Each MLB Buyer's Best Prospect Trade Chip for the 2015 Deadline

Before the wheeling and dealing begins over the next month, let's take a look at each MLB buyer's top prospect trade chip. 

The following selections won't always be the best overall prospect in each organization. After all, many top young talents will be off limits. Instead, prospects on this list must be valued by teams in the market and expendable to their current teams in the right deal. 

Even without that upper echelon of prospects, there is still plenty of value among the players teams will be willing to include into potential deals. Javier Baez, Alex Meyer, Greg Bird and Jorge Alfaro are just a few names that could change ZIP codes before July 31. 

We're by no means saying the names that construct this list should be traded. Rather, consider the following slideshow a crash course on the players who are the most likely to be the centerpieces of significant moves. 

Let's get started and remember, let your voice be heard in the comment section below!

Baltimore Orioles: Chance Sisco

Untouchables: Dylan Bundy, Hunter Harvey 

2015 Stats (A+): .287/.370/.375, 16 R, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 19 K, 16 BB

The Baltimore Orioles don't have the deepest farm system, but Chance Sisco's advanced bat will interest plenty of teams. 

Sisco is a 20-year-old catching prospect that's currently in High-A. Last season, Sisco won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .340 average. He's also exhibited quality plate discipline throughout his brief career, which should only improve as he matures.

Defensively, Sisco needs to hone his craft as he rises through the developmental ranks. But seeing as he's only been catching for a few years, his raw talent should continue to improve as he closes in on the big leagues.

But sellers will covet Sisco for his offensive capabilities, which have passed every test so far. The O's won't be crazy about parting with the talented catcher, but they will be more willing to include him in a potential deal than the likes of Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey. 

Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez

Untouchables: Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber

2015 Stats (AAA): .314/.386/.536, 19 R, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 40 K, 11 BB

The Chicago Cubs are loaded with young talent throughout the organization. General manager Theo Epstein won't mortgage the organization's future this season, but if he decides to make a splash, Javier Baez would be an attractive centerpiece. 

Baez reached the major leagues last year and proceeded to do what he does best—hit bombs and strike out. In 52 games in 2014, the infielder hit nine homers and struck out over 41 percent of the time. Baez has done more of the same in Triple-A this season. 

With Addison Russell on board, Baez is definitely expendable. His power is unquestioned, but a long swing will likely lead to high strikeout totals throughout his career.

He's too good to be moved for a rental-type player, but don't be shocked if Baez doesn't fit into Chicago's long-term plans and is dealt at some point. 

Detroit Tigers: Steven Moya

Untouchables: None

2015 Stats (AAA): .244/.294/.432, 36 R, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 88 K, 18 BB

According to MLB.com, Steven Moya is the No. 1 prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization. But his status atop the Detroit farm system won't deter the Tigers from including him in the right deal. 

Moya is a feast-or-famine power hitter. 2014 was a microcosm of what Moya brings to the table, as he mashed 35 homers and struck out close to 30 percent of the time in Double-A. The slugger is on pace to post similar numbers again in 2015. 

Unlike other swing-and-miss power hitters, Moya doesn't mask his strikeouts with many free passes. His 6'7" frame widens the strike zone, causing him to chase pitches outside of the zone. Moya is just 23, but he's yet to show any improvement in that area over the course of his career. 

The Tigers have one of the worst systems in baseball, and trading Moya won't help. But dangling his prodigious power may be the only way to acquire a much-needed starting pitching upgrade before the deadline. 

Houston Astros: Domingo Santana

Untouchable: Carlos Correa, Mark Appel

2015 Stats (AAA): .320/.444/.584, 42 R, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 69 K, 43 BB

Domingo Santana has risen all the way to "the Show" this season behind one of the top power bats in the minor leagues. 

Santana hit 11 homers and drove in 38 runs in 56 Double-A games. The 22-year-old also posted a .320 average and a .444 on-base percentage by improving his walk rate to a career-high 17.8 percent. 

Santana hasn't fared as well against big league pitching since his June promotion. In 14 games, he's struck out 17 times in 39 at-bats. But unlike Detroit's Steven Moya, Santana has improved his plate discipline enough throughout his career to lead one to believe he'll continue to do so. 

