MLB Trade Deadline: 30 players most likely to move

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 10: Todd Frazier #21 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates with Melky Cabrera #53 after the Chicago White Sox win the game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on June 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The White Sox defeated the Indians 5-3. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – JUNE 21: John Jaso #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a double in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 21, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

23. John Jaso, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates

There is always a great deal of speculation and countless rumors leading up to the MLB trade deadline. Many focus on big names that may or may not be available, but some of the most important acquisitions involve players that play a limited day-to-day role for their new club. Pirates first baseman/outfielder John Jaso could be one of those players.

Jaso has hit .239/.320/.439 through Saturday, and while his batting average is the worst its been since 2011 (when he was a full-time catcher), Jaso has shown increased pop at the plate. In 74 games, Jaso has hit seven home runs this season. He has hit more only three times before, and hit eight homers in a career high 132 games last year. His career high is 10, set in 2012, when he also collected a personal best 50 RBI. This season, Jaso has driven in 24 runs.

The Yankees are in the market for a first baseman, and Jaso could fill that need and also provide some depth in the outfield or as a pinch hitter (though he would have to cut his dreadlocks to do it). The Angels have gotten even worse production from their first basemen this season, and rank dead last in the majors with -1.7 Wins Above Replacement at the position (New York is one spot ahead at -1.0 fWAR). The Red Sox and Rockies also make sense since the impending free agent would be a rental player that wouldn’t cost more than a mid-to-low level prospect.

Jaso is a good fielder at first base, but doesn’t play the outfield well. Nevertheless, he has value for his positional flexibility, and would be able to play either first or left when a starter needed a day off.

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