As MLB’s Aug. 2 trade deadline approaches, teams around the league will either look to acquire or part ways with their star players in the coming week. As trade discussions continue to heat up between the clubs, here’s a look at the likely buyers, sellers and players to watch on the trade block:
Buyer trade deadline
New York Yankees
Despite acquiring All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, the Bronx Bombers may still be looking to add more talent. The club has recently expressed interest in acquiring great weapons for its rotation and injury-hitting — which has taken a hit since Michael King’s injury — such as pitchers Frankie Montas, Pablo Lopez and David Robertson.
New York Mets
The Yankees’ cross-town rivals will also be in the mix to add more talent in the coming days after acquiring DH Daniel Vogelbach from the Pirates as well as outfielder Tyler Naquin and LHP Phillip Diehl from the Reds. Catcher Wilson Contreras and DH Trey Mancini have emerged as possible lineup upgrades for the Amazins, who will likely shop further for a bullpen arm.
Daniel Vogelbach Getty
Atlanta Braves
As Atlanta continues to chase the Mets in the NL East, they will likely look to bolster their already strong lineup with modest acquisitions, similar to the additions of Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler at the deadline last year. Possible reinforcements could include more pitching depth and a better replacement at second base, currently held by Robinson Cano in place of the injured Ozzie Albies.
Houston Astros
The Astros are heavy favorites to win the AL West, but may feel the need to bulk up their roster to secure a first-round bye over the Yankees in the playoffs. Positions of need may include left-handed reliever, backup catcher and first baseman. Josh Bell has continually emerged as a possible answer to replace struggling Houston first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who owns a .243/.293/.392 slash line this season.
Josh Bell Getty
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis sent shockwaves through MLB last week when they were named the potential favorite to add Juan Soto from rival teams. The club has a wealth of young talent they can use to acquire other impact players — such as a bullpen piece or a rotation arm to replace the recently injured Steven Matz — if a blockbuster deal doesn’t materialize.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners made one of the biggest early hits before the MLB trade deadline, trading for Reds ace Luis Castillo on Friday night. While Seattle will likely hold off on making more significant moves after dealing three of their top five prospects (ranked by MLB Pipeline) to Cincinnati in exchange for Castillo, look for them to add another bat to the offense si, which ranks 23rd in runs scored.
Sellers
Washington Nationals
The Nats boast one of the most desirable trade targets available in superstar Juan Soto, but it remains to be seen if any team will be willing to match the club’s astronomical price tag. Washington could also look to deal their reliable first baseman Josh Bell as well as offload LHP Patrick Corbin’s terrible contract in a deal for Soto.
Los Angeles Angels
Despite boasting two of the sport’s biggest stars in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the struggling Angels are 16 games under .500 after going a league-worst 19-46 in 15 May. Los Angeles is actively listening to inquiries about the latest franchise cornerstone, but could part ways with other arms, including Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Loup and Ryan Tepera.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago is clearly in rebuilding mode as they sit 19 games under .500 and 15.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. The club will likely be willing to part ways with several of its big stars, such as catcher Wilson Contrius, reliever David Robertson, left-hander Drew Smiley and third baseman Patrick Wisdom.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox entered July 10 games over .500, but fell back in the standings thanks to a miserable July. With their playoff hopes quickly fading, the club could look to deal one of their power bats in DH JD Martinez or catcher Christian Vasquez. As for Boston’s cornerstones, infielders Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts are likely to remain in place, with the latter saying Thursday he will not be dealt.
JD Martinez Getty
Miami Marlins
Miami is just a few games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, but they have still expressed a willingness to trade everyone but ace Sandy Alcantara, according to Jon Heyman of the Post . Pablo Lopez heads the pool of available players as a reliable and cheap starting arm, but the club could also look to reliable batsmen Gareth Cooper, Brian Anderson and John Bertie.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers entered the 2022 season with high hopes after signing shortstop Javier Baez in the offseason for $140 million, but they currently hold the third-worst record in the American League at 41-62. Michael Fulmer has pitched well in his new bullpen role and could draw interest, as could fellow pitchers Michael Pineda, Andrew Chaffin and Gregory Soto.
Players to watch
Juan Soto, Nationals
The 23-year-old phenom has been the talk of the league in recent weeks after he turned down a massive 15-year, $440 million offer from Washington. The Padres have emerged as the favorite to land the generational talent, though the Cardinals, Rangers and Dodgers still remain in the hunt.
Juan Soto Getty
Josh Bell, Nationals
While most eyes in Washington will be on Soto, the Nationals will also look to sign Josh Bell for the right price. The 29-year-old currently boasts a .302/.385/.493 slash line and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Willson Contreras, Cubs
Contreras’ time in Chicago appears to be coming to an end as the longtime Cub issued an emotional farewell to the home crowd at Wrigley earlier this week. Both the Mets and Giants have emerged as favorites to get the nod amid poor play from their catchers.
Wilson Contreras Getty
JD Martinez, Red Sox
If the Red Sox are looking to become sellers at the trade deadline, they could start by trading veteran JD Martinez, who has a .288 batting average and nine home runs entering Saturday’s game. The 34-year-old will become a free agent after the 2022 season and could be a rental bat for several teams in need of help at the DH position.
Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Los Angeles has begun looking at possible offers for Ohtani, who joins Soto at the top of the list of top available stars. As of now, however, it appears that an Ohtani-Angels divorce remains unlikely.
Frankie Montas, track and field
With the recent departure of Luis Castillo to Seattle, Frankie Montas now ranks as perhaps the best starter available on the market. The A’s ace has drawn a lot of interest from the Yankees, with the Cardinals additionally keeping an eye on him.
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