The 2015 MLB trade deadline is almost here. Just two days remain before playoff hopefuls will find out if they have the ammunition needed, whether by arm or bat, to make that final push. Several trades involving star players have already gone down and we’re almost sure to see a few more before the deadline hits at the end of the month. The big question, naturally, is which ones get shipped out of town?
Rumors have swirled, but once the smoke clears there are still a ton of top shelf players that haven’t been moved. Let’s break them down and assess their top likely destinations if they end up getting traded:
Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Hamels remains the most highly sought after arm and his value couldn’t be higher thanks to a recent no-hitter. His top suitors remain the same, as the Yankees and Rangers are both interested. The trick with Hamels, of course, is that he can block any trade he doesn’t like. There has been a gigantic list of interested teams, but Hamels is really only considering a handful. Ultimately, he’s either sticking on the Philly roster or probably going to the Yanks.
David Price, SP, Detroit Tigers
Price is an interesting trade target, since the Tigers seemingly don’t even know if they want to keep trying to win this year or not. They’re expected to make a decision on that this week, and if they decide to tank the rest of the way, trading away their top ace could be a big part of that. Price isn’t wanting for suitors, as the Yankees, Dodgers and Blue Jays all are reportedly interested. L.A. could back off after acquiring Mat Latos from Miam, however.
Jeff Samardzija, SP, Chicago White Sox
Samardzija is on his second Chicago-based MLB team and it very well could be his last. Despite enjoying a nice run of late, Samardzija is very much on the trading block for a struggling White Sox team despite the team making a nice run recently. Of course, there are contradicting whispers that suggest the White Sox could be growing confident in what they have after their recent success. Samardzija is a free agent after this season, however, so Chicago would be risking an unlikely playoff run for getting nothing in return for one of their top aces.
James Shields, Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, SP, San Diego Padres
The Padres aren’t very good and it seems they know it. Pretty much anyone and everyone is up for grabs, and that includes all of their best pitchers. Shields and Cashner are quality arms that have been negatively impacted by shaky run support and Ross is a nice young ace that could be a cornerstone for the right club. The Padres should be less willing to give up Ross due to his contract, but it’d be a minor shock if one of these guys isn’t shipped off in a trade this week.
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies
CarGo has been ablaze lately and despite mildly slowing down on Tuesday night, he’s going to be high atop team’s lists if they’re looking for some nice offense. Recent reports suggest the Rockies may hold off on dealing Gonzalez before the deadline, but his recent tear suggests now is the time. With Colorado already getting rid of Troy Tulowitzki this week, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more Rockies on their way out of town.
Justin Upton, OF, San Diego Padres
Upton is probably the top hitter on the trading block that is almost certain to be dealt. The New York Mets were said to be extremely close to landing the 27-year old outfielder, but San Diego’s asking price was said to be too much. The lack of a deal has opened the door to other teams to get involved and the Baltimore Orioles are one of them. Odds are Upton gets dealt within the next two days and either the Mets or O’s are the likely landing spot.
Carlos Gomez, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Gomez isn’t the only other hitter than can be had, but he’s probably the last high profile batter on the trading block. Milwaukee has been pretty bad and despite a nice run a few weeks ago, they’ve slowed back down and are probably ready to sell. Gomez isn’t the most efficient hitter but he brings major power to the table and is still in his prime at 29 years old. He could put the right offense over the top and has been tied to the Rangers and Indians.
Got an even bigger name you think gets dealt before the 2015 MLB trade deadline hits? Tell us in the comments below!
