Scouting Top 25 MLB Prospects That Could Be Dealt at Trade Deadline

With only a few days remaining before the trade deadline, teams that view themselves as contenders are feverishly evaluating the market with the hope of adding a key piece for the final two months of the season—and hopefully beyond.

Meanwhile, the teams that have already thrown in the towel are scouring other organizations’ farm systems as they prepare to potentially deal their major-league talent for a package of prospects.

So far, there has been only one significant trade involving prospects. On July 22, the Chicago Cubs traded veteran starter Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Justin Grimm, highly regarded prospects Mike Olt and C.J. Edwards and a pair of players to be named later.

However, with the trade deadline coming on Wednesday, there will undoubtedly be a flurry of activity—just as there is every year—in the days, hours and even minutes leading up to the event.

With that being said, here are scouting reports on the top 25 prospects—based on their likelihood of being traded and not on future potential—who could be dealt this year.

25. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: RHP

DOB: 8/23/1993 (Age: 19)

Height/Weight: 6’7”, 195

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted: Fifth round, 2011 (Hart HS, Calif.)

ETA: 2016

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

The 6’7”, 195-pound right-hander throws fastball on a steep downhill plane; improved velocity has him sitting in the mid-90s with a chance for even more. Curveball can be a hammer with plus potential, but is inconsistent at the moment; doesn’t always stay on top and execute pitch; flashes excellent shape; potential out-pitch. Changeup is a work-in-progress offering that has noticeably improved this season. Command of entire arsenal has taken a significant step forward in full-season debut; developing into more of a pitcher than a thrower.

24. Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: 2B

DOB: 10/10/1990 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 5’9”, 185

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted: First round, 2011 (Hawaii)

ETA: 2013

2013 Stats

  

Scouting Report 

Potential top-of-the-order, left-handed bat capable of hitting for average and getting on base; understands the strike zone and drives the ball from line to line with a direct bat path; may need to simplify his load/timing mechanism, but it hasn’t hindered his production thus far. Hit tool projects to be above-average, while his power should be good for 10-15 home runs per season. Doesn’t possesses typical up-the-middle speed, but is a smart baserunner. High baseball IQ allows him to make in-game adjustments, which should aid his success as a major leaguer.

Defense at second base is big league-ready; have never been impressed by his range at the position, but he compensates with true instincts and a good first step. Hands and actions are smooth and consistent; can be weak and tentative to the backhand. Just a well-rounded, solid player.

23. Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Baltimore Orioles

Position: LHP

DOB: 4/7/1993 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200

Bats/Throws: L/L

Signed: January 2010 (Venezuela)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

6’2”, 200-pound frame is highly projectable with plenty of room to mature physically; wiry arms and upper body create deception in his unique delivery, which he was able to repeat with more consistency last season. I really like how his arm works as the ball jumps out of his hand with ease.

Enjoyed a jump in fastball velocity in 2012; sits in the low 90s and will occasionally pop 94 to 95 mph; secondary pitches are understandably raw and lag behind his heater, though both flash the potential to be above-average offerings. Slider is difficult to recognize out of the hand and is sharper when he throws it with velocity; changeup is present but in the nascent stages; has thrown pitch with more confidence this season. No. 3 or 4 starter with upside at the moment, possibly more if he can continue to refine command and miss more bats at higher levels.

22. Gregory Polanco, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: OF

DOB: 9/14/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 170

Bats/Throws: L/L

Signed: April 2009 (Dominican Republic)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Raw but athletic prospect; projectable 6’4”, 170-pound frame; plenty of room to add strength; outstanding tools and secondary skills. The left-handed hitter has the potential for an above-average hit tool in the major leagues. Showcases excellent bat speed and bat-to-ball ability; already comfortable driving the ball to all fields; swings to drive the ball, which helps explain his improved power utility. Effortlessly generates backspin carry. Bat can get long when he overloads; may get beat by velocity.

Plus athleticism, speed and range could make him a force in center field; long strides; rangy; gets good jumps. Routes are still improving; may lose a step or two as he fills out.

21. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Kansas City Royals

Position: 3B

DOB: 11/16/1992 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 190

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed: July 2009 (Nicaragua)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Present physical strength at 6’1”, 190 pounds. Above-average bat speed; can handle velocity. Above-average raw power potential; knows how to utilize strong lower half; no problem turning around velocity. Hit tool is frustrating, inconsistent; still learning to control the strike zone; will chase fastball up in the zone and quality secondaries off the outside corner.

