Stock Up, Stock Down on MLB's Top 2015 Trade Targets, Week 14

If teams weren't feeling the crunch before, the impending arrival of the All-Star Game next week—and the break it provides—should finish applying the pressure to front offices around baseball.

Time is not on the side of teams that are still searching for an identity, unsure whether they are truly contenders or merely pretenders. By the time the All-Star break comes to an end, clubs will have roughly two weeks to get their respective houses in order for the stretch run.

While the rumor mill has died down a bit, thanks to the reluctance of pretenders to embrace the notion of selling at the July 31 trade deadline, there's a storm of activity that has become visible on the horizon, and it's heading this way.

How have some of the players that sit directly in that storm's path, from Aroldis Chapman to Ben Zobrist, seen their stock value as a trade chip fluctuate over the past week, which for our purposes ran from June 29 to July 5?

Let's take a look.

Stock Up: CL Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Weekly Stats 

3 GP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 3 IP, 5 K, 1-of-1 SV

Overview

While nothing has changed in regard to whether Cincinnati will actually make Aroldis Chapman available in a trade—the resounding thought around the game remains that it won't—it doesn't preclude other teams from calling to express interest.

A free agent after the 2016 season, Chapman continues to increase his value with performances like he delivered last week, when he didn't allow anyone to reach base in three appearances, striking out more than half the batters that he faced.

Cincinnati's reluctance to trade Chapman is understandable, but it seems like an inevitability, whether it be this year or next.

2015 Stats 

36 G, 3-3, 1.78 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 35.1 IP, 23 H, 19 BB, 61 K, 16-of-17 SV

Stock Even: RP Tyler Clippard, Oakland Athletics

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Weekly Stats 

3 G, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 3.1 IP, 2 BB, 4 K, 2-of-2 SV

Overview

Tyler Clippard's two walks last week did nothing to help lower his 4.2 BB/9 rate on the season, his highest mark in six years, but the veteran reliever remains one of the more attractive bullpen upgrades available thanks to his ability to succeed in any number of roles.

After blowing two of his first 11 save opportunities, Clippard has now successfully converted six in a row, alleviating any concerns that teams may have had about his ability to handle the ninth inning.

While trade winds aren't swirling around him currently, he's been linked to multiple teams thus far, and there's little doubt Clippard will be making multiple appearances on the rumor mill over the next few weeks.

2015 Stats 

33 G, 1-3, 2.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 34.2 IP, 23 H, 16 BB, 33 K, 15-of-17 SV

Stock Up: SP Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Weekly Stats 

1 GS, 1-0, 1.13 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 8 IP, 4 H, BB, 8 K

Overview

Johnny Cueto didn't disappoint in what might have been his last home start in a Reds uniform, thrilling the Cincinnati faithful with eight scoreless frames against Minnesota. It's as deep as he's gone in a game since early May, which should help alleviate any concerns about his elbow, which flared up earlier in the year.

That's only going to help Cincinnati in getting what it seeks for Cueto, an asking price that, according to ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand, is too high for the New York Yankees to be a serious contender for his services.

Despite that high asking price, the Reds should have little trouble finding a new home for Cueto once they decide to stop pretending they've got a chance to salvage their season.

Cueto remains at the top of Houston's wish list, according to the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich, while ESPN.com's Christina Kahrl makes a strong case as to why the Kansas City Royals should make a run at Cincinnati's ace.

2015 Stats

15 GS, 5-5, 2.84 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 104.2 IP, 76 H, 20 BB, 100 K

Stock Down: OF Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee Brewers

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Weekly Stats 

6 G, 5-for-26 (.192), HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K

Overview 

Carlos Gomez showed off his lighter side Saturday, leaving a note and a pile of gum in center field for his counterpart in Cincinnati, Billy Hamilton.

But the two-time All-Star's attitude quickly changed after getting hit in the hand/wrist area for the third time this season, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt:

"

I got hit a month and a half ago in Atlanta and it still hurts (a lot). It's not fun. It's not like I get hit down low. It's always up at my head.

Then, if you do something, they look at you like a troublemaker or bad guy. I'm tired of it. They should make a rule that if a pitcher hits you up high you are free to let it go and go get (the pitcher). I try to play like a good boy and take it like a man and go to first base.

But one of those days, it's going to be ugly. If they want to throw in, that's fine. I don't complain to get hit if you throw in and hit me low. But not up because it's something easy to break in your hands or get a concussion if you get hit in the head. I'm tired of it.

