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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 players on the trade block

By Jason Evans

Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jason Grilli (39) reacts after defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jason Grilli (39) reacts after defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. P- Jason Grilli

Last season, the Atlanta Braves were a surprise team for the first half of the season, and part of that was the fact that Jason Grilli was locking down games after they traded All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel right before the season.

Grilli blew out his Achilles and was lost for the season, and although not totally because of Grilli, the Braves collapsed down the stretch.

The Braves are off to a 3-9 start and one of the things that rebuilding teams should not hang on to are veteran relief arms, especially when the Braves have other young arms that they can use at the end of games.

Grilli makes $3.5 million this year with a $3 million team option next season. The former All-Star closer can close for a team or provide setup relief for a team. Grilli’s velocity is a little down this season (94-91 MPH this year) but that can uptick as the season goes along.

These five players will be rumored about all season long as the trade deadline draws nearer. All five can make a difference for a team down the stretch.

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