As the clock winds down on the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline, general managers across the country are trying to make last minute moves to solidify their postseason aspirations or build for the future. A few substantial moves have already been made - Marcus Stroman was shipped to the Mets, Trevor Bauer was sent packing to the Reds, while Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes are headed to Cleveland - but that is seemingly just the tip of the iceberg. Without an August waiver period like year's past, this trade line could be particularly busy one. Or not.
With roughly half of the teams in Major League Baseball still in the playoff hunt, this season's deadline is looking like a real sellers market. Will that entice a team or two that is "still in the hunt" to make some moves geared toward the future? Will any of the big name players in this year's rumor mill be packing their bags for greener pastures? We'll have our answers by 4 p.m. EDT. Here are the "25 Trade Candidates to Make or Break October."
* Teams featured in BOLD in the "possible suitors" category represent the most likely trade destination for each player.
#25 - #21 - Alex Wood (CIN), Adam Jones (ARI), Dee Gordon (SEA), Hunter Pence (TEX), Tony Watson (SF)
#25. Alex Wood - Alex Wood made his first start of the 2019 season last week and had mixed results. He pitched 4 ⅔ innings, allowing seven hits and two earned runs, while striking out four and walking one. Although Wood may have a little rust to shake off, he did post a 16-3 record in the 2017 season with the Dodgers. Expect somebody to make an offer on the 28 year-old lefty.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Athletics, Padres, Cardinals, Phillies
#24. Adam Jones - It wasn’t long ago that Adam Jones was one of the premiere center fielders in the game of baseball; however, the last few seasons have been tough on the former hero of the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Jones isn’t the player he used to be, but a team in need of some outfield depth could use his bat and leadership.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Braves, Giants, Phillies
#23. Dee Gordon - Gordon is consistently inconsistent. Which isn’t a good recipe for a long term free agent contract, but it could be very lucrative for a two month rental. Somebody may bet on Gordon to go through one of his hot streaks in 2019’s home stretch.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Rays, Giants
#22. Hunter Pence - Just when everybody thought Hunter Pence was all washed up - he returned home to the Dallas/Fort Worth area on a minor league contract - and totally redeemed himself! In 65 games with the Rangers this year, Pence has recorded a stat line of .290/15/50. That’s not bad for a guy who was supposed to be managing his chain of ‘Magic Stores.” Somebody will add Pence to bolster their offense.
Likelihood of Trade: High
Possible Suitors: Phillies, Braves, Rays
#21. Tony Watson - Watson is the kind of left-handed specialist that makes a difference in October. There's a chance the Giants can’t resist the temptation to stockpile some young talent by the bay.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Red Sox, Braves, Nationals, Twins
#20 - #16 - Raisel Iglesias (CIN), Jonathan Villar (BAL), Mike Leake (SEA), Shane Greene (DET), Domingo Santana (SEA)
#20. Raisel Iglesias - The hard-throwing right-hander has been the Reds’ closer for the better part of three seasons; however, this year’s campaign has been a set-back for the Cuban native, as he has posted a 4.40 ERA in 45 innings pitched. Despite Iglesias’ struggles, he will be a hot commodity for teams looking for late inning relief.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors:Red Sox, Dodgers
#19. Jonathan Villar - Villar continues to be a productive Major League baseball player no matter where he suits up. It wasn’t long ago that Villar led the National League in stolen bases with 62 in 2016, and although he doesn’t run quite like he used to, Villar has still managed to hit .263/13/47 with 22 stolen bases this season. The Orioles may not want to part ways with the versatile infielder, but that doesn’t mean the phone won’t be ringing for Villar’s services.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Mets, Cubs, Giants
#18. Mike Leake - The former Arizona State Sun Devil has been consistent throughout his big league career, posting a 102-95 record and 4.04 ERA. It has been more of the same this year for Leake, as he is 9-8 with a 4.25 as a starter for the Mariners. Essentially Leake has been very Leake. But that’s okay, some playoff contender could use a predictable veteran.
Likelihood of Trade: High
Possible Suitors: Athletics, Phillies, Brewers
#17. Shane Greene - In the 2018 season, Greene took his bumps and bruises as the primary closer for the Detroit Tigers. Although the 30-year old right-hander saved 32 games for the Tigers, he did so with a 5.12 ERA, not exactly shutting it down. This year has been another story, as Greene has adapted to his closer role with a 1.18 ERA, 22 saves and an All-Star game nomination.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Braves, Nationals, Red Sox, Dodgers, Athletics
#16. Domingo Santana - At first glance Santana seems to be the perfect weapon for a team looking to add offense at the trade deadline, because the 26-year old outfielder has posted a .273/20/66 stat line. However, Santana also leads the American League with 135 strikeouts and is a below average defender - not the best recipe for postseason success.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Cubs, Cardinals, Braves
#15 - #11 - Lance Lynn (TEX), Felipe Vazquez (PIT), Edwin Diaz (NYM), Alex Colome (CHW), Nick Castellanos (DET)
#15. Lance Lynn - Lynn looked like an athlete on the descent of his career as a member of the Twins last season. However, upon signing a team friendly deal with the Ranges, the veteran right-hander has resurrected his career with an American League best 13 wins, to go along with a respectable 3.83 ERA.
Likelihood of Trade: High
Possible Suitors: Phillies, Brewers, Athletics, Astros
#14. Felipe Vazquez - There has been a lot of speculation that Vazquez is headed to Los Angeles to aid a suspect Dodgers’ bullpen; however, the Pirates are requesting Los Angeles’ #1 prospect - shortstop Gavin Lux - in return. Look for Vazquez to change teams at the deadline, but it won’t be cheap.
