The MLB trade deadline on August 1st is rapidly approaching, and the trade rumors are starting to heat up. With the All-Star break complete, teams in the postseason race are focused on improving their rosters before the non-waiver deadline. Several big names have become available, setting the stage for several big moves in the next few weeks. Here are the five players most likely to be traded - and where they'll end up.
5) Jon Niese - Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is openly trying to move Niese, and they seem to be dead set on moving him. He was disappointing in the first half, going 8-6 with a 4.89 ERA, and has since been moved to the bullpen.
Prediction: New York Mets
The Mets dealt Niese to the Pirates this offseason, and though there isn't a lot of interest for Niese on the open market, New York has expressed interest in bringing him back. They would like to add another pitcher after Matt Harvey went down for the season, and Niese is certainly there for the taking.
4) Jonathan Lucroy - Milwaukee Brewers
Lucroy is one of the best catchers in the game, and the Brewers are making him available with the hope of adding some young players in return to help their own rebuild. He is an excellent framer and reliable hitter, making him a rare multi-dimensional catcher.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Atlanta certainly seems like a weird fit for Lucroy given their place near the bottom of the standings, but there has already been some rumors linking the two sides. The Braves need to upgrade the catcher position, want to field a better team when they move into their new stadium next season and have the prospects/draft picks to offer the Brewers in return.
3) Aroldis Chapman - New York Yankees
Chapman has performed well in his first season with the Yankees, but his trade value is something New York plans to capitalize on. They would like to move Andrew Miller back to his closer role, and while they've talked about trading either play, the Yankees would much prefer to deal Chapman. The hard-throwing righty has a 2.30 ERA and 18 saves in 28 appearances this season.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers already have a good bullpen, but lack a true top-end closer. They have said they want to acquire "elite-level talent," and Chapman certainly is that. LA wants to make an addition to help them catch the Giants in the NL West or maintain a wild card spot.
2) Matt Moore - Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa has a ton of starting pitching, and they're likely to deal one of those guys to add some power to their lineup. Moore appears to be the most likely candidate. The 26-year-old is coming off of Tommy John surgery last season, but was a legitimate top option in the rotation before then. Since there will be absolutely no quality starters available in free agency this winter, someone will gamble on Moore.
Prediction: Texas Rangers
The Rangers are currently engaged in talks to acquire Moore, hoping he'll provide them with another reliable arm to add to their rotation. He has been inconsistent this season with a 5-7 record and a 4.33 ERA, but the Rangers need help - their team ERA (4.42) ranks 10th out of 15 teams in the AL.
1) Carlos Beltran - New York Yankees
The Yankees figure to be the biggest sellers at the deadline, leaving the 39-year-old Beltran as the most coveted position player available. He has displayed good power numbers, hitting 19 homers and 58 RBIs with a .297 batting average, and will provide a reliable bat for whoever acquires him.
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto doesn't necessarily need another bat, but they have shown a willingness doubling-down on offense. They've already shown interest in Beltran, and are the frontrunners to land him at the moment.