MLB Power Rankings: 16 best players most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
14) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Eric Hosmer
Nobody seemed to want Eric Hosmer this offseason. He finally did sign with the Chicago Cubs, but are they seriously going to compete and keep him? Hosmer seems like a guy the Cubs added out of necessity. They didn’t have too many other choices. And when it’s clear they aren’t making it to the playoffs this year, he’s a candidate to land on an underdog that narrowly missed the postseason last year.
The Baltimore Orioles are a team that could make some sense for Hosmer. Considering his affordability and some needed depth they could use, the Orioles can safely add him without having to give up any significant pieces. There are quite a few first basemen we could see moved at the deadline. Hosmer can at least give the Orioles some veteran leadership.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Michael A. Taylor
It was somewhat of a surprise to see the Kansas City Royals not trade outfielder Michael A. Taylor last season. The center fielder will have a market this summer, too. Center field is a shallow position across the league. Someone is going to pay. The team he ends up with is one that could have pursued him last year.
The defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies will have Brandon Marsh in center field this season. They could still be a match for Taylor. As a fourth outfielder with great defensive skills, he’ll be a trade deadline addition they’ll be glad to make. Any offense Taylor can add is a bonus. On the Phillies, saving them runs with his glove will be the goal after he is acquired at the trade deadline.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Andrew McCutchen
A newer entrant to this list, Andrew McCutchen only recently returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year deal. It has all of the makings of a wonderful reunion with more hugs this summer when he becomes the subject of trade rumors. It’s hard to imagine the Pirates competing this year which means trading McCutchen away for the second time in his career.
The New York Mets are a team that should already have an eye on adding him later this season. Whether to play regularly or join one of the several platoons they may deploy, McCutchen is a professional bat the Mets could. Before putting ink on paper, he was someone New York wanted to sign. Unfortunately, he took a deal with more playing time to offer.