MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Rays should make

2. Trade for Anthony Swarzak and Tyler Clippard

The Chicago White Sox have already begun to dismantle what has been a very strong bullpen. Closer David Robertson and setup man Tommy Kahnle were traded along with third baseman Todd Frazier to the Yankees, and Robertson and Kahnle will take on new roles in the New York bullpen down the stretch.

Now that Robertson and Kahnle are elsewhere, Anthony Swarzak is the White Sox right-hander most likely coveted by contenders in need of bullpen help. Swarzak, a 31-year-old who signed a minor league free agent contract with Chicago before winning a big league job in spring training, has been one of the best middle relievers in the American League this season.

In 39 games, Swarzak has posted a 2.36 ERA and 2.36 FIP with 49 strikeouts in 45.2 innings. Swarzak has allowed 35 hits and 12 walks, giving him a solid 1.029 WHIP. The performance Swarzak has put together this year is easily the best of his eight-year major league career, and the White Sox are sure to want to capitalize by flipping him at the trade deadline.

Another interesting name to watch is Tyler Clippard, who was an apparent throw-in from the Yankees in the deal for Robertson and Kahnle. Clippard has struggled this season, posting a 5.15 ERA in 36.2 innings, but the 32-year-old right-hander was an All-Star as recently as 2014. He has a 3.07 career ERA and has struck out an average of 9.9 hitters per nine innings over the course of 11 major league seasons. Outfielder Melky Cabrera could also help a contender in need, such as the Rays.