MLB Trade Deadline 2019

MLB Trade Deadline 2019: Top 15 Trade Deadline Candidates and Potential Destinations

by Rod Nunez
July 26, 2019

The Major League Baseball's Trade Deadline is less than one week away. Meaning all trade activity will cease after July 31, including waiver-wire moves.

That means we are about to see plenty of handshaking and hugs in the dugout, as well as players being a last minute scratch from games in this upcoming week.

Next, we have ranked our top 15 players likely to be traded or at least heavily discussed this week with their potential destinations, according to rumors gathered by different sources.

1. Mike Minor SP (Texas Rangers)
The Rangers don't have to necessarily trade their all star hurler, but this could also be the best time to cash in on him and add some young talent to the organization. 

Potential suitors: Rays, Astros, Twins, Yankees, Brewers, Phillies.


2. Marcus Stroman SP (Toronto Blue Jays)
It's no surprise to see the Blue Jays in sell-mode, given their position. But they can get a nice haul by trading their young ace. Contenders and even non-contenders have shown interest already.

Potential suitors: Astros, Padres, Yankees, Braves, Twins.


3. Hunter Renfroe OF (San Diego Padres)
The Padres are not necessarily selling here but re-tooling their roster and they could use Renfroe as a trade chip to acquire a starter with team control past the 2019 season (like Marcus Stroman or Trevor Bauer).

Potential Suitors: Indians


4. Whit Merrifield UT (Kansas City Royals)
The Royals have said multiple times that they are not interested in trading Merrifield, however, there's always the chance that this is a move to gain leverage in trade negotiations. Merrifield could end up being the most expensive trade chip this season due to his excellent all-around game and very friendly contract.

Potential suitors: Cubs, Braves, Phillies


5. Matthew Boyd SP (Detroit Tigers)
Boyd is one of many players that figure to be on the move from Detroit. The young southpaw isn't a free agent until 2023 and leads the league in strikeouts per walk. Making him the Tigers' best trade chip.

Potential suitors: Padres, Astros, Rays, Braves, Dodgers


6. Trevor Bauer SP (Cleveland Indians)
This one is unusual since the Indians are only 2 games back from first place in their Division, but we can't ignore all the rumors here. The Indians are a progressive organization and they're not afraid to trade their key players.

Potential suitors: Padres, Phillies, Yankees.


7. Kirby Yates RP (San Diego Padres)
Kirby Yates has been, arguably, the best closer in baseball this season. Last year the Padres traded their closer, Brad Hand, to the Indians. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see them trade Yates for a nice haul.

Potential suitors: Twins, Braves, Rays, Red Sox.


8. Shane Greene RP (Detroit Tigers)
The Tigers have been trying to package Greene with other trade chips in order to increase the return. The 30 yr old all star comes with 1 year of control and a miniscule 1.22 ERA (as of July 25th) so far this season.

Potential suitors: Nationals, Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs.


9. Alex Colome RP (Chicago White Sox)
Alex Colome is on his 3rd team since last season and he could be looking at his 4th before the trade deadline. He comes with 1 year of control and the White Sox could use him to add more talent to an already young and talented team.

Potential suitors: Twins, Astros, Dodgers, Nationals, Braves.


10. Nicholas Castellanos RF (Detroit Tigers)
Castellanos has become a popular trade candidate around the National League, due to his ability to punish left handed pitching, which is a good weapon to bring during a playoffs series against the Dodgers and their left handed pitchers (Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Julio Urias and Rich Hill).

Potential suitors: Indians, Cubs, Rays, Reds.


11. Noah Syndergaard SP (New York Mets)
A trade involving Thor is far from a sure thing, but the Mets have had discussions involving Syndergaard and are more likely to extend Zack Wheeler, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. It's also been confirmed that the Twins are shopping Syndergaard aggressively and former first overall pick, Royce Lewis, is available.

Potential suitors: Astros, Padres, Rays, Dodgers, Twins, Braves.


12. Hunter Pence OF (Texas Rangers)
Hunter Pence worked to re-invent his swing in the off-season, leading to a minor league deal with the Rangers. From there, Pence ended up making the all star game and now possibly moving to a playoff contender as a rental piece. The 36 year old veteran has also hit the most home runs since 2014 with still more than 2 months of the season left to play.

Potential suitors: Rays, Phillies, Cubs.


13. Ken Giles RP (Toronto Blue Jays)
The Blue Jays closer is enjoying a fine bounce back season and with one more year of control, he could find himself on the move for a good return.

Potential suitors: Twins, Yankees, Braves.


14. Nomar Mazara OF (Texas Rangers)
The Rangers have surprisingly made the former Blue Chip prospect available in recent days, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. At only 24 years of age, Mazara should be of interest to plenty of teams, not necessarily contenders. Mazara comes with 2 years of control and huge upside, despite his struggles this season.

​Potential suitors: Padres, White Sox and likely more teams to get involved.


15. Tanner Roark SP (Cincinnati Reds)
The NL Central is still up for grabs, but the Reds face an uphill battle as they are 8 games out of first place with less than a week to decide whether they are buying or selling. But it still makes sense to trade veterans on expiring contracts.

Potential suitors: Astros, Yankees, Brewers.