynolds is the superior hitter however in all probability not the identical caliber of defender. Nonetheless, he’s likewise a franchise middle fielder who cemented himself as a star final yr and has three-plus seasons of remaining management. Pittsburgh, like Baltimore, is slowly transferring away from a rebuild and has set a mammoth asking value on Reynolds previously. That’s unlikely to vary this summer season, and whereas he’ll once more draw loads of calls from contenders, it’s arduous to see a deal coming collectively.

Contractual particulars: $6.75MM salaries from 2022-23, arbitration-eligible via 2025

50. David Bednar, RP, Pirates:

Bednar comes with an excellent longer window of membership management than Reynolds, as he may be saved round via 2026. The massive right-hander has damaged out as Pittsburgh’s nearer since being acquired over the 2020-21 offseason. He owns a 2.26 ERA whereas holding opponents to a .187/.255/.321 line in simply shy of 100 frames over the previous yr and a half. He’s already 27 and aid pitching’s risky sufficient the Bucs would in all probability take heed to presents, however it’d take an enormous haul to encourage them to drag the set off on a deal.

Contractual particulars: pre-arbitration, controllable via 2026

Underwater Contracts for Potential Wage Dumps:

Eric Hosmer, 1B, Padres: $20.625MM wage in 2022, $13.625MM salaries from 2023-25
Wil Myers, OF, Padres: $22.5MM wage in 2022, $20MM membership possibility ($1MM buyout) for 2023
Jason Heyward, Cubs: $22MM wage in 2022-23

Others of Be aware

Tigers: Robbie Grossman, Jonathan Schoop, Tucker Barnhart, Michael Pineda

Royals: Hunter Dozier, Arodys Vizcaino, Zack Greinke

Athletics: Tony Kemp, Jed Lowrie, Elvis Andrus, Stephen Piscotty, Stephen Vogt

Angels: Michael Lorenzen*, Kurt Suzuki, Matt Duffy

Rays: Matt Wisler

Twins: Miguel Sano

Rangers: Garrett Richards, Charlie Culberson, Kole Calhoun, Brad Miller

Yankees: Aaron Hicks, Aroldis Chapman

D-backs: Christian Walker, Jordan Luplow, Mark Melancon, Noe Ramirez, Caleb Smith, Ian Kennedy*, Zach Davies*

Braves: Adam Duvall

Cubs: Andrelton Simmons, Marcus Stroman*, Kyle Hendricks*, Daniel Norris, Drew Smyly*, Wade Miley*