A player with Santana's ability wouldn't normally be available via trade, but the Houston Astros have one of the top farm systems in MLB. Houston drafted Kyle Tucker and Dazmon Cameron in the 2015 draft, which makes Santana's one-dimensional game a little more expendable. 

Kansas City Royals: Raul Adalberto Mondesi

Untouchables: None

2015 Stats (AA): .264/.282/.408, 17 R, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 7 SB, 31 K, 4 BB

The Kansas City Royals are arguably the most complete team in the American League, but if general manager Dayton Moore wants to acquire a starter before the deadline, it'll be hard to do without including shortstop Raul Adalberto Mondesi. 

Mondesi, son of former MLB All-Star Raul Mondesi, is the No. 1 prospect in the Kansas City farm system. The 19-year-old is a polished shortstop with one of the top gloves in the minor leagues. He has the range, arm and instincts to remain at the position over the course of his career. 

While gifted defensively, Mondesi is a work in progress at the plate. He hit just .211 at High-A last season with an alarming amount of strikeouts. As a future table-setter, Mondesi's plate discipline must significantly improve before he's ready for the majors. 

If the Royals decide to push all their chips to the middle of the table and pursue a front-line starter, Mondesi's inclusion in the trade will likely be a requirement. 

Los Angeles Angels: Nick Tropeano

Untouchable: Sean Newcomb

2015 Stats (AAA): 2-2, 49 IP, 4.78 ERA, 49 K, 18 BB

With Andrew Heaney pitching well for the Los Angeles Angels, Nick Tropeano is L.A.'s most attractive trade chip outside of top prospect Sean Newcomb. 

Tropeano was an outstanding farmhand for the Houston Astros, winning the Pacific Coast League ERA title in Triple-A in 2014. After being traded to the Angels, the right-hander has moved up the organizational ladder and is on the verge of a permanent big league stay. 

The 24-year-old isn't overpowering, but he has fantastic command of all his pitches. Tropeano uses his fastball and changeup effectively in the lower portion of the strike zone, generating ground-ball contact when he's locating. 

The Angels don't have much to offer, but Tropeano is at least on the cusp of sticking in the major leagues. If he can improve his slider, he can develop into a reliable mid-rotation arm. 

Los Angeles Dodgers: Jose De Leon

Untouchables: Corey Seager, Julio Urias

2015 Stats (A+/AA): 6-4, 83 IP, 3.04 ERA, 112 K, 29 BB

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an assortment of useful talent, so selecting the top available prospect is truly in the eye of the beholder. Jose De Leon is the choice here, as he's dramatically improved in his pursuit of a big league debut.

The right-hander has progressed to Double-A in just over two seasons, posting a 1.67 ERA in seven starts in High-A to earn his most recent promotion. His ERA has increased while facing Double-A hitters, but he's still striking out almost 30 percent of his opponents. 

The 22-year-old's fastball has gone from a low-90s offering to a mid-90s one over the past few seasons. De Leon couples his heater with a fantastic slider that works well off his primary pitch. His changeup isn't a finished product, but it has the makings of a third quality major league pitch. 

With Corey Seager and Julio Urias off the table, De Leon is a safer bet than hard-throwing 19-year-old Grant Holmes. He's also closer to the big leagues and could help a rotation as early as 2016. 

Minnesota Twins: Alex Meyer

Untouchables: Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano 

2015 Stats (AAA): 3-4, 58.1 IP, 5.25 ERA, 62 K, 31 BB

The Minnesota Twins probably won't send any high-profile prospects packing, but Alex Meyer may be a name to keep an eye on. 

Although Meyer is blessed with an electric fastball, he hasn't dominated hitters at the higher levels. The right-hander has posted a 5.25 ERA in 18 games in Triple-A and gave up five earned runs in 2.2 innings in a brief call-up to Minnesota. 

The 25-year-old's fastball sits in the upper-90s and gets on opposing hitters quickly. Because of that velocity and the angle his height creates, opponents find it difficult to separate his slider from his fastball. Meyer's stuff can match up with anyone, but he rarely knows where each pitch is going. At 6'9", Meyer's long limbs make it difficult for him to repeat his delivery. 

With the combination of command issues and breathtaking stuff, Meyer's future may lie in the bullpen. He does have tremendous value, but Minnesota is better off trading Meyer than fellow hurlers Jose Berrios or Kohl Stewart. 

New York Mets: Marcos Molina

Untouchables: Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz

2015 Stats (A+): 1-4, 32.2 IP, 4.41 ERA, 32 K, 8 BB

The New York Mets need offensive upgrades, but they seem unwilling to part with any top pitching prospects to do so. However, the Mets still have a quality hurler they can offer in a potential deal in right-hander Marcos Molina. 

In terms of stuff, Molina is as good as anybody in the minor leagues. The 20-year-old throws in the mid-90s and has two polished secondary offerings. Molina is also always around the plate, never walking more than 7 percent of his opponents at any stop during his career. 

Don't worry—Molina's 4.41 ERA in High-A this season isn't indicative of how he's pitched. He's struck out over 10 per nine innings and has a FIP under 3.00. If he can stay healthy and complete a full season for the first time in his career, Molina should start 2016 in Double-A. 

If any team can trade a promising young pitcher away, it's the Mets. By dealing from a position of strength, New York can improve its major league offense without sacrificing Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz. 

New York Yankees: Greg Bird

Untouchables: Luis Severino, Aaron Judge

2015 Stats (AA/AAA): .253/.349/.429, 29 R, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 35 K, 25 BB

Greg Bird is being groomed to replace Mark Teixeira after the 2016 season, but the New York Yankees have never been an organization to put the future ahead of the present. 

Bird burst on the scene in 2013 with 20 homers and 84 RBI in Single-A. After hitting 14 homers in an injury-riddled season a year ago, Bird has managed to climb all the way to Triple-A in 2015.

The left-handed hitter combines raw power with a quality approach to get the most out of his swing. Bird has a good grasp of the strike zone, which allows him to draw plenty of walks and post high on-base percentages.

Yankees fans may be upset if Bird is included in a deal over the coming weeks, but the club is not going to part with Luis Severino or Aaron Judge. If New York can improve and win the American League East, Bird will become expendable and the Yankees will find their next first baseman via free agency in 2017. 

Pittsburgh Pirates: Alen Hanson

Untouchables: Tyler Glasnow, Josh Bell

2015 Stats (AAA): .293/.339/.436, 39 R, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 22 SB, 51 K, 21 BB

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a deep pool of talented farmhands to include in prospective deals. Although Tyler Glasnow and Josh Bell will be off limits, Alen Hanson would still be a nice consolation prize. 

Hanson is a Triple-A middle infielder with a quality bat. The 22-year-old has put the ball in play and hit for a high average throughout his minor league career. Despite a slight frame, he also has plenty of power and could reach double-digit home run totals in the big leagues one day. 

Hanson is more of a second baseman than a shortstop, but he can play all over the infield if needed. He's also exceptionally fast, which gives him elite range and the ability to change games on the basepaths. 

At 22, Hanson should be ready to contribute at the big league level in the near future. If the Pirates decide to get involved in the trading frenzy, Hanson will be a popular target. 

San Francisco Giants: Kyle Crick

Untouchables: None

2015 Stats (AA): 1-4, 44.1 IP, 3.05 ERA, 44 K, 46 BB

Kyle Crick is a big-time talent with elite stuff, but an inability to throw strikes has hurt him in his minor league career. 

At 6'4", 220 pounds, Crick has the body to maintain mid-90s velocity. His fastball flirts with 100 mph and is one of the top heaters in the minor leagues. Crick's slider is a nasty power pitch that generates swings-and-misses. With an improving curve and change, the right-hander could one day have four quality offerings at his disposal.

As nasty as his stuff is, Crick won't reach his potential without improvement in his command. He's walked over nine batters per nine innings while at Double-A. Crick has managed to overcome this deficiency to pitch effectively thus far in his career, but there's an assumption that he may be a better fit in the bullpen. 

The Giants wouldn't have dared move Crick a few seasons ago, but they may have a softer stance if it helps them acquire a quality major league starter. 

St. Louis Cardinals: Marco Gonzales

Untouchables: None

2015 Stats (AAA): 0-1, 28.1 IP, 6.35 ERA, 22 K, 8 BB

The St. Louis Cardinals have the best record in baseball due in large part to the league's premier rotation. With an abundance of young pitching talent, the Cardinals can afford to center a package around southpaw Marco Gonzales. 

