The majors general managers will be very busy for the next few weeks. Teams are beginning to settle down, either toward the 2020 postseason or thinking about 2021 and beyond. Those executives will have to determine whether to buy or sell by the August 31 trade deadline. A particular feature of this year is that only players on the 60 roster can be traded.
Who are the players that are shaping up to be traded? MLB.com takes a look at the leading candidate for each team in the American League:
EAST OF THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
Blue Jays: Anthony Bass, RHP
Under team control until: 2020
As always, a number of teams will be looking to the bullpen for help, making Bass an important candidate. The 32-year-old pitcher will be a free agent at the end of the season, and since he has had strong appearances as a closer up to this point, the right could be traded for decent prospects.
Orioles: José Iglesias, SS
Under team control until: 2021
Baltimore’s strong start has many wondering whether GM and Vice President Mike Elias should buy or sell. But the Orioles are still in the initial rebuilding process, making veterans with short deals available. The 30-year-old Cuban is off to a great start (.953 OPS, through Thursday’s games) and is making less than $ 1 million.
Rays: Lucius Fox, SS
Under team control until: 2026
Fox was acquired in the 2016 Matt Moore trade and played in the Upcoming All-Star Game in 2017, and appeared to be on his way to the majors. The switch hitter struggled in 2019, but is still considered an above-average athletic shortstop who can reach bases. He’s the 26th prospect for the Rays, according to MLB Pipeline, and while it wouldn’t be for a host of promising youngsters in return, it would blaze a trail on ranks rife with talent.
Red Sox: JD Martinez, OF / BD
Under team control until: 2022 (has an option after 2020)
Trading Martinez months after trading Mookie Betts wouldn’t be the most popular move in Boston, but the Red Sox, who can still be buyers if they get their season on track, may be in a better position to focus on next year. Martinez has an option to get out of the contract after the 2020 season, and while it looks unlikely he will exercise it, there is a possibility that the Red Sox will lose it in a few months.
Yankees: Clint Frazier, OF
Under team control until: 2024
The Yankees have two clear candidates with Frazier and Miguel Andújar, although the first seems to be the one. With Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks entrenched in the outfield, the left field appears to be the only option for Frazier, assuming Brett Gardner doesn’t return until 2021. But the Yankees seem to lean more towards Mike Tauchman for that spot.
CENTRAL OF THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
Indians: Adam Plutko, RHP
Under team control until: 2024
Having a lot of pitching can be a problem any team would like to have, and the Indians are one of the few that do. Shane Bieber has emerged as one of the best arms in the league, while Mike Clevinger, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale appear to have established themselves in the rotation for years to come. The 28-year-old Plutko could strengthen many rotations in the league, and Cleveland needs help on offense.
Royals: Trevor Rosenthal, RHP
Under team control __ until: 2020
In one of the most competitive divisions, the Royals appear to be positioned to sell. Although Kansas City would love to get out of Ian Kennedy’s contract, Rosenthal is the reliever who could bring the best return. He seems to be making a comeback, after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017.
Tigers: Spencer Turnbull, RHP
Under team control until: 2024
Matthew Boyd is another name that could be changed, but the way Turnbull is pitching should intrigue general manager Al Avila by the interest the 27-year-old right-hander may be generating. With four more years of control and his game on the rise, he’s the kind of pitcher most teams look for. The Tigers’ depth of pitching prospects gives them the luxury.
Twins: Brent Rooker, IB / OF
Under team control until: at least 2026
The Twins’ 60-man roster doesn’t have many clear-cut trade candidates who could bring a major comeback, but Rooker could be an interesting option for teams in search of power. Despite questions about his offense, the 25-year-old has a major league bat.
White Sox: James McCann, C
Under team control until: 2020
The White Sox are unlikely to make any significant changes, but with Yasmani Grandal behind the plate and Zack Collins the future of the position, McCann could be traded if a team cares. McCann is making $ 2 million in his senior year before becoming a free agent.
WEST OF THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
Angels: Brandon Marsh, OF
Under team control until: at least __2026
Angels outfielders are among the best in the majors, with Mike Trout, Justin Upton, Brian Goodwin and now Jo Adell; the best prospect in the club. Marsh is second in the club, according to MLB Pipeline, thanks to his outstanding speed, arm and overall defense. The Angels are on a never-ending quest for pitching, and Marsh may be the prospect to help them get there.
Astros: Forrest Whitley, RHP
Under team control until: at least __2026
Throwing out a complete meltdown, the Astros must be buyers despite a rocky start. Houston has used nine rookie pitchers out of necessity this year, and some of them could be trade pieces. But Whitley, the best prospect on the team, has the highest ceiling among Houston’s young arms.
Athletics: Daulton Jefferies, RHP
Under team control until: at least 2026
Jefferies (Oakland’s 9th-best prospect) is one of the young arms that could be included in a trade, alongside James Kaprielian (13th) and Grant Holmes (17th). The A’s have done a great job building starting pitching depth, giving him options to trade with now in mind.
Mariners: Kyle Seager, 3B
Under team control until: 2022
Seager is off to a great start to the season, he’s a solid third base defender and he’s a clubhouse player. Seager would be an impressive addition to any contender. The Mariners are in the process of being revamped, and while Seager remains a significant presence in the lineup, moving him to acquire prospects may be a good fit for general manager Jerry Dipoto.
Rangers: Sherten Apostel, 3B
Under team control until: at least 2026
Four of the five West teams had negative records as of before Friday, causing the offices to consider making tough decisions. The Rangers started the season with the will to compete, and they have a number of talented youngsters on their roster of 60 who can generate interest. Apostel has above-average power and arm, according to MLB Pipeline, which ranks him as the 10th-best prospect on the team. With number one prospect Josh Jung on his way, Apostel may be the piece the Rangers need if they want to make a trade. (GG) (Taken MLB IN SPANISH)