With the August 2nd trade deadline looming, things will start shaking up. Let’s look at five players likely to be dealt before the trade deadline.
1. Frankie Montas(SP) – Oakland A’s
Montas is no stranger to seeing his name pop up in trade rumors, and this deadline may be the time something is worked out. The 29-year-old righty has posted a 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and has racked up 99 strikeouts in 95.2 innings pitched so far this season. His 3-8 record indicates the struggles of the A’s, who have a 25-53 record themselves. Montas seems to be one of the last big pieces Oakland has to move, and with his impending free agency looming after the 2023 season, now may be the best time to make a move.
2. Luis Castillo(SP) – Cincinnati Reds
Like Montas, Castillo has been a subject of trade rumors for the last several years. Injuries forced a delayed start this season, however, Castillo has not skipped a beat since returning in posting a 3.32 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and racking up 60 strikeouts in 57 innings. The Reds have shown reluctancy to part ways with Castillo in the past, however, now may finally be the time we see a move. Cincinnati currently sits in last place in the NL Central with a 26-49 record. Time is running out for Cincinnati to maximize on the return in a Castillo deal.
3. Wilson Contreas(C) – Chicago Cubs
In last year’s Cubs trade frenzy at the deadline, one big trade piece was left on the roster, Wilson Contreas. Contreas has more than established himself as one of the better catchers in the game, and has the tools to help a contender. So far this season, Contreas has slashed to the tune of .283/.397/.520 and has bopped 13 long balls to go along with his 34 RBI. The Cubs should be able to reel in a decent haul with this production coming from the catching position. The Cubs currently sit at 30-46 and will be sellers again at this deadline.
4. Andrew Benintendi(LF) – Kansas City Royals
Benintendi may not be the most flashy name on this list, but he has quietly put together a career year, which happens to be a contract year for the 27-year-old outfielder. In his second year as a Royal, Benintendi has put together a .305/.370/.393 batting line. Teams have already expressed interest, with the Blue Jays, Phillies, and Yankees already checking in. With the struggles of the Royals this season, Benintendi should find himself on a contender come August 3rd.
5. Madison Bumgarner(SP) – Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks currently sit at 34-42, 13.5 games back in a packed NL West. After signing Bumgarner to a five year $85 million dollar contract before the 2020 season, things have not shaped out the way either side likely hoped. With almost $60 million still owed to Bumgarner, Arizona will surely have to eat some money, if not all, if they hope to get anything in return for Bumgarner. Bumgarner has posted a 3.63 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 79.1 innings so far this season. With Bumgarner’s history in the postseason, a contender will surely want to explore some ideas, and if both sides are able to get creative, we may see Bumgarner on the move this summer.
Honorable Mentions: Trey Mancini, C.J. Cron, Zac Gallen, Josh Bell, Jose Quintana.
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