MLB Trade Deadline: 15 biggest names on the market

Even with only a few teams selling, some big names could be on the move at the 2016 MLB Trade Deadline

One of the most exciting stretches of any baseball regular season is nearly upon us, as the 2016 MLB Trade Deadline is right around the corner.

Teams around baseball will be able to make deals up until 4:00 p.m. Eastern on August 1, one day later than in past seasons. While some things will change over the next month plus, pennant races have already started to develop, which will determine each club’s strategy at the deadline.

Quite a few teams are rebuilding in the National League, with the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds emerging as some of the certain sellers next month. Things are a little more complicated in the American League, as several teams are bunched up in the Wild Card race. The most interesting team to watch will be the New York Yankees, who almost never rebuild but have some great trade chips and an uphill battle to make the postseason.

Ever since the second Wild Card was implemented in 2012, teams have been generally more hesitant to sell, as most clubs still feel they have a chance to make the postseason. That’s true again this year, and many of the bottom teams in the league are already in the process of a long rebuild and don’t have much else to offer.

Given the lack of starting pitching available both at this deadline and during the upcoming free agency period, the likes of Julio Teheran and Sonny Gray will be in high demand. Some unexpected starters could also be on the move, as teams desperate for pitching help may be willing to pay exorbitant prices.

One important piece has already moved, as the Padres dealt starting pitcher James Shields to the Chicago White Sox earlier in the month. While this deadline isn’t shaping up to be quite as wild as usual, some big names will still likely be with new clubs come August 1.

Next: 15. Matt Kemp, OF, San Diego Padres