The 6 Best Players Most Likely To Be Traded At The MLB Trade Deadline

The MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching on Monday at 4:00 pm ET, and as a result, trade rumors are flying across the league as talks heat up. The main storylines have centered around the futures of star pitchers Yu Darvish and Sonny Gray, but we're preparing to see a flurry of moves in the coming days. While there has already been several deals, here are six players that are the most likely to be dealt before the deadline:

Sonny Gray, P, Oakland A's

Following the trade that sent Jose Quintana to the Cubs, Gray is now the best starting pitcher available on the open market. Oakland has all but guaranteed that he will be dealt. As such, pretty much every contender is interested in acquiring him, Yankees seem to be at the front of the pack.

Yonder Alonso, 1B, Oakland A's

Alonso is in the middle of a breakout season and Oakland is looking to flip him when his stock is the highest. The Yankees are interested in him, but getting Gray is their first priority - though they're hoping they can land both. There hasn't been a whole lot of interest from other teams since many don't need a power bat - which could make him a cheap addition for someone.

Yu Darvish, P, Texas Rangers

The Rangers are taking offers for star pitcher Yu Darvish before the deadline, and several teams are trying to convince Texas to part with their ace. Darvish is in the final year of his contract, so he would be a rental, but he is also up there with Gray as the best pitchers available. Don't be surprised if the Rangers receive a good haul of prospects in return for him.

Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers

Detroit is aggressively shopping Verlander in order to get his contract off the books, which pays him $28 million per year through 2019 and includes a $22 million vesting option for 2020 if he finishes in the top five in the 2019 Cy Young voting. New York has previously expressed interest in him, but that is only as a backup option if they are unable to land Gray. Verlander does have a full no-trade clause, meaning he could veto any trade.

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh, who is completely out of the playoff race, nearly traded McCutchen to the Nationals this offseason, and they haven't taken him off the market. Yes, he's 30 years old, but a solid season has boosted his trade value. As Pittsburgh prepares to undergo a total teardown and rebuild, it's important for them to get whatever future assets they can. Considering the interest in McCutchen this offseason, there should still be some suitors for him.

Dee Gordon, 2B, Miami Marlins

Miami is 10 games out of a wild card spot, and since they plan on keeping all three of their outfielders, Gordon is the most likely player to be moved. He is under contract through the 2020 season (with an option for 2021), and it's rare to find talented players with such stability available at the deadline. The Phillies and Royals are known to have heavy interest in him.

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Related Topics: MLB News, 2017 MLB Trade Deadline, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Rumors