MLB Power Rankings: 16 best players most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
This week’s MLB Power Rankings looks at some of the best players we can expect to swap teams at this year’s trade deadline.
Is it too soon to start thinking about the MLB trade deadline? For some teams who knew they had some offseason misses, the trade deadline might be the next best chance to address their needs. In this week’s MLB Power Rankings, we fast forward to the most festive holiday of all for fans who love transactions, the trade deadline.
It’s a period when bad teams can send veterans for prospects they hope become an affordable star in the future. Contenders improve themselves for the stretch run while sacrificing a little of the future for the present.
Taking into account player contracts, some obvious needs out there, and where certain teams are likely to finish, these are 16 of the best players we can already assume gets dealt by this summer’s trade deadline. As an added bonus, included is a prediction for where they end up.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana definitely won’t end up as one of the 16 best players traded this summer. Some clubs will underperform and be able to ship off much better players. However, with Santana signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason, the 36-year-old is in prime position to get traded to a team with a chance to win.
Where will he end up? Something about the Tampa Bay Rays feels right for him. They did trade first baseman Ji-man Choi to the Pirates leaving one opening on their roster. We’ve seen them make plenty of moves over the years to bring in some power. Santana seems to line up well with past additions like David Peralta, Nelson Cruz, and Lucas Duda.
15) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Wil Myers
Wil Myers is another one of those free agents who ended up settling on a short-term deal this offseason with a team nobody expects to compete. He joined the Cincinnati Reds after years of being a member of the San Diego Padres. It’s obvious he’ll get shopped this summer. There is a team that should come calling.
The Cleveland Guardians could be in need of some offense later this year. Within the same state, they can turn to the Reds for some help. Myers shouldn’t be all that expensive. Possibly in a platoon situation or even as a part-timer, he could be a midseason addition the Guardians seek to bolster the offense.