MLB Trade Speculation: Previewing the Top Targets for the 2013 Deadline

The 2012 MLB trade deadline came and went on Tuesday, with a number of players moving but a surprising number of players staying put.

The addition of a second Wild Card in each league this season created an interesting dynamic, as more teams than ever were in a position to buy or at the very least stand pat at the deadline.

That will no doubt be the case once again next season when July rolls around, and there appears to be a far deeper crop of talent, albeit not as strong in the starting pitching department, that could be made available next year.

So here is a look at the top potential trade targets for the 2013 MLB trade deadline, as it is never too soon to start opining on who could be on the move next year.

C Ramon Hernandez, Colorado Rockies

Contract

2013: $3.2 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The Rockies signed Hernandez this past offseason to help bridge the gap to top prospect Wilin Rosario, but when the Rockies struggled and Rosario proved ready to play (16 HR, 40 RBI in 221 at-bats), the team shopped Hernandez at the deadline.

In the end, he stayed put and now the 36-year-old is in a position to be a backup next season and a fairly high-priced one at that.

He has just a .195 BA, 4 HR, 18 RBI this season over 123 at-bats, but he had a solid year last year in a platoon role with a .282 BA, 12 HR, 36 RBI line with the Reds and could be of interest to a team looking for a veteran backup at the deadline next season. 

C Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

Contract

2013: $12 million team option, $500K buyout
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

One of the best offensive catchers in recent memory, McCann averaged a line of .287 BA, 22 HR, 86 RBI from 2006-2011 as he made the All-Star team in each of those seasons and won five Silver Slugger awards.

Still only 28, his numbers have been down a bit this year as he is hitting just .243 with 18 HR and 56 RBI. He has been better in the second half, hitting .265 with 5 HR, 10 RBI in 49 at-bats.

Top prospect Christian Bethancourt has spent the entire season in Double-A at the age of 20 and could be ready to step into the starting job by 2013. That could mean the Braves won't look to bring McCann back, and if that is the case, they could look to cash in and move him at next year's deadline.

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Boston Red Sox

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible 
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

Once a top prospect of the Braves and Rangers, Saltalamacchia finally got a chance at playing everyday last season with the Red Sox and he hit .235 with 16 HR and 56 RBI in 358 at-bats.

Boston gave him another shot at everyday at-bats this season, and he has shown improvement with a .236 BA, 20 HR, 46 RBI line in 271 at-bats, but at the age of 26 chances are what you see is what you get with Salty; a low average and good power.

He will no doubt earn a hefty raise over his current $2.5 million salary in his final year of arbitration, and while the Red Sox will likely bring him back, they could look to move him at the deadline with Ryan Lavarnway waiting in the wings to take over the catching job.

C Kurt Suzuki, Oakland Athletics

Contract

2013: $6.45 million
2014: $8.5 million team option, $650K buyout
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

In the four years leading up to this season, Suzuki emerged as an under-the-radar offensive producer at the catcher position. He had an average line of a .259 BA and 12 HR, 61 RBI as he was one of the few reliable producers in the A's lineup.

This year, however, he has struggled mightily with a .216 BA, 1 HR, 18 RBI line through 259 at-bats, and the A's acquired Brewers backup catcher George Kottaras as a result.

Kottaras is under team control through 2015, and the team also have a top-tier catching prospect in Derek Norris who could be ready to step into the starting job next season.

If Suzuki shows flashes of regaining his prior form next season, he should draw some interest at the deadline; and if that happens, the A's won't hesitate to move him.

1B Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays

Contract

2013: $5 million
2014: $7 million team option, $2 million buyout
2015: $7.5 million team option, $1 million buyout
2016: $8 million team option, $500K buyout
2017: Free Agent 

Outlook

Lind came out of relative obscurity to post a .305 BA, 35 HR, 114 RBI season back in 2009, and the Blue Jays signed him to a four-year, $17.4 million extension with three option years following that performance.

He failed to match those numbers over the past two seasons, though, averaging a line of a .243 BA with 24 HR and 80 RBI, and when he struggled early this season, he earned a demotion to Triple-A.

He's hit .288 with 5 HR and 16 RBI in 80 at-bats since being called back up, and if he can continue to post solid numbers early next season, he could be appealing at the deadline.

With Edwin Encarnacion re-signed to play first base, Lind becomes an expensive DH; and the team will likely look to move him at the first opportunity they get next season. 

1B/DH Kendrys Morales, Los Angeles Angels

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The Angels entered the season with a log jam at first base after signing Albert Pujols, as he joined Mark Trumbo and the returning Kendrys Morales in a battle for playing time.

