MLB Trade Deadline: 5 teams that could shape the trade market

Cincinnati Reds

Even if Hamels moves, Johnny Cueto could still be the most prized starter available on the market this summer. The Reds ace is only 4-4 on the season, but owns a sparkling 2.98 ERA, a 3.27 FIP, and an absurd 5.38 K/BB ratio. All said and done, Cueto is the most heavily scouted arm out there.

However, buyers may have some hesitancy. Some, but not much. Cueto is a free agent at the end of the season and as such, cannot be extended a qualifying offer by an acquiring team. That makes him a very expensive rental for a contender, but one that someone will undoubtedly bite on, especially with the Yankees and Dodgers lurking.

That said, the Reds could really double-down here and also shop closer Aroldis Chapman. The flame-throwing lefty is perhaps the only game-changing reliever out there and the Reds could ask a fortune for his, especially considering Chapman is still under arbitration control through 2016. That team control is important to teams on the market, and certainly helps to pry loose some of the more protected prospects.

The Reds could easily go the route of trying to market them both separately, but the real gold could come if they packaged them both together. A deal for both Cueto and Chapman could take a contender and put them into the realm of favorite quickly.

Of course, with the Reds currently on the bubble, those moves may not come until closer to the deadline, but rest assured, Cueto will certainly be moved.

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