MLB Trade Deadline: 15 trades that need to happen

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OAKLAND, CA – JULY 14: Sonny Gray #54 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Cleveland Indians in the top of the first inning at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on July 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Sonny Gray to the Brewers

The Cubs made a splashy move to acquire Jose Quintana, and now it’s time for the Milwaukee Brewers to send a return shot with a trade for Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray. Even with the Cubs starting the second half strong, the Brewers still hold a meaningful lead in the NL Central. With the Rockies and Diamondbacks coming back down to earth, a wild card is also not out of the question for Milwaukee.

After a bumpy start to the year, Gray has found his groove. Over his past four starts, the 2015 All-Star is 3-1 with a 1.33 ERA while holding opponents to a .122/.168/.244 line. Gray has gone at least six innings with two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 14 starts this season.

Gray has extra value to the Brewers because he comes with three more years of team control before free agency. Milwaukee has a deep farm system that is stacked with enough talent that a trade can be made without touching the MLB roster. The Cubs may have what it takes to get Gray, but would likely have to include Kyle Schwarber or Ian Happ. Build a package around dynamic outfielders Lewis Brinson and Corey Ray or left-hander Josh Hader, and the Brewers may be on their way to adding Gray.

Next: MLB's top 25 trade assets

Milwaukee has experience pulling off a trade for an impact starter. CC Sabathia went 11-2 down the stretch for the Brew Crew in 2008 with a 1.65 ERA, seven complete games and three shutouts. Obviously Gray would not be ridden that hard given his injury history, but he has the potential to keep the Brewers in the playoff race this year while serving as the cornerstone of the rotation for years to come.

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