MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Rich Hill

Where will Oakland A’s SP Rich Hill end up with the MLB Trade Deadline quickly approaching?

At 38-51, the Oakland Athletics are not going to be major competitors for the post season in 2016, as they currently sit 15.5 games behind the first place Texas Rangers in the American League West.

With that in mind, A’s general manger Billy Beane is extremely likely to be selling prior to the July 31st MLB Trade Deadline. Beane has many interesting players at his disposal who he could move for more interesting long-term pieces, but starting pitcher Rich Hill stands out as one of the most likely to be dealt.

Hill signed a one-year, $6 million free agent contract with the A’s this past off season, after getting his career back on track as a starting pitcher down the stretch last year with the Boston Red Sox.

The A’s inserted Hill as a full-time member of their starting staff this season and he has stepped up and produced in a big way. Through 13 starts this season with the A’s, Hill has posted an impressive 2.25 ERA and is striking out 10.7 batters per nine innings.

Simply put, he has been great, and considering he is set to hit free agency again this coming off season, Hill is likely to be moves by the A’s in the recent weeks.

Starting pitching is always at a premium at the MLB Trade Deadline, and because of that, I expect the A’s to get a strong future piece or two in exchange for the starting pitcher who could reshape the World Series race this season.

Who will be the team to step up and make a trade for Rich Hill? Let’s take a look at the best candidates.

Next: 5. Houston Astros