Jon Lester, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
At 10-7, with a 2.52 era, John Lester is currently enjoying the best year of his MLB career. The 30 year-old lefty has been one of a few bright spots for the dismal Boston Red Sox this season, who currently find themselves dead-last in the AL East, after winning a World Series championship just a year ago.
Lester would prove to be a valuable commodity for any team looking to make a World Series run, especially given his outstanding performance in last year’s playoffs (4-1, with a 1.56 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and 8 walks). With Lester set to be a free-agent at season’s end, and dialogue between he and the Red Sox regarding an extension being held off until the offseason, all signs signal he’ll be dealt by the 4 p.m. ET Thursday.
Cliff Lee, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
I’m sure quite a few teams will be inquiring about Cliff Lee before Thursday’s non-waiver trade-deadline, but there will be lots of uncertainties regarding his durability in attempt to compete in a potential postseason run. The Phillies’ left-hander is currently coming off an elbow-strain which sidelined him for over two months, and many teams have their doubts on whether or not he’ll be fully capable of being the dominant lefty we’ve been accustomed to seeing over the years.
In two starts prior to his DL stint, Lee hasn’t looked all that great (0-1, 7.59 ERA), which gives teams even more reason to watch the veteran southpaw a few more times before making a decision. While there’s no denying Lee’s ability to perform come October, his health, and the fact that he’s guaranteed $48million over the next year and a half can be quite the handful for an opposing franchise.
David Price, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
After a slow start by the Tampa Bay Rays which saw them fall behind as many as 15 games back within the division-lead, many signs pointed towards a deal involving David Price. However, after winning 12 of their last 13 games, and finding themselves just 4.5 games out of a wild card spot, a deal involving their prized ace seems highly unlikely.
Price, who got off to a slow start himself, has really turned things around, and is currently enjoying the greatest pitching stretch of his career. He's been the catalyst for the Rays' recent success, and is proving why so many teams are highly coveting him. While a deal for him seems unlikely at this point, GM Andrew Friedman would have to be utterly overwhelmed if he were to pull the trigger on a trade.
Cole Hamels, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies aren't necessarily pushing to deal Cole Hamels, but a significant haul of top-tier prospects may change their mind. GM Ruben Amaro has emphasized that a deal for the team's ace would be quite the price, and would only consider dealing him if they were to receive a significant return. The price is surely steep for Hamels himself, but he's pitching tremendously, and is under contract through 2018.
A.J. Burnett, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro's got a handful of starters worth trading, and AJ Burnett is one of them. The 37 year-old right-hander is having a mediocre season, but could prove to be a legitimate starter for any team looking to compete. He's got a $17million player-option for 2015, which could be a turnoff to any takers willing to trade for him
Ian Kennedy, Starting Pitcher, San Diego Padres
Acquired in a deal from the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, Ian Kennedy was thought to be one of the focal points in this year's Padres' rotation. With the Padres under-performing, and a playoff appearance in doubt yet again, Ian Kennedy would prove to be an excellent middle of the rotation starter, for a team looking to add some pitching depth. In 22 starts, Kennedy is 8-9, with a 3.66 ERA this season.