Has already lost some athleticism. Solid-average defender who makes the routine plays; below-average runner; decent range but has a chance to lose a step as he matures physically. Accurate, above-average arm is strongest defensive asset.

20. Sammy Solis, LHP, Washington Nationals

Position: LHP

DOB: 8/10/1988 (Age: 24)

Height/Weight: 6’5”, 230

Bats/Throws: R/L

Drafted: Second round, 2010 (San Diego)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

6’5” left-hander with lots of polish and upside. Hasn’t been able to stay healthy long enough to move through the system; injury history hurts his chances of eventually reaching his ceiling. Was impressive across both Class-A levels in 2011 and then in the Arizona Fall League. Suffered elbow injury late in the fall; underwent Tommy John surgery the following spring.

Solis works on a consistent downward plane; fastball registers in the low 90s with late life to his arm side; will occasionally reach back for 94-95 mph. Curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch but somewhat of a wild card due to its variance from start to start; throws changeup with convincing arm speed and locates it well, relative to his fastball. Overall solid command, but he’ll be challenged at higher levels; stuff and effectiveness should improve over the next year as he continues to work his way back from the TJ surgery.

19. Billy Hamilton, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Position: OF

DOB: 9/9/1990 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 6'0", 160

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted: Second round, 2009 (Taylorsville HS, Miss.)

ETA: 2013

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Has struggled to put ball in play consistently compared to 2012 season; always puts pressure on opposing defense. Feet never stop moving on the baseball field, especially on the basepaths. Development of hit tool and approach has regressed this season; lack of consistent contact; natural extra-base power from left side thanks to more leveraged swing.

Fastest player I’ve ever seen on a baseball field; best home-to-first time I’ve ever recorded or heard of. Legitimate top-of-the-order potential and great maturity; secondary skills need ongoing refinement.

Developed as a shortstop until fall of 2012 when organization moved him to center field; elite speed gives him tons of range and closing speed. Arm stroke that was awkward at shortstop plays well in center field given his length on the backside. Speed allows him to compensate for poor reads; he’ll get to even more balls as his jumps and instincts improve; still learning to sprint to spots rather than track and glide with the ball.

18. Rougned Odor, 2B, Texas Rangers

Position: 2B

DOB: 2/3/1994 (Age: 19)

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170

Bats/Throws: L/R

Signed: January 2011 (Venezuela)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

The 19-year-old possesses much more physical strength than his 5’11”, 170-pound frame suggests. Continues to be a younger player in an advanced league. Could handle shortstop in a pinch, but above-average range, soft hands and strong arm is a cleaner fit at second base; hard-nosed ballplayer who does everything with max intensity.

Left-handed hitter has above-average power for his size and position; impressive power frequency; drives the ball with authority to all fields; knack for hard contact; swing is compact; demonstrates excellent hand-eye coordination. Above-average-to-plus speed is noticeable on both sides of the ball.

17. A.J. Jimenez, C, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: C

DOB: 5/1/1990 (Age: 23)

Height/Weight: 6’0" 210

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: Ninth round, 2008 (Academia Discipulos de Cristo, P.R.)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report 

A nagging elbow injury cut his 2012 campaign at Double-A New Hampshire short when he required Tommy John surgery in May; returned to the level in June of 2013. Superb, defense-first catcher whose bat has slowly been catching up over the last few seasons. Blocking and receiving skills are highly advanced; excellent catch-and-throw skills, and he knows how to streamline his throws with consistency.

Right-handed hitter drives the ball to all fields with ease; doesn’t draw a lot of walks, but his pitch recognition skills have steadily improved. Above-average bat speed yields solid gap power that may result in double-digit home runs by the time he reaches the majors.

16. Angelo Gumbs, 2B, New York Yankees

Position: 2B

DOB: 10/13/1992 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 6’0", 175 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: Second round, 2010 (Torrance HS, Calif.)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Plus-bat-speed generates loud contact to all fields; drives through the ball with explosive wrists and weight transfer; showcases impressive pop relative to his size; the excessive movement with his hands needs to be jettisoned for simpler mechanism. Employs power hitter-like front leg lift that makes him vulnerable to both off-speed pitches and velocity on inner half; employs decent approach that should improve when he becomes more comfortable attacking breaking balls; made huge strides as a base stealer on top of present plus-speed.