In the end, Trumbo moved to left field, Morales moved to DH; and Bobby Abreu was released. However, there is now an over abundance of outfielders with Peter Bourjos being pushed to a bench role and Vernon Wells headed for the same fate once he returns from injury.

While the team explored the idea of moving Peter Bourjos at the deadline this year, it is Morales who is more likely to be moved at the deadline next season before he hits free agency. He has plus power, and is a switch-hitter; so there would likely be at least a handful of teams interested.

1B Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

Contract

2013: $14 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The 2006 AL MVP, Morneau put together a dominant four-year stretch from 2006-2009 as he posted an average season of a .292 BA with 30 HR and 118 RBI and teamed with Joe Mauer to give the Twins a formidable 1-2 punch.

However, injuries set in from there as he played a combined 150 games in 2010 and 2011 and posted less than impressive numbers when he was healthy.

He's managed to stay relatively healthy this season and has hit .260 with 13 HR and 47 RBI, and while he is no longer the player he once was, he has solid power and the Twins may even be willing to take on some of his contract to move him next year. 

SS Yunel Escobar, Toronto Blue Jays

Contract

2013: $5 million
2014: $5 million team option
2015: $5 million team option
2016: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Blue Jays acquired Yunel Escobar at the deadline from the Braves for veteran Alex Gonzalez back in 2010, and Escobar turned in a terrific first full season with the Blue Jays in 2011 with a .290 BA, 11 HR and 48 RBI and posted a 4.4 WAR.

The team re-signed him to a two-year, $10 million contract with a pair of option years prior to this season, and while he has continued to play solid defense, he has scuffled a bit at the plate with a .256 BA, 7 HR, 35 RBI line.

The team has a solid prospect in Adeiny Hechavarria who is hitting .310 with 6 HR and 62 RBI at Triple-A this season, so he should be a more than capable replacement next season if the Blue Jays chose to deal Escobar.

SS Jed Lowrie, Houston Astros

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Arbitration Eligible
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

Acquired prior to this season in the deal that sent reliever Mark Melancon to the Red Sox, Lowrie has enjoyed a breakout season with a .253 BA, 14 HR, 36 RBI line through 285 at- bats.

Despite that, the team was open to moving him at the deadline this season according to a tweet from Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, and if he had not been on the DL, he very well could have been dealt.

He has two years of team control left, but he is already 28 years old, so he may not factor into the long term plans for the rebuilding Astros.

The middle infield market is always incredibly thin, and if he is able to put together a similar first half and stay healthy the next season, the Astros could very well find someone willing to overpay for him.

3B Chase Headley, San Diego Padres

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Arbitration Eligible
2015: Free Agent

Outlook

There was no shortage of teams interested in Chase Headley at the deadline this season, as it was reported in early July by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that at least seven teams had some level of interest in the third baseman.

While he does not have prototypical third baseman power, Headley gets on base a ton with a .268/.369/.422 slash line this season to go along with 12 HR, 52 RBI and 12 SB on the year.

That, combined with the fact that he has two more years of team control after this season, made for a high asking price at the deadline and in the end the Padres wound up keeping him.

However, if they can find a team willing to pay the steep price, the rebuilding Padres likely would not hesitate to deal the 28-year-old.

3B David Wright, New York Mets

Contract

2013: $16 million team option, $1 million buyout
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Mets have fallen off drastically in the second half, and third baseman David Wright has seen his production slip right along with everyone else (.351 BA in first half vs. .232 BA in second half). However, his numbers as a whole this season are still impressive.

With a .329 BA, 16 HR, 71 RBI line he ranks right up there with Adrian Beltre and Miguel Cabrera in the conversation for best third baseman in the league.

His $16 million option for next season will no doubt be picked up, but if the Mets are unable to agree to a long-term deal with Wright, they may opt to move him after they watched Jose Reyes leave this past offseason for nothing but draft pick compensation.

UT Wilson Betemit, Baltimore Orioles

Contract

2013: $1.75 million
2014: $3.2 million vesting option (700 combined plate appearances in 2012 and 2013) 
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

In a thin third base market, the Orioles gave Betemit a multi-year deal this past offseason with the intent of using him as the primary third baseman with some time at DH as well.

He has hit .261 with 12 HR and 37 RBI on the season, as he is in line to post numbers on par with his career averages.

While his contract next season is by no means a burden, the team will likely still try to upgrade at third base after showing interest in Chase Headley at the deadline. 

With 339 plate appearances already on the season, he is in position as of now for his 2014 option to vest, and the Orioles could very well look to move him between now and then as they look for a long-term solution at the hot corner.

