MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 candidates with predictions

4. Alex Rios, OF

The dynamic Rios has perpetually struggled to deliver on his once-exorbitant potential, leading to a nomadic Major League career which has seen him spend more time on the trade block than off of it.

Now 33 and playing on an injury-ravaged Texas team, the former first round draft pick has demonstrated just enough life to have teams consider trading for him mid-season for the third time in five years. This year, Rios has just four home runs, which is worrisome considering he plays home games in notoriously offense-friendly Arlington, but his 21 doubles and. 299 average speak to a line drive hitter simply hitting more line drives.

This trend may dovetail nicely with the philosophy of teams looking for a talented player, controlled through 2015, with undeniable plate presence and the ability to have a major impact down the stretch. Rios inspired the Rangers when acquired through waivers from Chicago in August last year, and many clubs, including the Yankees, Giants and Mariners, may be willing to gamble on him providing a similar injection of energy.

PREDICTION: Traded to Mariners for mid-level prospect.

With the strike-flinging Felix Hernandez and sweet-swinging Robinson Cano, Seattle has the makings of a solid team. At 54-51, the M’s have always lagged just a notch below Oakland and Los Angeles in the AL West, but are right in the midst of a hectic Wildcard race.

Whilst the starting rotation, anchored by King Felix and featuring fine cogs like Hisashi Iwakuma and Chris Young, could play-out well in a pitching-rich postseason environment, many fear Seattle needs to pick-up an impact right-handed bat to refine its attack in the season’s final weeks.

Rios, a player of untapped talent who occasionally needs a little cajoling but can be had without delving too far into a teams prospect reserves, is exactly the kind of spark plug Jack Zduriencik would love to add.