On the Move: 10 Players that should be Dealt Before the Deadline

We are only a few games into the new season, but it is never too early to consider who should be dealt at the trade deadline. It seems like every year, teams that make a deep run into the playoffs are bolstered by some mid-season moves. Last year we saw plenty of high leverage players get traded such as Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Josh Hader, Raisel Iglesias, and Luis Castillo to name a few. This year should follow suit as there are a lot of big names within a year or two of Free Agency.

Shohei Ohtani

Ever heard of him? Easily the biggest name on this list, Ohtani should be dealt from the Angels this season. The only sensible reason the Angels don't trade him by the deadline is if they get off to a blistering hot start and Ohtani gets a taste of winning from the lesser LA team while they are making an improbable run to a playoff spot. Otherwise, Los Angeles should sell the most coveted future free agent in the history of baseball with the expectation of re-stocking its prospect list and/or bringing in a handful of MLB ready talent to supplement the lack of depth plaguing the Angels. Ohtani has made it very clear that he came to the US to win and he has done nothing of the sort. While playing home to the two best players in baseball, its laughable to see a win percentage under .500 since Ohtani joined the club.

Although it would be a savvy business move, let's be honest, the Angels are not trading Ohtani. He and Trout are the only reason fans show up every night (other than if /when the Dodgers show up). The farm system (i.e. the future) in Anaheim is bleak and they should leverage Ohtani's worth.

Possible teams: Padres, Yankees, Dodgers

CJ Cron

The power-hitting first baseman is in a contract year on what should be a pretty poor Rockies club. His home/road splits were insane last year. He had an inflated .364 OBP, .601 slugging, and 22 HR in the most hitter friendly park in baseball that is Coors Field. Meanwhile, on the road he finished with a .281 OBP, .340 slugging, and a measly 7 HR. I'm not good at math, but that doesn't look good. Splits aside, the Rockies should not compete this season and Cron is a healthy source of power that could help a lot of teams down the stretch. Honestly, it would be more surprising if the Rockies didn't trade him by the deadline.

Possible teams: Phillies, Angels, Rays

David Bednar

The Pirates closer had a great year in 2021 and was even better in 2022. The Pirates signed Bednar through the 2026 season so the Bucs might not want to trade him with 3 more years of control. However, a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2021 and an All Star in 2022, the struggling Pirates would be wise to get the return on value for a quality bullpen arm. In fact, the Pirates have lost 100+ games in each of the last two years and it begs the question, what's the point of an All Star closer if you can't win ballgames.

Arms like Bednar are always in high demand. Back end relief pitchers are a necessity for playoff teams facing the most potent offenses in the league. The Pirates are a number of years away from being competitive, and that timeline could shorten if they use Bednar to grab some valuable young pieces as they continue to rebuild.

Possible teams: Mets, Rangers, Phillies

Bryan Reynolds

Sticking to the Pirates theme, one of the biggest names that has been whispered over the waiver wires is Bryan Reynolds. The All-Star OF has publicly asked to leave Pittsburgh and there is no reason the Pirates front office should not comply with that request. For one, you don't want a guy who doesn't want you. (Read that again ladies). Reynolds is not a Free Agent until 2026 and, similar to Bednar, the Pirates should take advantage of his value now. The Pirates would certainly get a premier package in return and they could use some strength in numbers.

Possible teams: Dodgers, Yankees, Rays

Gleyber Torres

Yes, the Yankees are contenders for a World Series this year and I know the thought of New York sending an offensive asset to a potential October foe is a strange thought, but hear me out. Torres is in a contract year. The Yankees are blessed with MLB ready infield talent waiting for their opportunity. There is a glaring need for starting pitching because of the injury plagued rotation where three starters are on a questionable timeline. I did the math, it adds up, it only makes sense to trade Torres for a starting pitcher if they want to win the short series in the playoffs. Especially when there are a number of IF that can step right into the 2B role now.

Possible teams: Brewers, Angels, Dodgers

Chris Sale

The Red Sox will have a difficult decision to make with Sale. On one hand, he has been hurt for the majority of three seasons. On the other hand, when healthy, he is by far the best SP on the roster. A lot of contenders could use an arm like Sale when he is healthy. The Red Sox, with a lackluster core of SP, may not want to part with the ace Chris Sale used to be. But, if Sale has a good first half and the Red Sox continue to get swept by teams like the Pirates, what good is Sale doing in Boston? If there is any value to be had from the lefty, the Red Sox would be wise to capitalize.

Possible teams: Cardinals, Padres, Phillies

Tim Anderson

This is the last chance for the White Sox. If they don't get off to a good start this season, TA should be a hot commodity at the deadline. He has 2 more years under control and the south side Chicago club should sell him to improve their core if they aren't going to compete this year. The former batting champ would help a lot of clubs come postseason play.

Possible teams: Braves, Dodgers, Angels

Tyler O'Neill

The Cardinals are contenders. So why would they get rid of a good OF in O'Neill? Well simply put, they have a surplus. The Cards have roughly seven guys who can play OF at a very high level. O'Neill's contract (two years until free agency) plus his value make him the logical option for the Cardinals to part ways with. St. Louis desperately needs a starting pitcher to finally be a complete team so packing O'Neill with some other prospects for a No. 1 or No. 2 arm would do wonders for the Cardinals.

Possible teams: Braves, Twins, Guardians

Amed Rosario

Similar to the Cardinals, the Guardians are in win now mode. However, the Guardians have a different reason to trade Rosario. The SS is a free agent at the end of this year and Cleveland has a prospect in Brayan Rocchio who had an impressive spring and looks to be ready to break into the league. The Guardians are one of the cheaper teams in baseball and, unless Cleveland plans to re-sign Rosario, they will ship him for a prospect or two and let Rocchio and Andres Gimenez man the middle infield for the foreseeable future.

Possible teams: Braves, Dodgers, Angels

Corbin Burnes

Corbin Burnes needs no introduction. He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the last few years and was publicly critical of the Brewers this off-season after arbitration. Burnes is under control for two more years before he becomes a high value free agent. The Brewers have one of the best rotations in baseball. Assuming the Brew Crew have no chance at signing him after the public fall-out, there is no sense in keeping Burnes around much longer only to lose him to free agency. Burnes is a big piece that could be swapped with another playoff contender looking to bolster their rotation.

Possible teams: Yankees, Cardinals, Phillies