10 'Unavailable' MLB Prospects Who Teams Will Offer Up on Deadline Day

As the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaches, we will inevitably hear the names of countless top-ranked prospects being thrown around as speculative trade rumors run rampant. While there is some validity to early mentions of prospects who may be on the move, there are always trade scenarios that crop up where "unavailable" prospects quickly become key chips in a last-minute, blockbuster deal.

Here is a look at 10 prospects who haven’t directly been inserted in trade rumors, but as the time approaches, may be the deciding factor in an unexpected and shocking deal.

Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

High-A: 5-7, 97 IP, 4.27 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 4.01 SIERA, 78 K/30 BB (18 GS)

Pirates GM Neal Huntington first stated that Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon are unavailable. However, he has recently changed his stance to “everyone is available.”

Regardless of what the truth may be, if the Pirates are to part with one of their top pitching prospects—two of the top right-handed pitching prospects in the game—I would assume it would be Taillon, who has been up and down all season and is considerably less advanced than Cole, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 first-year player draft.

Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Triple-A: 5-8, 88.3 IP, 5.40 ERA, 5.31 FIP, 3.93 SIERA, 97 K/46 BB (19 GS)

While it’s not surprising that GM John Mozeliak has stated that top position prospects LF Oscar Taveras and 2B Kolten Wong are unavailable, it is somewhat of a shock that Shelby Miller’s name has been thrown around—especially when the team may be looking to acquire a starting pitcher for a late-season push to capture the N.L. Central. Yes, he’s had a disappointing season at Triple-A, as his fastball velocity is down into the low-90s and he’s struggled to consistently work down in the zone. However, he’s still only 21, and there are likely a bevy of teams who are willing to offer more in return for Miller than his stock currently suggests.

Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves

Triple-A: 6-5, 85.2 IP, 5.04 ERA, 5.49 FIP, 4.51 SIERA, 63 K/30 BB (17 GS)

While it seems as though teammate and fellow pitching prospect Randall Delgado may be on the move to Chicago Cubs in exchange for Ryan Dempster, I don’t believe that indicates that Julio Teheran isn’t on the block as well. Like Shelby Miller, Teheran has struggled this season at Triple-A surrounding a one-and-done call-up earlier this season. He holds considerably more value than Delgado and could be used to secure one more reputable starting pitcher prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers

Triple-A: 5-5, 86.1 IP, 4.59 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 5.05 SIERA, 50 K/39 BB (16 GS)

MLB: 1-1, 13 IP, 3.46 ERA, 4.20 FIP, 4.50 SIERA, 9 K/6 BB (4 G; 3 GS)

The 21-year-old left-hander had his moments during his brief, three-start stint for the Rangers and likely showcased enough potential to attract plenty of teams in the midst of rebuilding. While I don’t believe that he’s completely big-league ready, Perez is certainly not far away from emerging as a mid-rotation starter—his handedness definitely increases his trade value. Considering the reports that both Colby Lewis and Roy Oswalt are ailing, the Rangers could dangle Perez with the hope of acquiring an experienced and proven starting pitcher.

John Hellweg (RHP) and Jean Segura (MIF), Los Angeles Angels

Hellweg (Double-A): 5-9, 118.1 IP, 3.12 ERA, 4.17 FIP, 4.17 SIERA, 87 K/58 BB (20 G)

Segura (Double-A): .294/.346/.404, 22 XBH (7 HR), 42 RBI, 33 SB, 57 K/23 BB (94 G)

While the Angels have a very solid team as it stands, that’s not to say they won’t want to add another starting pitcher, or even a top-notch reliever. While RHP Garrett Richards' name has been thrown around, I think that they could net a more impressive return by packaging 6’9” RHP Johnny Hellweg and toolsy middle infielder Jean Segura, who was promoted from Double-A on Sunday. Although Segura is expected to fill in at several infield positions if Erik Aybar presumably lands on the disabled list, he may be on the move before the trade deadline.

Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit Tigers

Triple-A: 4-2, 62.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 4.40 SIERA, 40 K/24 BB (10 GS)

MLB: 1-1, 12.1 IP, 8.03 ERA, 7.74 FIP, 5.27 SIERA, 7 K/7 BB (3 GS)

Although the Tigers are currently on a roll and have taken over the lead atop the A.L. Central, the organization could use another established starter to bolster the backend of their rotation. Turner, a right-handed pitcher whose name was dangled at last year’s trade deadline, has battled injury and been inconsistent overall this season. They team may choose to offer left-handers Drew Smyly and Casey Crosby as well, but in the end, it will be Turner who will yield the most valuable return.

Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Kansas City Royals

High-A: .225/.286/.311, 17 XBH (6 HR), 44 RBI, 57 K/29 BB (87 G)

Even though the Royals are still years away from competing—even if it’s only within the A.L. Central—they are obviously dissatisfied with the state of their starting rotation. With Danny Duffy out for the majority of the 2013 season, Mike Montgomery recently demoted to Double-A and John Lamb still trying to find his form following Tommy John surgery in 2011, the team has been rumored to be in the market for starting pitching. With Mike Moustakas seemingly entrenched at third base for years to come, 19-year-old 3B Cheslor Cuthbert could be highly intriguing trade bait despite a disappointing season thus far at High-A Wilmington.

Tony Cingrani, LHP, Cincinnati Reds

High-A: 5-1, 56.2 IP, 1.11 ERA, 1.84 FIP, 2.12 SIERA, 71 K/13 BB (10 GS)

Double-A: 5-0, 44 IP, 0.82 ERA, 2.27 FIP, 3.19 SIERA, 46 K/17 BB (7 GS)

While Cingrani ranked as a top-10 prospect in the Reds system headed into the 2012 season, the left-hander’s stock has skyrocketed thanks to his dominance at High-A and now Double-A. With two plus pitches in his fastball and changeup, his lack of a quality breaking ball continues to worry scouts, myself included. However, it’s hard to contest his remarkable success this season, as he’s been one of the more consistent and impressive starting pitchers in the minor leagues this season. 

Manny Machado, SS, Baltimore Orioles

Double-A: .254/.341/.406, 34 XBH (8 HR), 52 RBI, 12 SB, 65 K/42 BB (94 G)

While I sincerely believe that Dylan Bundy is actually "off limits," I’m not entirely convinced that the same can be said for Machado, one of the position prospects in the game. Still only 19 years old, the right-handed hitter has struggled at times this season at Double-A—his first season at said level—but his tremendous upside is undeniable. He’s the type of prospect who could yield a legitimate big-league talent in return and may be dangled over the coming week as the deadline rapidly approaches.