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MLB: 5 players who will be traded by the July 31 deadline

By Will Osgood

Mar 21, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13), third baseman Cody Asche (25), second baseman Chase Utley (26) and first baseman Ryan Howard (6) wait during a pitching change against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13), third baseman Cody Asche (25), second baseman Chase Utley (26) and first baseman Ryan Howard (6) wait during a pitching change against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto throws the ball against the San Diego Padres in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto throws the ball against the San Diego Padres in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

SP Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Back to reality. Johnny Cueto is a sure-thing as far as trades come. The Cincinnati Reds currently sit at 29-35 (as of Wednesday afternoon), and are firmly rooted in fourth place in the NL Central. They are not going anywhere this season. Beyond that, rumblings around this time last year spoke to the team not being able to re-sign Cueto after this season.

As likely 2016 free agents go, Cueto figures to be at the top of the list. Put it all together, and it’s nearly impossible to think the Reds hold on to him through the deadline. Frankly they’d be dumb to not trade him.

If, and likely when, he signs with another team this offseason, Cincinnati will get no suitable compensation for him. Even if they get a “sandwich pick” (in between the first and second round of the draft), they’d still be missing out on the potential haul they could get by dealing Cueto by July 31.

Though he is not in the top-10 in pitching WAR as of now, Cueto is still considered one of the most valuable starters in baseball. And he is top-five in one of the more important categories—WHIP, of which his is under 1.00 at 0.949.

He’s also top-10 in strikeouts per walk registered (5.86). His FIP (fielding independent pitching ratio) is actually higher than his ERA, which indicates he’s overachieving slightly. He’s still one of the best pitchers in the game, and likely not signable.

Someone (see: half the league) will want him over the next month, even if he is merely a rental pitcher who starts 11 regular season games for his new team.

If it’s a pitching-starved team who gets him, he could be like Lester and start a key Wild Card playoff game. Many of the same teams who were mentioned as potential suitors for Gray should be considered for Cueto. The Cubs would likely be out, however, as they are not going to want to deal any of their top prospects to a division rival.

The Houston Astros could also be a target for Cueto.

Next: How about a big-name reliever?

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