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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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May 31, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) smiles as he high fives teammates in the dugout against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) smiles as he high fives teammates in the dugout against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Danny Valencia, 3B, Oakland Athletics

As one of the few true sellers in the American League, the Athletics will look to deal whatever veteran pieces they can. At 32-42, the Athletics are well out of contention in the AL West, and need to do what they can to improve a mid-pack farm system.

Along with a couple of starting pitchers, one of Oakland’s best trade chips is Valencia. While Valencia may not be recognized as a star around the league, he’s turned in three consecutive strong seasons at the plate and should fetch the Athletics a nice return.

Since finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 with the Minnesota Twins, Valencia has bounced around between the Baltimore Orioles. Toronto Blue Jays and Athletics. Valencia has quietly been a productive hitter, posting no worse than a 135 wRC+ over the last two and a half years according to FanGraphs.

The 31-year-old has always been a solid right-handed platoon player with a career 143 wRC+ against lefties. This year, Valencia is hitting much better against righties, leading to a career-best .333/.381/.552 line.

Whether his numbers against right-handed pitching regress or not, Valencia will be a useful player for a contending roster. The New York Mets make the most sense of any team after third baseman David Wright was lost for the year with a back injury.

Next: 13. Jurickson Profar, INF, Texas Rangers

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