With the trade deadline looming, many MLB teams will look to improve their teams. Whether you are in the playoff picture and in win-now mode or looking to move a veteran for up-and-coming prospects, the trade market can be a valuable tool for all Major League teams. Getting rid of large veteran contracts who are going to hit free agency in the near future is a strategy that many teams take or a star player who is set to finish his rookie contract at the end of the season and will demand more than the team can afford.
There are many factors that can contribute to making a team active before the July 31 trade deadline. This season is no different as there is the possibility of multiple teams making moves as the deadline approaches.
Philadelphia Phillies:
Chase Utley, 2B
Utley is 35 turning 36 this off-season, and will be owed $10 million in 2015. Looking at his age and contract, most people wouldn't believe that Utley is in high-demand in this year's trade market. Both the NL West leading San Francisco Giants and AL West leading Oakland Athletics are reportedly looking to find an everyday starting second baseman by the trade deadline. The Giants and Athletics are both using platoons at second base and need to solidify that position if they are going to contend for the rest of the year.
Currently, Utley has a no-trade clause in his contract and said he does not plan on waiving those rights. But with the Phillies not looking like contenders at this point in the season, Utley could change his mind if he is looking to go to a contending team.
Potential bidders: Giants, Athletics
Trade Likelihood: 5/10
Cleveland Indians:
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Cabrera has been involved in trade talks since the offseason and is in the final year of his contract. The Indians made the playoffs last season, to the surprise of many. This year's team has been streaky to say the least and Cabrera has been the same. He got off to a terrible start to the season but has come on in the last half of May and into June. Cabrera hit .216 for the month of April, .274 in May and just under .300 so far this June. The Indians shopped around their shortstop during last year's winter meetings, possibly gauging the market for him going into this year. There are a few teams out there who may have interest in the switch-hitting shortstop and he is likely to be moved before the deadline.
Potential bidders: Mets, Yankees, Reds, Mariners
Trade likelihood: 8/10
Chicago Cubs:
Jeff Samardzija, SP
Probably the hottest commodity on the trade market this season, Samardzija's services are in high-demand. Just last week he turned down a five-year extension from the Cubs and his agent has yet to make a counter offer, (here's a secret, he won't). Samardzija is done playing for the Cubs and at 29-years-old is looking to go to a team that can compete. The Cubs have held him down plenty long enough, it's time to let the talented right-handed pitcher move on. However, the Cubs do have plenty of leverage with Samardzija. They know there are teams that really want him so the asking price is certainly a big one. It will take a team with a solid farm system that is willing to give away some prospects to pull him in. The Blue Jays, Giants, and Royals have all been seriously inquiring about the Cubs' ace and they have each sent a high-end pro scout to watch a Samardzija start.
Potential bidders: Blue Jays, Giants, Royals, Orioles, Red Sox, Angels
Trade likelihood: 8/10
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