"

While the Brewers have not indicated one way or another as to whether Gomez is actually available, the continued plunking is not only painful for him to endure but is also keeping him from being able to truly get going at the plate.

Other teams are most certainly going to ask, but it would be a surprise if the Brewers sold low on Gomez, which is exactly what they'd be doing after another forgettable week for the 29-year-old.

Season Stats

56 GP, .269/.314/.423, 22 XBH (6 HR), 31 RBI, 10 BB, 51 K, 7-of-12 SB

Stock Even: SP Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

Weekly Stats 

2 GS, 0-0, 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 14 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, BB, 13 K

Overview

The more I think about it, the less convinced I become that Cole Hamels' stock as a trade chip can actually fluctuate. Short of an injury, a string of good starts or bad ones isn't going to change a team's opinion of him.

I mean, really, did a team need to see Hamels dominate the opposition twice last week to know that he's one of baseball's elite starting pitchers and a true ace? Probably not.

His market remains limited because of both his contract and Philadelphia's asking price, which, according to ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand, is too rich for the Yankees, who are unlikely to be in the running for his services at the trade deadline.

Whether he'd accept a trade to Houston or Toronto remains up for debate, but you can't count out teams like Boston and the Los Angeles Dodgers, which both have deep enough farm systems and pockets—and the need for another established starter—to put a deal together.

2015 Stats 

17 GS, 5-6, 3.02 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 113.1 IP, 93 H, 35 BB, 119 K

Stock Up: SP Scott Kazmir, Oakland Athletics

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

1 GS, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.25 WHIP, 8 IP, 2 H, 7 K

Overview

While Scott Kazmir may not be on the same level as Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels, performances like the one Kazmir delivered last week against Seattle prove that the gap between the three isn't nearly as large as some would have you believe.

Kazmir has allowed more than three earned runs only once this season—significantly less often than Cueto (four) and Hamels (five)—and has pitched to a 1.88 ERA over his last seven starts, holding the opposition to a feeble .503 OPS in the process.

Despite Kazmir's desire to remain in Oakland, he's going to command a far more lucrative deal in free agency than the A's can contend with. He would also bring back a significant package of talent, far exceeding the value of a draft pick as compensation for his departure after the season.

It's not as if there's a lack of interest in his services, as the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reported that four teams—the Cubs, Nationals, Royals and Twins—all had scouts at his last start.

2015 Stats 

16 GS, 5-5, 2.56 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 98.1 IP, 77 H, 33 BB, 92 K

Stock Down: SP Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

2 GS, 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 2.10 WHIP, 10 IP, 17 H, 10 ER, 4 BB, 9 K

Overview

Mike Leake's first loss since May 27 didn't come on the day he gave up seven earned runs over four innings against Minnesota. It came after he allowed Milwaukee to put only three runs on the board over six innings of work Sunday afternoon.

While his numbers this week are inflated because of that rough start against the Twins, Leake has now allowed at least eight hits in three consecutive starts, which is sure to give some of his suitors pause and keeps his trade value in a constant state of flux.

Ultimately, though, Leake represents the best of the mid-rotation arms that will be available, and his good outings outweigh the rough ones this season. He might not be quite as valuable as some Reds fans had hoped, but Cincinnati should still be able to get a pair of quality prospects back in a deal.

2015 Stats 

17 GS, 5-5, 4.39 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 106.2 IP, 108 H, 30 BB, 69 K

Stock Even: CL Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Weekly Stats

2 G, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, 3 IP, 2 H, 1 K

Overview

Jonathan Papelbon hasn't seen much action lately, as he's made just three relief appearances since we last checked in with him two weeks ago. But he's gotten over a mini-slump and returned to his reliable ways, giving his trade value a bit of a boost.

Everyone knows his contract and occasional lack of judgement remain obstacles that need to be cleared for a deal to take place, but Papelbon remains one of the most experienced and reliable relievers on the trade market, and there's little question he can help a handful of contenders.

While his velocity has dipped since his prime years and save opportunities have been few and far between in Philadelphia this year, he's already made a positive impression on new Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, who took over in the dugout for Ryne Sandberg just over a week ago.

"He doesn't make a whole lot of mistakes," Mackanin told the Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen. "When he does, he pitches around them."

