MLB Rumors: Top 5 Relievers Who Could Be On The Move

One thing you can always count on at the trade deadline, is a few relievers on the move. Contending teams can never have enough high-leverage bullpen arms. 

With that in mind, let's have a look at five high-end relievers who will be in demand this summer.

1. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates

The 27-year-old Pirates flame-thrower would be the most impactful arm on this list. But likely also the hardest to pry loose. With a 1.33 ERA, 10 saves and a 12.1 K/9, he has several years of team control left, not eligible for arbitration until 2024. It would take a hefty prospect package to get the Pirates to move him.

2. Mark Melancon, Arizona Diamondbacks

The 37-year-old D-Backs closer is not having a stellar season. Yes, he has 11 saves, but that comes with a 6.52 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP. He is striking out a career-low 5.1 batters per nine. It probably wouldn't take a primo package to get him.

3. David Robertson, Chicago Cubs

Another 37-year-old, the longtime former New York Yankee has bounced around the last few years, but he's been rejuvenated with the Cubs this season, sporting a 1.59 ERA with 7 saves, a sparkling 0.97 WHIP, and a dominating 12.7 K/9. The Cubs are in re-tooling mode, and they have some other late-inning options so they can afford to trade him.

4. Michael Fulmer, Detroit Tigers

A former All-Star as a starter, he reinvented himself last season as a top late-inning arm. He's having another very strong season at the back end of the Tigers bullpen, mostly acting as the set-up man for closer Gregory Soto. Detroit isn't making the postseason this year, and could certainly consider dealing him to bring in some futures.

5. Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks

Yet another 37-year-old, he's proven himself as a closer the last few seasons, but this year he's behind Melancon on the closing charts for the D-Backs. Nevertheless, he could be an arm teams look at to help fill the later innings.

Photo Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports