
Will they keep or will they go?
The 2022 MLB trade deadline is speedily approaching, but aside from some sizzling can take and fanalyst converse, it truly is been comparatively silent. To that end, how the deadline will unfold is anyone’s guess: Will fringe teams stick with their rosters heading into the late stages of the summer months, or will they bolster their rosters with the possibilities of making a wild-card operate?
And talking of guesses, let us have some entertaining with how the deadline could perform out. Of system, there are a variety of groups that could be pretty occupied: the Yankees have function to do to shore up their roster heading into August, even though the Cubs could tear it down and send out out a quantity of stars, headlined by Willson Contreras.
More: Why no enthusiast should be concerned about a likely Juan Soto trade
Highlighted by SN’s prime 20 most very likely trade deadline targets to transfer, this is exactly where all those gamers could end up appear Aug. 3.
MLB trade deadline predictions
Juan Soto, Nationals
Washington reportedly needs a superior blend of prospective clients and big league talent back again. There are various teams that match the bill: The Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, Dodgers and Padres all have major-tier prospective buyers and a superior blend of important league talent. It nonetheless feels like the Nationals are performing out of spite instead than being dependable.
Prediction: Stays
A lot more: The most effective landing spots for Juan Soto
Willson Contreras, Cubs
Contreras is 1 of the game’s ideal offensive catchers, which would seem like a luxury, but it is really not when you get to October and want all 9 spots to create. The Astros make fantastic trade associates for Chicago: They have one particular of the league’s worst backstop pairings and are likely to glance to update offensively at the deadline.
Prediction: Astros
Far more: Willson Contreras landing spots
Andrew Benintendi, Royals
Benintendi’s vaccination standing is heading to be a recurring concept foremost up to the deadline, but his bat is heading to be as well excellent to go up for the Yankees, who desperately have to have some extra lefty call in their lineup.
Prediction: Yankees
Landing spot: Yankees
Frankie Montas, Athletics
Behind Luis Castillo, Montas is arguably the most intriguing arm on this year’s trade market. The Twins are heading to have to obtain a way to separate by themselves from the Guardians, who have hung around in the AL Central all yr. A trade for Montas would go a prolonged way to serving to that.
Prediction: Twins
Josh Bell, Nationals
Bell is possessing a huge year for the Nats, and really should bring again a excellent return. He would seem to be an fantastic in shape for Houston, which needs to address very first foundation with Yuli Gurriel obtaining a quite lousy 12 months at the plate.
Prediction: Astros
Bryan Reynolds, Pirates
Reynolds and the Pirates extremely quietly agreed to a two-calendar year deal that will pay him $6.75 million per period in 2022 and 2023. He’s less than crew handle as a result of 2025, earning for an engaging, low-priced and effective outfielder if groups inquire. To that close, the Pirates shouldn’t truly feel compelled to make a shift now, and it will not come to feel like they will.
Prediction: Stays
Luis Castillo, Reds
If the Yankees are likely to be significant about successful a championship this yr, then it commences with a active trade deadline. Castillo is just about the best match for New York, and he has a different year of workforce control, one thing the Yankees usually like when it comes to setting up pitching.
Prediction: Yankees
A lot more: Likely landing spots for Luis Castillo
Ian Happ, IF/OF, Cubs
Jeff Passan noted on Tuesday that “practically everybody” wishes Ian Happ. It really is uncomplicated to see why: He has terrific positional versatility and has some pop in his bat. That plays nicely for the Padres, who have to have the outfield help
Prediction: Padres
Trey Mancini, 1B/OF, Orioles
The Mets are however wanting to add to their offense even right after the acquisition of Daniel Vogelbach. If a trade with the Nationals for Juan Soto will not materialize (continue to one thing that isn’t going to sound real), then Mancini would be an additional great get for the Mets offense.
Prediction: Mets
Joey Gallo, IF/OF, Yankees
Gallo’s sector looks to be limited as a throw-in for whoever the Yankees conclude up trading for. In this situation, take into consideration him as aspect of a bundle for outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
Prediction: Royals
Sean Murphy, C, Athletics
Murphy isn’t just a trade for this yr, but he’ll be one particular for the future. The A’s catcher is blocking a selection of their top catching prospective clients, and they’ll go on to drop cash, as they’re wont to do. The Rays have to have backstop support, and Murphy seems like the excellent participant to slot in and help their offense.
Prediction: Rays
Dom Smith, IF/OF, Mets
Smith is owing for a transform of surroundings and taking into consideration the Mets are obtaining strategies to enhance their offense, you should not be stunned if he’s delivered off as element of a Trey Mancini deal. Smith’s price is at a small, and the Orioles would possible enjoy his group control through 2024.
Prediction: Orioles
Tyler Mahle, SP, Reds
The Giants are pitching very effectively this yr, but it would make sense to insert to the rotation as they enter the canine days of the year. Contemplate Mahle really valuable insurance coverage.
Prediction: Giants
Jose Quintana, SP, Pirates
Quintana is one more starter who will discover a new home arrive the trade deadline, just as every person predicted when he signed a one-yr offer with the Pirates. Fringe groups on the lookout for a 50 %-season rental and rotation depth, like the Mariners, could surely use him. Moreover, it would not be trade deadline year without the need of a Jerry Dipoto look.
Prediction: Mariners
Michael Fulmer, RP, Tigers
There are a range of teams that could use bullpen support — usually a wise final decision to make at this time of year. The Blue Jays have hung all around regardless of canning Charlie Montoyo, and they could certainly use the help
Prediction: Blue Jays
David Robertson, RP, Cubs
Robertson is acquiring a heck of a comeback season, and could be a boost to a bullpen the relaxation of the way. The Mets could use the support on the again close, as they’ve also been rumored to be in on him.
Prediction: Mets
Miguel Andujar, 1B/OF, Yankees
Andujar is nonetheless underneath group management, and will be for two extra seasons. The Yankees have routinely waited out contracts in new years, although, so moving Andujar, despite his trade ask for, feels like it will not occur to pass just yet.
Prediction: Stays
Brandon Drury, IF, Reds
Drury is destroying lefty pitching this 12 months, and would absolutely provide contenders properly as a bench bat down the extend and beyond. The Dodgers, who have not gotten a ton of generation from their bench as they have in the latest yrs, could use him.
Prediction: Dodgers
Garrett Cooper, 1B, Marlins
Cooper not too long ago took a pitch off the wrist, which could complicate his current market. The Marlins are midway concerning contender and pretender suitable now, and with Cooper under staff manage for a different period, there should not be a ton of urgency for Miami to go him.
Prediction: Stays
David Bednar, RP, Pirates
The Yankees are heading to have to make bullpen moves with Michael King out for the 12 months and Aroldis Chapman decidedly not himself. It also can help that they have completed enterprise with the Pirates in yrs previous.
Prediction: Yankees