The Major League Baseball season is moving into the dog days of summer and as the trading deadline approaches a number of teams will be looking to buy and sell and with a number of predicted contenders falling off, some big names could be on the move, including Mark Buehrle, Yovani Gallardo and Jonathan Papelbon.
According to Fox Sports, some of the big names that may be on the move include Mark Buehrle, Yovani Gallardo, Chris Sale, Jonathan Papelbon, Bud Norris, Michael Young and Oliver Perez, as teams like the Astros, Mariners, Brewers and Phillies start to fade as the summer rolls in. The deadline isn't until July 13, but with a number of teams fading away and contenders like the Yankees, Tigers and Giants could be looking to make big moves.
Buehrle is one of the most obvious choices, as he has two years and $37 million left on his contract and the Blue Jays have been awful this year and yes, the team has been playign very well of late, but that does not mean they will be able to keep it up and if they falter, they will be sellers at the deadline and the pitcher could be a hot target, as he is 2-1 with a 1.91 ERA over his last five starts. The Jays have been bad most of the season and have turned it a round a bit later in the season after expecting to contend in the AL East. GM Alex Anthopoulos could sell a number of players at the deadline to try and improve next season while getting an influx of prospects and Buehrle seems like the most obvious candidate, as he doesn't have a no-trade clause in his deal.
The Jays have been playing better of late, but that may not save them from the deadline deals, as teams will be looking for pitching depth heading into the summer. Gallardo is another option for teams due to his contract and where the Brewers are and if teams give the brewers a nice deal, he could be on his way out of town. The All-Star pitcher has been excellent this month and since he has a solid strikeout rate, playoff teams will come calling.
The Jays have Adam Lind as well and he could be an interesting option, as he is back hitting home runs after what felt like a year-long slump last season and part of this year. One reason he could be valuable is his play at first base and as a designated hitter and with his contract coming up this season, he could be on the move to contender at just 29. Jonathan Papelbon is another big name that could be on the move, as the Phillies have a lot of money tied up in him and after they have been mediocre, it might be time to start a legitimate rebuild heading into next year. The team is 33-37 and with the possibilities of Cliff Lee going, Papelbon could be tied in as well.
The White Sox have been one of the worst teams in the league and Chris Sale could be a huge trading chip and as a potential Cy Young candidate in the future, teams should jump at him. Even though he signed a $32.5 million contract extension, the team still could decide to deal him and even Jesse Crain as teams look for more arms heading into the playoff race. Other names include Michael Young, Oliver Perez and Bud Norris.
