MLB Trade Rumors: 13 Minor-Leaguers Likely to Move at the Deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, every organization is busy deciding whether they will be buyers or sellers at the end of the month.

For those teams on the brink of contention and preparing for a possible wild-card berth under the new playoff format, they are analyzing their farm system, trying to decide which prospects may yield the greatest return.

At the same time, those teams that are already in the cellar of their respective divisions are compiling a wish list of prospects to bolster their system.

While it’s unlikely that future superstars like Jurickson Profar, Dylan Bundy, Wil Myers and Nick Castellanos will be on the move this month, there are plenty of other top-ranked prospects who may be dealt at the trade deadline.

In the spirit of Friday the 13th, here are 13 highly touted minor-league prospects who could be on the move this month.

Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves

With Brandon Beachy out for the season following surgery to repair a torn UCL, the Braves' rotation is inconsistent and unstable beyond Tim Hudson. They’ve been rumored to be in the market for a starter and will almost assuredly deal Teheran if they make a trade, as he continues to struggle at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals

For the last two years, Cardinals’ GM John Mozeliak has stated that top pitching prospect Shelby Miller is off limits. This season, however, it seems as though the Cardinals will entertain offers for the highly touted right-hander, as they are looking to acquire a starter without trading from their big-league roster.

Martin Perez, Texas Rangers

Only time will tell whether the Rangers are in on either Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke, both of whom would require the organization to trade several of their top prospects.

While Jurickson Profar is likely off limits, the team’s top pitching prospect, left-hander Martin Perez, is excellent trade bait. Perez is seemingly not ready to pitch in the major leagues. The Rangers' ulterior motive for recently promoting him may have been to showcase him to potential suitors.

Mike Olt, Texas Rangers

After Profar, the Rangers’ next best position prospect is Olt, who possesses plus raw power and above-average defense at third base. He’s blocked by Adrian Beltre in Arlington, though he has received some reps in the outfield as of late. Either way, a team will be trading for his bat, not his defense.

Jon Schoop, Baltimore Orioles

Apparently interested in adding a starting pitcher, the Orioles don’t have a lot of minor-league talent to offer beyond future superstars Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy. However, Jon Schoop is a versatile infielder in the midst of a down year at Double-A, and he could serve as the team’s most attractive trade bait.

Jake Marisnick, Toronto Blue Jays

Despite a mediocre statistical season at High-A, the toolsy outfielder was recently promoted to Double-A—the Blue Jays were conservative with their development of Marisnick in previous years. So, given the team’s desperate need for big-league starting pitching after a rash of elbow injuries, are they showcasing him in anticipation of a trade?

Zach Lee, Los Angeles Dodgers

It’s looking like the Dodgers will be one of the front-runners in the Cole Hamels sweepstakes over the next couple weeks. Considering that they have minimal big-league talent to offer, the organization will likely have to part with top prospect Zach Lee, as well as a combination of Garrett Gould, Chris Withrow and possibly Chris Reed.

Mason Williams and Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees

If the Yankees want to acquire an elite starting pitcher, they are in a great position to do so given the depth of their farm system. While teams will likely pass on both Manny Banuelos (injuries) and Dellin Betances (serious control problems), I would be shocked if both Mason Williams and Gary Sanchez’s names don’t come up in negotiations.

Jacob Turner, Detroit Tigers

At this time last year, Turner’s name was dangled as the Tigers actively pursued a starting pitcher. This year is no different, as the team has struggled to find consistency beyond Justin Verlander.

They could also offer Casey Crosby, Andy Oliver and Drew Smyly. However, Turner is the player that teams will surely inquire about.

Alex Meyer, Washington Nationals

While the Nationals’ active roster will receive a boost from the return of both Drew Storen and Jayson Werth, the team has been rumored to be in the market for another starting pitcher—especially if they ultimately limit Stephen Strasburg’s innings down the stretch of the season.

After trading the farm last season for Gio Gonzalez, their best trade bait is 6’9” right-hander Alex Meyer, who possesses front-of-the-rotation upside. 

Jean Segura, Los Angeles Angels

While the Angels’ offense is finally firing on all cylinders—thanks, Mike Trout!—the rotation has been up and down all season beyond Jered Weaver. If the team does decide to trade for another starting pitcher, Segura could be potential trade bait as he’s blocked at both shortstop and second base through at least 2013, and nearly big-league ready.

Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins

Although it’s doubtful that the Marlins will compete in the National League East this season, they do have the salary to add big-league talent at the trade deadline. Their farm system lacks depth, so if they want a strong return, trading their top prospect, 20-year-old outfielder Christian Yelich, may yield the best return.