UT Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

One of the most versatile players in the game, Martin Prado is technically the Braves' starting left fielder this season; but he has also seen time at all four infield positions.

Since becoming an everyday player in 2009 he has a slash line of .293/.341/.433 and has averaged double-digit home runs per season.

He'll no doubt receive a raise from his current $4.75 million salary next year in his final year of arbitration, and when he hits the open market at the age of 30, he'll likely command a multi-year deal.

Depending on what the Braves plan to do at third base after Chipper Jones retires, Prado could very well have a place on the team long-term, but if not, there is a chance he is moved at next year's deadline. 

1B/RF Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers

Contract

2013: $10 million
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

While Mat Gamel was expected to step in at first base to replace Prince Fielder this season, a season-ending injury to Gamel pushed right fielder Corey Hart to make the transition to first base this season.

After posting the best numbers of his career in 2010 (.283 BA, 31 HR, 102 RBI), Hart signed a three-year, $26.5 million extension.

He put up solid numbers last year and is on his way to another impressive statistical season with a .267 BA, 20 HR, 53 RBI line on the year.

With the Brewers likely headed for a rebuilding stretch, the 30-year-old Hart may not factor into their future plans, and if that is the case, expect him to be one of the most coveted bats on the market next July.

LF Josh Willingham, Minnesota Twins

Contract

2013: $7 million
2014: $7 million
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

After losing Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer to free agency, the Twins signed Josh Willingham this past offseason in an effort to replace some of their lost production.

Thus far, he's exceeded expectations with a .272/.385/.566, 27 HR, 79 RBI season under his belt to this point and no signs of slowing down.

Those numbers were enough for the Twins to hold onto him at the deadline this year, and while his combination of production and affordability will mean a high asking price, the Twins have enough areas of need that moving him next year may be in their best interest. 

CF Coco Crisp, Oakland Athletics

Contract

2013: $7 million
2014: $7.5 million option, $1 million buyout 
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

After leading the AL in steals last season with 49 and playing solid defense in center field, the A's overlooked the fact that Crisp had an OBP of just .314 and signed him to a two-year, $14 million deal with an option for a third year.

So far this season, he has posted an identical .314 OBP, while his batting average has dropped from .264 to .253; and he has swiped just 20 bases for a 0.7 WAR.

If the 32-year-old can get off to a decent start next season, there is always a market for lead-off hitter types, but it is hard to imagine anyone going after him at his current level of production unless the A's eat some of his salary.

RF Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

In 2009 and 2010, Choo ranked as one of the most underrated players in all of baseball as he hit .300 and added 42 HR, 176 RBI, 43 SB and racked up a 10.8 WAR over that span.

Injuries cut short what was a down 2011 season, but he has bounced back with decent numbers this season and is currently has a .288 BA with 12 HR, 39 RBI and 11 SB on the season.

He'll be 30 next season, and while he is still productive, the Indians may not be willing to offer up the multi-year deal that it will likely take to keep him. He'll net a solid return on the trade market and could be one of the most sought after names on the market in 2013. 

RF David DeJesus, Chicago Cubs

Contract

2013: $4.25 million
2014: $6.5 million option, $1.5 million buyout
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Cubs signed DeJesus this season eyeing him as a bounce-back candidate after he hit just .240 with 10 HR and 46 RBI last season.

He's batted primarily in the lead-off spot this year, and while he is hitting just .269 with 2 HR and 27 RB,I he has boosted his OPS from .698 last season to .745 this year.

With a number of young outfielders on their way to the majors and Bryan LaHair likely filling an outfield spot moving forward, DeJesus is expendable and the Cubs will no doubt look to move him as they could be active sellers once again at next year's deadline.

RF Jeff Francoeur, Kansas City Royals

Contract

2013: $7.5 million
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Royals took a chance on Francoeur prior to 2011 on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, and he rewarded them with a .285 BA, 20 HR, 87 RBI, 22 SB season.

That was enough for the Royals to ink him to a two-year, $13.5 million extension, but he has been a major disappointment this season in hitting just .238 with 9 HR and 30 RBI.

With top prospect Wil Myers on the way and both Alex Gordon and Lorenzo Cain entrenched in starting outfield spots moving forward, Francoeur looks to be the odd man out. If he can regain his 2011 form, the Royals will have no problem finding a trade partner next year.

RF Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks

Contract

2013: $9.75 million
2014: $14.25 million
2015: $14.5 million
2016: Free Agent

Outlook

For the second time since he signed his six-year extension prior to the 2010 season, the Diamondbacks dangled Upton in trade talks but decided against moving him.