2015 Stats

31 GP, 1-1, 1.65 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 32.2 IP, 26 H, 7 BB, 34 K, 14-of-14 SV

Stock Up: SS Jean Segura, Milwaukee Brewers

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

6 G, 10-for-26 (.385), 3 RBI, 2 BB, K, 1-of-1 SB

Overview 

Milwaukee hasn't made a decision about whether it's interested in trading Jean Segura, but sources tell the Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt that the Brewers have yet to tell inquiring teams he's not available. That at least suggests the club is willing to move him in the right deal.

While he hasn't been able to replicate the numbers he put up in 2013, when he hit .294 with 42 extra-base hits (12 home runs), 44 stolen bases and a .752 OPS while making his first All-Star appearance, performances like the one he delivered last week make teams think he still could return to that level.

Young (25) and controllable (he's not eligible for free agency until after the 2018 season), Segura would represent both an immediate upgrade at shortstop and a long-term solution for an acquiring team, and that makes him incredibly valuable, despite his rather pedestrian numbers last year and this season.

Season Stats

67 GP, .272/.305/.351, 12 XBH (3 HR), 24 RBI, 9 BB, 39 K, 11-of-12 SB

Stock Up: SP Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox

Paul Beaty/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

1 GS, 0-0, 1.17 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, 7.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K

Overview

More than a month had passed since Jeff Samardzija delivered a performance that looked like something you'd get out of a front-of-the-rotation starter, so his dominant performance against Baltimore on Independence Day was something of a surprise.

As the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo writes, that's the problem when it comes to valuing Samardzija: "There’s always so much debate on where he fits on a pitching staff. He's not a No. 1 and he's not having the best of seasons, yet he's one of the more discussed and desirable pitchers on the trade market."

Over the past two weeks, Cafardo has mentioned 10 teams—Baltimore, Detroit, Kansas City, Houston, Minnesota, New York (AL), St. Louis, Toronto and both Los Angeles clubs—as having interest in the eighth-year veteran.

While a hot streak by Samardzija isn't going to help the White Sox salvage their season, he could wind up commanding far bigger of a return than anyone anticipates if he can continue to throw the ball so well.

2015 Stats 

17 GS, 5-4, 4.33 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 116.1 IP, 126 H, 22 BB, 97 K

Stock Even: SS Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

6 G, 9-for-22 (.409), 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K

Overview

I include Troy Tulowitzki because his name is going to be a fixture on the rumor mill until July 31, but the question surrounding him has changed. It's no longer a matter of if Colorado would deal him, but whether there's a team out there that would trade for him.

Rival executives that CBS Sports' Jon Heyman checked weren't convinced there was, citing his contract (he's due at least $94 million through 2020) and the loss of the "lower-half explosiveness" he had before undergoing season-ending hip surgery last year as reasons why.

If you're thinking Colorado could just include cash to ease those concerns and help facilitate a trade, think again. A friend of Rockies owners Charlie and Dick Monfort tells Heyman that's never going to happen.

When you take all of that into consideration, does it even matter what Tulowitzki does on the field as it pertains to his trade value? There are only a handful of teams that could afford to absorb all of his remaining deal, and most of them are either set at shortstop or have a prospect that's almost ready.

"The window may have closed on a Tulo trade," another rival GM remarked. He might be right.

Season Stats

74 GP, .321/.358/.489, 28 XBH (9 HR), 44 RBI, 17 BB, 59 K

Stock Up: IF/OF Ben Zobrist, Oakland Athletics

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Weekly Stats 

7 G, 8-for-24 (.333), 3 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K

Overview

There may not be a more sought-after position player on the trade market this year than Ben Zobrist, whose consistent production at the plate, reasonable salary (he's due roughly $4 million the rest of the year) and ability to play multiple positions—and play them well—makes him a fit on any contender.

Since returning from right knee surgery on May 26, Zobrist has hit .277/.373/.469 with 16 extra-base hits, 23 RBI and more walks (21) than strikeouts (15). While he's not the only reason for Oakland's recent success, it's no coincidence the team has gone 21-17 since his return.

While the A's have yet to decide whether they'll be buying or selling at the deadline, the New York Mets are prepared to "overpay" to bring Zobrist to Citi Field, according to a report by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. News like that never has a negative impact on a player's value.

Considering the number of teams expected to make a run at the 34-year-old, there's a chance we could see a bidding war erupt between interested clubs. That alone could be a deciding factor in what direction the club takes.

2015 Stats 

52 GP, .267/.354/.450, 22 XBH (5 HR), 31 RBI, 26 BB, 18 K

Unless otherwise linked/noted, all statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs and are current through July 5. All contract information courtesy of Cot's Contracts.

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