After a fantastic stretch between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, Gonzales made his major league debut in 2014, posting a 4.15 ERA in 10 appearances. The left-hander has battled injuries this year and hasn't thrown like the pitcher we saw before his promotion. 

Gonzales is the definition of a crafty lefty. He doesn't throw hard, relying on location and movement to fool opposing hitters. His changeup is considered elite, and he throws it frequently. By throwing strikes and hitting spots, Gonzales won't have trouble contributing to a major league rotation for years to come. 

The Cardinals don't have too many needs, so there's no rush to part ways with Gonzales. But if the right deal comes along, St. Louis might think about it. 

Tampa Bay Rays: Willy Adames

Untouchables: None

2015 Stats (A+): .275/.356/.411, 34 R, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 7 SB, 79 K, 35 BB

Willy Adames was a key piece in the David Price blockbuster, but he may have become excess to requirements after the Tampa Bay Rays traded for Daniel Robertson before the season. 

Adames is a very complete hitter for his age. The 19-year-old has already shown that he can hit for power, and he's posted impressive walk rates in his young career. Despite some swing-and-miss in his game, Adames has been able to produce quality averages and OBPs. 

Defensively, Adames' strong arm often compensates for his average range. As his body matures, he's a likely candidate to move to second or third. 

Tampa Bay has three shortstops in its top five overall prospects. Adames has the most upside, which makes him an attractive target for teams with a lack of infield depth. 

Texas Rangers: Jorge Alfaro

Untouchables: Joey Gallo

2015 Stats (AA): .253/.314/.432, 22 R, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 61 K, 9 BB

Impact catchers are valuable in today's game, so expect Jorge Alfaro's name to come up in any trade scenario involving the Texas Rangers. 

According to MLB.com, Alfaro is the top catcher in the minor leagues. The 22-year-old is currently in Double-A and should make his major league debut sometime in 2016. 

Alfaro has two key attributes that have scouts drooling—immense raw power and a rocket for a throwing arm. He has the ability to drive the baseball to all fields and has done so consistently throughout his minor league career. Behind the dish, Alfaro deters would-be base-stealers with his swift transitions and quick release. 

Alfaro has been mentioned as a potential centerpiece for a potential Cole Hamels blockbuster. With Joey Gallo considered untouchable, Alfaro becomes Texas' premier trade chip. 

Toronto Blue Jays: Max Pentecost

Untouchables: Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris 

2015 Stats: N/A

The Toronto Blue Jays drafted Max Pentecost with the 11th pick of the 2014 draft. But after giving Russell Martin a long-term deal before the 2015 season, Toronto's young catching prospect might be better used as trade bait.

Pentecost hasn't played in 2015 due to a partially torn labrum last October, but he began a throwing program last month and should return sometime this season. In a small sample size, Pentecost hit over .300 in 2014. 

The 22-year-old doesn't do one thing great, but he's consistent in all aspects of the game. At the plate, he puts the ball in play and has double-digit homer potential. Defensively, Pentecost is a good receiver and moves well. 

Toronto desperately needs to improve its pitching, but it won't want to part with Aaron Sanchez or Daniel Norris to do so. Losing Pentecost will hurt, but Martin's lengthy contract has made him expendable. 

Washington Nationals: A.J. Cole

Untouchables: Lucas Giolito, Trea Turner

2015 Stats (AAA): 0-4, 47 IP, 4.40 ERA, 32 K, 19 BB

In a Washington Nationals organization loaded with pitching talent, A.J. Cole's ability is often overlooked. 

Cole is MLB.com's 42nd-rated prospect. The right-hander has already reached the major leagues, but he hasn't been able to stick just yet. That's more of a compliment to Washington's elite stuff, as Cole has done his part. 

The 23-year-old has risen up the developmental ranks due to multiple quality offerings that he commands well. Cole throws a low-90s fastball, a deceptive changeup and a curve that's gotten better as he's matured. At 6'5", 200 pounds, Cole can confidently repeat his delivery without needing to generate extra velocity. 

The Nats are ready to win in 2015, so they'll likely consider any deal outside of right-hander Lucas Giolito. If trading Cole gives the organization a better chance for postseason success, he's as good as gone. 

Stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of 7/7.