In his sixth big league season, Upton is still only 24 years old, and he showed what he is capable of in 2011 with a .289 BA, 31 HR, 88 RBI, 21 SB season that earned him a fourth-place finish in NL MVP voting.

His numbers are down this season, but he remains a franchise building block type player. It is clear that the Diamondbacks are not opposed to the idea of moving him, and 2013 could be the year that they pull the trigger on doing so.

SP Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds

Contract

2013: $11.5 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

Arroyo has bounced back from a terrible 2011 season to post a respectable line of 6-6, 3.76 ERA, 85 Ks through 20 starts this season.

The 35-year-old is not the front-of-the-rotation starter he was early on during his time with the Reds, but he is a durable veteran who can eat innings and rarely misses a start.

With 21-year-old prospect Daniel Corcino (7-5, 3.23 ERA, 103 Ks, 111.1 IP at Double-A) closing in on being big-league ready, Arroyo could become expendable by July of next year, and if it means saving a few million dollars and landing a decent prospect, the Reds may very well move him. 

SP Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox

Contract

2013: $15.75 million
2014: $15.75 million
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

As reported by Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, a major league executive said the Red Sox actively shopped Beckett at the deadline this year,, and while they did not wind up moving him, it certainly opens the door to the potential of him being dealt moving forward.

He does have full 10-and-5 veto rights, so he would need to approve any deal, but if things don't improve in Boston, he could be open to the idea of a trade.

He's having a down year this year, but he went 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA in 30 starts last season, and at 32, he still has plenty left in the tank.

It's his remaining money that will be the biggest deterrent in him being traded, but if the Red Sox find a taker and only have to eat a portion of his remaining contract, they could make the move.

SP Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The Cubs aggressively shopped Garza at the deadline this year, but an injury in what wound up being his final start leading up to deadline day resulted in him being shut down until August and the team holding onto him.

His value was likely never higher than last season when the team acquiring him was getting a pitcher with team control for an addition year, but he should still be one of the most sought after pitchers at the deadline next year.

The possibility remains that the Cubs could sign Garza long-term, as he is still just 28 and has established himself as a legitimate frontline starter even with his numbers down a bit this season.

SP Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians

Contract

2013: $5.75 million option, $1 million buyout
2014: $8 million option, $1 million buyout
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

Just two seasons ago, Jimenez was among the best starters in all of baseball, posting a 19-8, 2.88 ERA, 214 Ks line and finishing third in NL Cy Young voting.

Last season, the Rockies pulled off the shocker of the deadline when they put him on the block, and the Indians coughed up four prospects, including their top two pitching prospects to land him.

He's been a huge disappointment in Cleveland to this point, posting a 5.10 ERA in 10 starts down the stretch last season before going 8-10 with a 5.08 ERA over 21 starts this season.

The Indians will no doubt pick up what is a reasonable option for 2013, but if he continues to pitch like he has, they could put him on the block at the deadline. He won't net the same sized package the Indians gave up to get him, but someone will be willing to take a chance on him returning to form with a change of scenery.

SP Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins

Contract

2013: $13.75 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

Once the Marlins decided to sell this season, they sold in a big way as they were open to listening to offers on anyone and everyone on the roster.

One player many expected to be traded who wasn't was ace Josh Johnson, but that could all change at next year's deadline when he will be in a contract year.

If he can return to the 2010 form that saw him go 11-6 with an NL-best 2.30 ERA, he could be the single biggest trade chip on the market next season. 

SP Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

Contract

2013: $25 million
2014: $25 million
2015: $25 million
2016: $27.5 million option, $12.5 million buyout
2017: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Phillies find themselves in an awkward position at the moment, as they are struggling this season and have an old roster that they could begin to rebuild.

However, they have a ton of money tied up in the likes of Ryan Howard, Cliff Lee and now Cole Hamels long-term and shorter term in Chase Utley, Roy Halladay, Jimmy Rollins and Jonathan Papelbon.

They could begin looking to cut payroll next season, and moving Lee would be one way to save over $80 million right off the bat.

Moving him wouldn't simply be a cost-cutting move though, as he remains one of the best pitchers in the league and would likely command an impressive prospect package to acquire. It would take the right circumstances, but the Phillies trading Lee is by no means out of the question.

SP Ted Lilly, Los Angeles Dodgers

Contract

2013: $12 million
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

The Dodgers were buyers in a big way at the deadline this season, acquiring Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Brandon League and Randy Choate.

The team is expected to be equally aggressive in the offseason as the new ownership group appears willing to spend if it means putting a winner on the field sooner rather than later.

That likely means signing at least one starter, and with Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano all under contract next season, the odd-man out could be Ted Lilly if another starter is added.