Gumbs was a shortstop and outfielder in high school, but converted to second base upon signing with the Yankees. Above-average speed translates to similar range; more than enough arm strength to handle the position. Hands can be fringy, but glove has steadily improved since conversion; understands defensive fundamentals of position, but now just needs the experience.

15. Garin Cecchini, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Position: 3B

DOB: 4/20/1991 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted: Fourth round, 2010 (Alfred M. Barbe HS, La.)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

The 6’2” left-handed hitter has projectable frame and should continue to add strength as he fills out. Love his swing; one of the more impressive hitters I’ve seen in person this season. Plus bat speed and superb bat-to-ball ability gives him the potential for an above-average to plus hit tool. Compact swing yields consistent, hard contact; gets extension after deep point of contact, which allows him to drive the ball from line to line.

Present gap power could evolve into solid average power in big leagues; plate discipline and pitch recognition are highly advanced and polished. Possesses slightly above-average speed, but is an instinctual and adept base stealer; isn’t afraid to earn the extra base on a knock.

Background of a middle infielder in high school; shifted to third base upon turning pro and has adjusted quickly to new position. Has giving hands and solid defensive actions; can be a bit choppy and boxy at times, but good instincts give him slightly above-average range; solid body control. Plus-arm is best defensive tool and will allow him to stick at the position; still learning intricacies at the hot corner and will need to make adjustments.

14. Joc Pederson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: OF

DOB: 4/21/1992 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 185

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted: 11th round, 2010 (Palo Alto HS, Calif.)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

The 21-year-old possesses quiet strength at 6’1”, 185 pounds; showcases an all-around impressive set of tools and athleticism. Speed is only average, but his hard-nosed, aggressive mentality makes it play up a grade.

He has been developed as a center fielder over the past three seasons and may be able to stick there. Both his reads and routes have an element of rawness; present athleticism and tremendous work ethic suggest that they will continue to improve. Above-average arm strength is more than enough for the position and will translate if he moves to a corner spot.

Has continued to hit for power this season outside of California League; average or better power potential; tracks the ball well and fires hands at the last minute; bat enters the zone on a nice downward angle, which results in backspin carry to all fields. Needs to improve against same-side pitching; potential for slightly above-average hit tool thanks to mature plate discipline and line drive-oriented swing.

13. Nick Castellanos, OF, Detroit Tigers

Position: OF

DOB: 3/4/1992 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 210

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: First round, 2010 (Archbishop McCarthy HS, Fla.)

ETA: 2013

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Pure hitter with highly advanced bat-to-ball skills; ability to consistently barrel the ball; natural inside-out swing with lots of power to right-center field. Quick hands and bat speed; loose wrists and a fluid swing; lots of extension after contact but not a lofty swing. Not physically strong for his size, but possesses plenty of wiry strength.

Power should continue to develop as he gains more experience at higher levels; should always be an extra-base machine. Prone to chasing sliders low and off the plate; has barrel control to be an above-average hitter in the major leagues. Noticeably improved approach and pitch recognition this season at Triple-A. 

Drafted and developed as a third baseman until mid-2012, but moved to the outfield as a way to potentially expedite his arrival in the big leagues; has the arm strength for the position. Has shown noticeable improvements this season, but has his bad days out there. Still needs to learn how to make consistent reads; actions can be stiff; not a particularly strong runner but moves well once he hits full stride.

12. Alex Colome, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: RHP

DOB: 12/31/1988 (Age: 24)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 185 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed: March 2007 (Dominican Republic)

ETA: 2013

2013 Stats

Scouting Report 

6’2” right-hander has moved through the Rays' system at a gradual, one-level-per-year pace. Has had two significant stints on the disabled list due to oblique and lat injuries. Reached major leagues for the first time in 2013.

Has a projectable four-pitch mix that suggests mid-rotation upside, though his command will need more refinement before he reaches the major leagues. Two-seam fastball sits in low to mid-90s and digs against right-handed hitters; curveball flashes above-average potential with sharp break; slider and changeup are both decent pitches and effective when sequenced correctly.

11. Mookie Betts, 2B, Boston Red Sox

Position: 2B

DOB: 10/07/1992 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 5’9”, 156

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: Fifth round, 2011 (Overton HS, Tenn.)

