MLB Trade Rumors: Top 5 Hitters Most Likely On The Move as Trade Deadline Draws Closer
Yesterday, we had a look at the Top 10 pitchers who will be available at the trade deadline. Today, we give the offense its due, as we look at the top hitters on the trade block as we sit six weeks out from the August 3rd deadline.
With the help of Jeff Passan of ESPN, we take a look at the Top 5 position players most likely to be on the move:
- Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants — 90% chance of a trade, per Passan
- Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins — 85%
- Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers — 80%
- Taylor Ward, Baltimore Orioles — 75%
- Christian Walker, Houston Astros — 45%
Arraez was brought in by the Giants on a one-year, $12M deal, with the hope that they'd be in contention. But on an expiring deal, and with the Giants out of it, he is a certainty to be dealt.
"Teams also understand how valuable putting the ball in play can be in the postseason, and nobody is better at that than Arraez, who is going to lead MLB in (lowest) strikeout rate for the fifth consecutive season," writes Passan.
Jeffers is also a near-sure thing to be moved. The Twins' catcher is putting up career-best numbers from a percentage standpoint (he has been out with a fractured hamate bone and is expected back in the next couple of weeks or so).
"Jeffers is randomly having a career year (in a smallish sample) at age 29, but it also is well-timed, as it's his walk year."
As for Torres, the Tigers are likely to be sellers, though "His $22 million contract does the Tigers no favors (in trying to find a taker), but if that's the price for a contract to get someone who reaches base 40% of the time, it's worth it -- even if a team's strength at second relegates Torres to DH duty," writes Passan.
The Orioles thought they were getting Ward this season to help add power for a playoff push. Neither of those things have come to fruition. But Ward has suddenly become an elite leadoff hitter, with a .402 on-base.
"Plenty of teams could use an outfielder, and though Ward won't win a Gold Glove anytime soon, his on-base percentage fits in almost every lineup."
The Astros couldn't have gotten rid of Walker if they tried (and they probably did) this past offseason. But a renaissance season has him as a likely trade candidate.
"Walker should have a robust group of suitors. He has plenty of power. Though he isn't the glovesmith he once was, he still plays a solid first base. And because he has a costly year left on his contract, the acquisition price won't be prohibitive."
There are many others on Passan's hitters' list, but these are the most notable who are likely to be dealt.
Passan doesn't give any of the Giants' trio of expensive players with long-term deals—Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames—much of a chance of getting dealt.
You can find our list of the top 10 pitchers likely to be dealt, here.