Entering the final year of his contract, Lilly has a full no-trade clause, but if he winds up losing his rotation spot, he would no doubt be open to a trade.

SP Ricky Nolasco, Miami Marlins

Contract

2013: $11.5 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The Marlins dealt starter Anibal Sanchez in his contract year this season, and they could look to do the same with Ricky Nolasco next year.

The 29-year-old has not posted an ERA under 4.00 since 2008, and he is 8-10 with a 4.90 ERA in 21 starts this season.

However, he's durable, doesn't walk guys and likely won't cost much to acquire, so expect him to be on the move next July. 

SP James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays

Contract

2013: $9 million option, $1.5 million buyout
2014: $12 million option, $1 million buyout
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

Shields was one of the most talked about players on the market this season, but in the end, the Rays opted to hold onto the 30-year-old franchise staple.

He has a pair of very reasonable options over the next two seasons, so the Rays don't need to trade him in 2013 by any means. However, they do have an abundance of pitching, and he could net a hefty return.

The Rays have a number of holes offensively, and dealing Shields may be the way to fill those voids. If Shields returns to his 2011 form when he went 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA and 225 Ks, he could land the Rays a franchise-altering package of prospects in return.

SP Jason Vargas, Seattle Mariners

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

While Felix Hernandez steals the spotlight, both in terms of performance on the field and trade talks on the rumor mill, it is Vargas who is the far more likely trade candidate and a good one at that.

The 29-year-old has gone 12-7 with a 3.71 ERA this year, and his 153 innings of work are third most in the American League.

He'll get a pay boost from his current $4.85 million salary in his final year of arbitration next year, but he should still be reasonably priced and with so much good, young pitching talent in the Mariners organization, moving him makes plenty of sense. 

RP Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies

Contract

2013: $4.25 million
2014: $4.25 million option, $250K buyout
2015: Free Agent 

Outlook

After carving out a niche as one of the best setup men in baseball over the past several seasons with the Indians and Rockies, Betancourt opened the season as a closer for the first time in his career following Huston Street being traded to the Padres.

He's been solid in that role, converting 17-of-21 save chances and posting a 2.92 ERA and 9.2 K/9, which are numbers in line with his career averages.

The team opted not to make him available at the deadline this year, but the Rockies have what looks to be a fairly large-scale rebuild on their hands, and if dealing Betancourt can aid in that rebuild, expect the Rockies to do so in 2013. 

RP Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

Contract

2013: $9.8 million
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

The Cubs fire sale is likely to continue next season, and closer Carlos Marmol is as likely as anyone to be on the move.

He has posted a 4.23 ERA since the start of 2011 and converted just 47-of-59 saves over that span with a 6.8 BB/9 mark.

However, he remains one of the best strikeout pitchers in all of baseball, and when he is right, he is among the best closers in all of baseball as well. Relief pitching is always in demand at the deadline, so expect him to be on the move next July.

RP Brett Myers, Chicago White Sox

Contract

2013: $10 million option, $3 million buyout
2014: Free Agent 

Outlook

Among the White Sox deadline acquisitions this season, don't be surprised to see Myers on the move again next July.

His $10 million option is steep, but my guess is the White Sox pick it up rather than pay $3 million to buy him out.

He's been solid in five outings since joining the White Sox, throwing 3.2 innings of scoreless baseball. He'll be a key contributor down the stretch for the White Sox this year, but they could look to move him next year to a team looking for a reliever capable of closing.

RP Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Contract

2013: Arbitration Eligible
2014: Arbitration Eligible
2015: Free Agent

Outlook

While the Giants showed interest in Perez at the deadline, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Indians never showed any clear interest in moving the All-Star closer.

He's saved 88 games over the past two-and-a-half seasons, posting a 2.57 ERA and made the All-Star team in each of the past two seasons.

With the Indians in need of several pieces offensively, and with a solid setup man capable of stepping into the closer's role in Vinnie Pestano, the Indians could look to sell high on the controllable closer and improve their club long term.

RP J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks

Contract

2013: $6.5 million option, $1.5 million buyout
2014: Free Agent

Outlook

Signed to a two-year, $10 million deal with a third year option prior to the 2011 season, Putz has been fantastic in the closer's role for the Diamondbacks.

Last season, he saved 45 games and posted a 2.17 ERA in helping the Diamondbacks to an NL West title, and he has saved 19 games with a 3.82 ERA so far this season.

The team will probably pick up what is a relatively reasonable option next season, but if the Diamondbacks fall out of contention and perhaps even if they don't, Putz could be on the move next July.