It’s that time of the long baseball season where the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders. Struggling teams with hopes of making the postseason as a longshot have to decide whether or not to trade some of their top players to improve themselves for the future. Here is a look at 10 players on the trade block this year.
1. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are in last place in the AL East with a 25-42 record. They are also 13.5 games back, and have lost eight of their last 10. The Rays are also one of the worst teams in baseball and currently have the worst record in the league.
Price however, is a proven pitcher with a lot of experience. He’s currently 4-6 with a 3.97 ERA, but could be a valuable asset to a team in need of some rotation help.
2. Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs
The Cubbies are in last place of the NL Central with a 26-38 record, but Samardzija has been a nice surprise in their rotation.
Despite a 2-6 record, he is posting an impressive 2.66 ERA this year. The 29-year-old has drawn attention around the league, as several trade rumors have surfaced. He has a high trade stock, and with the Cubs continuing to struggle, they could use some young talent for the future.
3. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies aren’t far behind the Rays worst record in baseball. They are in last place with a 28-36 record, but are only six and a half games back. The Phillies have struggled the last few seasons, but Utley has been one of their best and most consistent hitters.
There have been quite a few Utley trade rumors already, as there were last season as well, despite him signing a two-year $27 million extension in 2013. This year, Utley has been on a tear hitting .314 with four homers and 31 RBI. The five-time All Star also plays some great defense at second base. Not only could he add some pop to a lineup, but add a reliable presence at second.
4. James Shields, Kansas City Royals
The Royals are only two and a half games out of first in the AL Central, but Shields could be on the move. The Royals are 33-32, and with the Detroit Tigers struggling the Central has become a very tight division as the last place Minnesota Twins are only four games back.
Shields is 7-3 with a 3.44 ERA and has had a great eight years in baseball. The proven vet could improve a strong contender’s rotation, and is the perfect trade piece for the Royals as his contract is up at the end of the season. If the Royals fall in the standings by the trade deadline, a trade involving Shields could benefit KC in the future.
5. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
With the Dodgers having an abundance of good outfielders, it appears Kemp is the odd man out which means a trade could be in the works soon. The outfielder is signed through the 2019 season, which means he could have a long-term impact on a team in need of a big name player.
Although health has been a problem for Kemp, he has had a great career thus far. The two-time All Star has also won two Gold Gloves for his defense in the outfield and is a career .291 hitter. This year he is only batting .254 with five homeruns and 19 RBI.
There are contending teams with the need for some pop in the lineup, and Kemp can provide just that.
6. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
Rollins has a no trade clause, but its been rumored that he may waive it after he passes Mike Schmidt for the franchise lead in hits, however it’s still up in the air.
The 35-year-old shortstop has had an amazing career in Philly and has been there for 14 seasons. He has an $11 million option for 2015. The three-time All Star has also won the Gold Glove four times with his great defense at shortstop, and was also the National League MVP in 2007.
While Rollins has the right to veto any potential trade, it has been said that he would be open to trade talks if the time and circumstances were right.
7. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s
Billy Beane and the A’s were hoping to get a reliable closer when they traded for Johnson this offseason, instead Johnson has been taken out of the closer’s role and has struggled on the mound. As the highest paid player on the A’s roster, there were a lot of expectations for Johnson, and he just hasn’t delivered.
The first place A’s are 40-26 despite Johnson’s struggles. He has a 3-2 record on the year, but his ERA stands at 5.88. He seems to do much better on the road than at the Coliseum as his ERA is 2.04 on the road and 14.04 at home.
The A’s are trying to shop Johnson, and maybe being away from the Coliseum would do him some good.
8. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays
With the Rays recent struggles, a lot of players names have been thrown around in regard to trade talks. Zobrist not only plays second base, but shortstop which will provide a contender with some infield depth.
Zobrist is batting .246 on the year with five homeruns and 13 RBI.
9. Jason Hammel, Chicago Cubs
Hammel has done well in the Cubs rotation, with a 6-4 record and 2.81 ERA. The 31-year-old has drawn interest around the league by teams in need of some rotation depth.
With the Cubs struggling, they could be open to dealing one of their better arms in the rotation to build on some young talent.
10. Kelly Johnson, New York Yankees
With the 34-31 Yankees now only three and a half games back in the AL East, they could be in the market for another bat in the lineup, or rotation help, and it has been reported that Johnson could be on the market.
The 32-year-old first baseman can also play second or third if needed. The Yankees will be looking for some improvements as the trade deadline approaches, and Johnson may be available.