Likelihood of Trade: High
Possible Suitors: Dodgers, Red Sox
#13. Edwin Diaz - With the Mets making seemingly everyone outside of Pete Alonso and Jacob DeGrom on their roster available, Diaz, the hard-throwing closer acquired from Seattle in the off-season is one of the most desired targets. If moved to a contending team, Diaz would immediately bolster any bullpen. The Red Sox are a possibility because Diaz has ties to Joey Cora from his time with the Domincan Republic national team; however, it would take a plethora of arms (and legs) to acquire Diaz.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Rays, Padres, Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox
#12. Alex Colome - The White Sox’s closer has been a steady force in his first season on the South Side of Chicago, recording 21 saves, a 2.21 ERA and a mere .76 WHIP. The right-hander could be an instrumental acquisition for a contender. Colome spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rays, including 2017 when he saved an American League best 47 games. Could a return to Tampa Bay be in the works?
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Rays, Braves, Dodgers, Twins
#11. Nick Castellanos - Castellanos is one of the most intriguing bats in this year’s trade deadline rumor mill. Despite hitting in a notorious pitcher’s park, Castellanos has put up some impressive statistics - .273/11/37 - along with an American League best 37 doubles. It’s not all that likely that Castellanos is moved, but he did make some unflattering comments about Comerica park recently, and would be a welcomed addition to any contending roster.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Indians, Braves, Giants
#10 - #6 - Trey Mancini (BAL), Matthew Boyd (DET), Jose Abreu (CHW), Robbie Ray (ARI), Will Smith (SF)
#10. Trey Mancini - The 27-year old outfielder/first baseman has been one of the few bright spots for a rebuilding Baltimore squad, compiling a stat line of .282/24/55 and a career best .878 OPS. It would take an impressive haul for the Orioles to part ways with their best offensive player, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t listen to some offers that could lead to a more promising future at Camden Yards.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Giants, Astros, Rangers, Rays
#9. Matthew Boyd - The Tigers’ left-hander has been a hot commodity this trade season, despite some fairly pedestrian statistics - 6-8, 3.94 ERA. Boyd has never compiled a winning season in his 6 year career; however, he has an impressive WHIP the past two seasons and the pundits believe the change of scenery could equal more wins.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Sutiors: Twins, Red Sox, Braves, Astros
#8. Jose Abreu - It seems like Abreu has been amidst trade speculation for several years now. Has the time finally come for the White Sox to part ways with the Cuban slugger? The 32-year old has put up consistent power numbers in his six seasons with the White Sox, but has never had a chance to participate in the postseason. Imagining Abreu in the Red Sox’s line-up with all of their other weapons is scary.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Red Sox, Twins, Indians
#7. Robbie Ray - Despite a .500 record and their competitive standing in the National League Wild Card race, the Diamondbacks will reportedly be sellers at the trade deadline. Ray would be a stellar acquisition for a team looking to make its mark in October. He sports a solid 9-7 record and 3.91 ERA in 2019, numbers that are indicative of Ray’s consistent production.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Yankees, Astros, Phillies, Brewers
#6. Will Smith - Although San Francisco has been on a tear of late, don’t expect savvy first year GM Farhan Zaidi to sit on his hands in a seller’s market. If he sees an opportunity to unload a few relievers from a loaded bullpen in exchange for some future assets, Zaidi won’t hesitate to make a move. Smith is the best reliever available at the deadline, a “too good to be true” offer might be coming.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Dodgers, Twins, Red Sox
#5. Zach Wheeler - Wheeler is more likely to be traded than Syndergaard because he won’t require a king’s ransom to obtain. With several teams in the mix to acquire Wheeler’s services, the Astros are rumored to be the most realistic destination for the right-handed starting pitcher.
Likelihood of Trade: High
Possible Suitors: Athletics, Astros, Twins, Braves, Brewers, Yankees, Rays
#4. Mike Minor - The Rangers’ ace has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2019 season, putting it all together in his eighth season in the big leagues with an 8-6 record and a 3.00 ERA. It looked like Minor could be part of a Rangers’ postseason push, but those aspirations have dissipated as of late. There’s a decent chance that Minor is dealt, but it won’t be cheap, as the left-hander has an affordable salary with a season left on his contract.
Likelihood of Trade: Moderate
Possible Suitors: Cardinals, Twins, Yankees, Astros, Braves
#3. Madison Bumgarner - Although reports surfaced that the Giants and Astros were in talks regarding a Bumgarner trade, that deal doesn’t look like it’s happening. San Francisco loves their country strong left-hander, and with their recent surge in the wild card standings, it looks like Bumgarner is saddling up for one last hurrah by the bay.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Braves, Twins, Brewers, Astros, Yankees
#2. Zach Grienke - Greinke is a legitimate ace with an impressive track record. Any team would be much improved if they could throw the former Cy Young Award winner out there every fifth day; however, with a 10-4 record and 2.87 ERA this season, it will take more than eating the remains of Greinke’s hefty contract. Maybe if the Yankees offer Clint Frazier and a Brinks Truck?
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Yankees, Phillies, Braves, Red Sox
#1. Noah Syndergaard - When the New York Mets made “Thor” available it undoubtedly sent general managers across Major League Baseball into a frenzy. How do I get my hands on that guy? Well, the answer is you don’t. Not unless, you’re the Astros willing to part ways with Kyle Tucker or the Twins exchanging Byron Buxton. Those seem to be the only players capable of prying Syndergaard from the Mets. No doubt about it, Syndergaard has the potential to change the postseason landscape. However, I don’t see it happening.
Likelihood of Trade: Low
Possible Suitors: Athletics, Angels, Padres, Yankees, Twins, Astros