MLB trade deadline: Here are the position players most likely to move

Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is just over 48 hours away, and the phone calls and emails between teams are reaching their peak. The list of contenders is long, and they have until Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time to make the move that could put them over the top.  

Who is the top position player reportedly available?

Number one on the list of potential position players that could be on the move is Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The slugger was hit on the finger by a pitch Monday night in Detroit, but x-rays came back negative. He’s considered day-to-day.

Suárez is having the best season of his 12-year career with 36 home runs, now third-best in the league. A reunion with the Seattle Mariners is not out of the question, but the Tigers are said to be front-runners and would like to pull off a deal allowing him to simply switch dugouts during their series this week. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talked about Suárez’s attitude during the process. 

“I check in on him from time to time, and he seems to be in a very good frame of mind,” Lovullo said. “Everybody in baseball is aware of the things going on around the Arizona Diamondbacks right now, including the players. So, I think he’s doing a magnificent job of trying to block it out.”

Who are some of the teams definitely selling?

The Cleveland Guardians had their biggest trade chip taken off the board Monday when All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was put on non-disciplinary leave as part of an MLB gambling investigation. That leaves outfielder Steven Kwan as their top candidate to change teams. He’s a contact hitter and a great defender who would fill a hole near the top of any contender’s lineup.

The Baltimore Orioles are currently in full sell mode and three of their better hitters could be targets. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn is having a career year with a .282 average and 12 homers making the All-Star team for the first time. He’s a coveted left-hander.

O’Hearn’s teammates, Ramón Laureano and Cedric Mullins, could also be on the trade block. Either player would provide a contender with some good outfield depth. Why are the Orioles turning the page with a fire sale after a 91-win season a year ago? Their confidence disappeared, said interim manager Tony Mansolino. 

“Confidence is a thing,” Mansolino said. “We are not robots, baseball players are not robots. It’s not based on 162 games and if you do that, you’re just gonna do this in these cycles. Human beings have confidence and that changes the game in so many ways.”

Who are some of the other rumored targets?

The Tampa Bay Rays had confidence for about a five-week stretch starting in late May, but have slumped badly since. The team already traded catcher Danny Jansen to Milwaukee, and Yandy Díaz could be next. The first baseman leads the Rays in hits with 114 and has hit 18 homers. The guy playing alongside Díaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe, is also in demand. 

For close to three seasons now, Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.’s name has been near the top of trade talks around the league, even as his hitting, and the White Sox organization, continues to sink to new lows. He still has the tools. Perhaps a trade to a contender will re-ignite the player who looked to be a star in the making in 2023. The Mets, Phillies and Padres are looking for depth in the outfield and can take on his contract.

Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels is another outfielder who may pique the interest of contending general managers. He’s just one homer away from last year’s career high total of 25, doing that in 52 fewer games this season.

Is there anyone else on the position player list?

Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was rumored to be a top target a week ago, and the Red Sox may still make a move if they are blown away by an offer. The Padres were said to be interested, but Boston reportedly rejected their proposal. It may take a nice return to get the Red Sox to bite. They are right in the thick of the American League wild card race.

A couple more names to keep an eye on: outfielder Harrison Bader of the Minnesota Twins and Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves. Tomorrow we’ll take a look at some of the top pitchers on the market. A dozen or more could change teams before the Thursday deadline.