MLB Power Rankings: 16 best players most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
5) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Pablo Lopez
There is a very good chance Pablo Lopez is not traded at this year’s deadline because he has already found a new home before the season even begins. The much-talked about Miami Marlins pitcher is with them—for now. If he isn’t dealt before the season begins, expect more rumors about him landing with a new team.
It’s the Los Angeles Dodgers who already look like they could use another arm. An aging Clayton Kershaw probably won’t give them much more than 22 starts. They added Noah Syndergaard this offseason in what doesn’t seem very Dodgers-like. The team already acquired their shortstop, Miguel Rojas, from the Marlins. This summer, they should be all over adding Lopez.
4) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Ian Happ
The Chicago Cubs either need to extend Ian Happ or trade him. They can’t get caught in between like they did with Willson Contreras. Although it did end up giving them a draft pick, it feels like a mistake. Happ will have a much greater market than Contreras. His versatility already makes him a desirable trade chip. He’s going to end up on a team that should have pursued him last season.
In their quest to win another National League East title, Happ ends up traded to the Atlanta Braves. Left field is one of the few holes they have. Between Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario, there isn’t much confidence. Happ is the kind of guy we should all envision landing with the Braves and playing all over the field. Whether it’s left field only or a lot of second base, he seems perfect for them.
3) MLB Power Rankings: Trade candidate Travis d’Arnaud
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have a solid trade chip already on their roster. Travis d’Arnaud is starter material but with the arrival of Sean Murphy he might be a midseason trade candidate. It’s not completely unheard of for teams to buy and sell at the deadline. There’s another contender out there who could have a need for him, too.
This trade is a little bit of history repeated. d’Arnaud heads to the Houston Astros to give them a catcher with some pop mid-year. The Braves and Astros swapped Will Smith for Jake Odorizzi last summer. The Astros also brought in Christian Vazquez. A trade with the Braves and the addition of a catcher worked for them in 2022. Superstitious Astros fans are ready to make it all happen with one move.