MLB Power Rankings: 16 best players most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
8) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate C.J. Cron
A teammate of Randal Grichuk on the Colorado Rockies, C.J. Cron somehow survived last year’s trade deadline and remained in Denver. He’ll be luckier this year and land with a contender ahead of his free agency. One team that could really use him is in a tough spot. Their season could go either way. Any guesses which one this is?
First base for the Boston Red Sox this year could use some improvement. If they’re able to seriously enter the playoff picture, renting Cron for the end of the year would be a nice plan. He’ll be a more favorable option than some of the other first basemen in this week’s MLB Power Rankings. Although teams will be fully prepared to see him slump a little outside of Colorado, Cron can contribute in the right situation.
7) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Joc Pederson
It was somewhat surprising and maybe even disappointing for Joc Pederson to stay with the San Francisco Giants. They haven’t had a particularly strong offseason. They feel more like trade deadline sellers than buyers already before a game has even been played. Will they pull the trigger on dealing him this summer when they’re out of it? If so, there is one team to call first.
The Toronto Blue Jays did add left-handed hitting outfielder Daulton Varsho to the roster. However, they could still use some more pop from that side of the plate. Pederson, as a corner outfield or DH option in Toronto, can give them more of what they lack. Even if it ultimately means moving George Springer to center field on a more regular basis, the Blue Jays’ offense would be one nobody wants to face in the postseason.
6) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Chris Sale
The Boston Red Sox are a team that will get down and dirty at this year’s trade deadline. The question is will they be buying or selling. Chris Sale is one of their more intriguing chips. His high salary and even higher chance of getting injured make him a curious case. They should be open to moving him if things don’t go their way. Where will he land?
A destination which may not immediately stick out but would make sense is a trade to the San Diego Padres. Why them? Nobody seems more invested in capturing the franchise’s first championship in 2023 than this ball club. If Sale is gliding through looking like his old self, the Padres would do themselves a huge favor adding his mighty left arm to the rotation. With a chance to remove his salary, the Red Sox shouldn’t hesitate.