ETA: 2016

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Betts showcases above-average speed, a knack for making hard contact and underrated power potential; ridiculously advanced plate discipline and approach for 20-year-old making full-season debut. Undersized at 5’9”, 156 pounds, but has surprising strength for his frame; present feel for applying it in games. Right-handed hitter has a compact swing with excellent barrel control that allows him to drive the ball across the entire field; has shown more over-the-fence pop this year after adding strength during the offseason; already an adept base-stealer.

Was drafted as a shortstop, but moved to second base in 2012; has adjusted quickly to new position. Slightly above-average defensive profile; above-average speed with a quick, instinctual first step cater to his impressive range.

10. Christian Bethancourt, C, Atlanta Braves

Position: C

DOB: 9/2/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 215

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed: March 2008 (Panama)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Physically strong and athletic catcher at 6’2”, 215 pounds; rocket arm should give him a chance to be excellent defensive catcher; catch-and-throw skills continue to improve. Generates consistent sub-1.8-second pop times; has thrown out 37 percent of base-stealers over six minor-league seasons. Blocking and receiving skills have improved over past two seasons, but still need refinement; doesn’t pick at balls as much as he did in previous years.

Has advanced hand-eye coordination, also a detriment; flails at pitches outside the strike zone and fails to capitalize on mistakes; struggles to drive the ball with consistency. Plate discipline suggests he’s almost unwilling to walk. Driving the ball with more consistency this season; semi-breakout performance at the plate. Only scratching the surface, as there's plenty of untapped potential.

9. Enny Romero, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: LHP

DOB: 1/24/1991 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 6’3”, 165 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/L

Signed: June 2008 (Dominican Republic)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Highly projectable frame at 6’3”, 165 pounds with plenty of room to add strength. Twenty-two-year-old left-hander has superb pure stuff, but still learning to harness it. Still arguably the biggest wild-card prospect in the Rays’ talented system.

Romero’s fastball is explosive and ranges anywhere from 92 to 97 mph; still more of a thrower than pitcher and will gladly let it rip. Improved pitchability this season; curveball will flash plus-potential with velocity and downer break; changeup has lots of potential given his fastball velocity and fast arm; command issues give him fringy long-term projection as a starter; fastball-curveball combination could land him a spot in the bullpen.

8. Garrett Gould, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: RHP

DOB: 7/19/1991 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 190

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: Second round, 2009 (Maize HS, Kansas)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report 

Another tall (6’4”), projectable right-hander; has underperformed since breakout 2011 season at Low-A Great Lakes; Dodgers have eased the 22-year-old up the organizational ladder along with a team-imposed innings limit; cleaned up his mechanics over the last two seasons and eliminated some of the previous injury concerns in the process.

Fastball is slightly above-average in the 88-92 mph range, and he’ll occasionally reach back for a little extra; curveball is, without a doubt, his best pitch and will flash plus-potential with big shape and sharp bite. Changeup gives him a third average pitch, though it pales in comparison to his breaking ball.

7. Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: 3B

DOB: 3/26/1991 (Age: 22)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 225

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: First round, 2009 (Yucaipa HS, Calif.)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

 

Scouting Report

Plus-raw power to all fields with improving frequency. Strong forearms create excellent bat speed; ball jumps off bat; very loud contact. Strikeout total and batting average don't accurately reflect advanced plate discipline. Has been a younger player at each minor league level; strikeout and walk rates should continue to improve with more experience.

Moved back to third base full time last season after seeing some time at first base in 2011; still raw defensively; has improved with experience. Error total should come down in future seasons; average range at the hot corner; hands are decent but inconsistent at times; above-average arm strength. Likely to end up at first base, which puts more pressure on the development of his bat.

6. Andrew Chafin, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: LHP

DOB: 6/17/1990 (Age: 23)

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 205

Bats/Throws: R/L

Drafted: First round, 2011 (Kent State)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

6’2” left-hander had an inconsistent full-season debut in 2012. Highly impressive pure stuff; has dialed it back a bit this season in favor of more effective command; mechanics can lack fluidity and are choppy, but have improved this season. Ball comes out of his hand with ease; finish is inefficient and could be simplified or at least modified. Fastball sits in the low to mid-90s; can reach back for a few more ticks in shorter stints; manipulates the pitch in both directions by mixing in two-seamers and cutters.

Slider is filthy, a potential plus-plus pitch with a sharp, wipeout break; induces whiffs from both right and left-handed hitters; nearly a big-league ready pitch that also projects favorably out of the bullpen; changeup has steadily improved since the start of the 2012 season and has potential to be a third at least average offering. Development of both command and control will ultimately determine whether he sticks as a starter or is expedited to the major leagues as a reliever.

