MLB Trade Deadline: 5 surprise bats that could hit the trade market

Hitting is a commodity in Major League Baseball, but it is even more so at the MLB Trade Deadline.

When Major League Baseball’s annual all-you-can eat buffet known as the Non-Waiver Trade Deadline rolls around, pitching is generally the most sought after upgrade. After all, the old saying says that, “pitching wins championships” and it has been proven time and time again.

However, we shouldn’t discount the need to add an elite offensive piece down the stretch either. Holes need to be filled but with contenders dotting the map right now, there may be limited options out there to do so. Even if there were a more clear-cut determination as to which teams were sellers at this venture, teams are often hesitant to part with solid bats, even during down years.

That said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t deals to be made. It may just require a bit of creativity, an expansion from the realm of the names of Ben Zobrist, Ryan Howard, Carlos Gonzalez, and others we have already heard bantered about this summer. As we all know, there are always surprises during the MLB trade deadline and that isn’t likely to change in 2015, as contenders may need to dip into their wells a bit and make mutually beneficial deals in order to fill the higher priorities.

With that in mind, these five players may become key bats moved during the trade deadline in order to further the cause for their respective teams.

Next: Todd Frazier - Cincinnati Reds