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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 biggest names on the market

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) tosses his batting helmet after striking out in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) tosses his batting helmet after striking out in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies

Trade rumors have been following Gonzalez for years, but the Rockies have decided to hang on to the oft-injured corner outfielder. After finally dealing Troy Tulowitzki last deadline, Colorado seems at least somewhat committed to a rebuilding effort, and this year is its best chance to trade Gonzalez.

Gonzalez burst onto the scene in 2010 with Colorado, racking up 36 home runs and 5.8 WAR per FanGraphs. Multiple injuries have defined Gonzalez’s career since then, as he missed significant portions of every season from 2011-2014.

The flashes of ability were still there, particularly in 2013, but Gonzalez really struggled in 70 games the next year, leading to questions about his future. Gonzalez was able to silence critics with a solid 2015 campaign that included 153 games played and 40 home runs.

Fortunately for Colorado, the window to trade Gonzalez may still be open, as he’s healthy and producing through 302 plate appearances so far this season. While Gonzalez’s 123 wRC+ isn’t as good as the marks he put up at his peak, it’s enough to give him some trade value when coupled with his outstanding arm in right field.

The Rockies have hovered around .500 much of the year and own a lot more young talent than most people give them credit for, particularly on the pitching side. Trading Gonzalez to a suitor like the Red Sox could give them another nice piece or two and set up a window of contention a couple of years down the line.

Next: 5. Andrew Miller, RP, New York Yankees

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