5. Danry Vasquez, OF, Detroit Tigers

UPDATE: Monday, July 29, by Stephen Meyer

Danry Vasquez was, in fact, traded to the Houston Astros in return for Jose Veras. Read below, Astros fans, to find out all you need to know about your newest prospect.

--End of update--

Position: OF

DOB: 1/8/1994 (Age: 19)

Height/Weight: 6’3”, 177

Bats/Throws: L/R

Signed: July 2010 (Venezuela)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

At 6’3”, 177 pounds, Vasquez should add considerable strength to his naturally strong frame when he fills out. Pretty, left-handed swing with lots of potential; comfortable using the whole field as a 19-year-old; makes lots of contact but will also have to learn how to take his walks. Not a lot of present power, but his plus bat speed and the natural loft in his swing suggest it will come.

Average speed that is suitable for either corner outfield position; inconsistent reads and poor routes magnify his inexperience. Arm strength is solid to average, but may not be good enough for right field. Has improved in all facets of the game this season in second tour of Midwest League.

4. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Position: RHP

DOB: 9/21/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’0", 185

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed: April 2010 (Dominican Republic)

ETA: 2013

2013 Stats 

Scouting Report

Undersized at 6’0”, 185 pounds; limited physical projection. Some effort to delivery; power arm; lightning-quick arm action, almost Pedro Martinez-like. Ball explodes out of his hand; pitch trajectory is inconsistent; release point varies.

Plus fastball in the mid 90s with some sink; pumps four-seamer in the high 90s; should be able to touch triple digits in shorter (bullpen) stints. Secondary pitches are still on the raw side, but flash above-average to plus potential. Curveball is a hammer when he throws it from a consistent release point; plus changeup is a major asset given his excellent velocity and blinding arm speed.

3. Luis Sardinas, SS-2B, Texas Rangers

Position: SS

DOB: 5/16/1993 (Age: 20)

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 150 lbs

Bats/Throws: S/R

Signed: July 2009 (Venezuela)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Signed at the same time as Profar in 2009 and was overshadowed until this season. Has developed behind schedule due to various injuries, but still has plenty of upside at only 20 years old. 6’1” switch-hitter has impressive overall set of tools and should have no problem remaining at shortstop; excellent defensive skill set with plus speed, range and arm, as well as quick feet and premium athleticism.

Sound, balanced swing from both sides of the plate; loose wrists yield above-average bat speed; limited power potential, but hit tool is very promising; advanced plate discipline for his age and already showcases above-average pitch recognition; excellent base stealer who understands how to read pitchers and pick spots; true top-of-the-order talent given ability as switch-hitter and baserunner; some concerns about his makeup, but nothing overly concerning.

2. Ronny Rodriguez, 2B-SS, Cleveland Indians

Position: 2B-SS

DOB: 4/17/1992 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’0", 170

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed: October 2010 (Dominican Republic)

ETA: 2015

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Excellent athlete at 6'0", 170 pounds with a host of impressive but raw tools. Aggressive swings result in consistent, hard contact; strong, quick hands yield plus bat speed; above-average power potential. Eliminating some of the swing-and-miss in his game should improve utility of hit and power tool; struggles to recognize breaking balls from right-handers.

Athleticism is obvious at both middle infield positions. Strongest defensive attribute is plus arm, which is more than enough for the left side of infield. Rushes footwork at the position, which results in too many throwing errors. Actions seem forced at times. May end up at second base despite arm strength. 

1. Chris Owings, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: SS

DOB: 8/12/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 5’10”, 180

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted: First round, 2009 (Gilbert HS, S.C.)

ETA: 2014

2013 Stats

Scouting Report

Owings is only 5’10”, 180 pounds, but his tools play much louder. Right-handed hitter employs a compact swing thanks to strong hands and above-average bat speed. Understands how to maximize power; can turn around good velocity; improved pitch recognition; needs to work deeper counts and coax more walks to be a top-of-the-order hitter. Improved on-base skills should result in more stolen bases. Bat has some serious juice and could yield 15-20 home runs in the major leagues. Key to his development will be consistency.

One of the better defensive shortstops in the minor leagues. Instinctual defender with quick feet; showcases excellent body control in all directions; smooth actions. Plays through the baseball; plus arm strength is more than enough for the position.