The MLB trade deadline has some notable names as targets with Justin Upton, David Price, Ben Zobrist, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Leake, Aroldis Chapman, Tyson Ross, Cole Hamels and Austin Jackson options for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, NY Mets, LA Angels, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros.
The Padres have been struggling this season and that means players like Upton and James Shields could be moved. Cole Hamels has emerged as the top pitching target at the deadline from the Phillies, as the team is rebuilding and Johnny Cueto has already been traded. Hamels is getting attention from numerous teams and ESPN reports that the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites for the Phillies pitcher.
UPDATE: Ben Zobrist has been traded to the Royals.
David Price could be an option to get traded by the Tigers, as Detroit is still debating about whether to be sellers or not. Price is a rental like Cueto, as those players are heading into free agency this winter. Hamels still has years on his contract and is signed through 2018 and he is starting to get more attention as the deadline gets closer. Jayson Stark at ESPN reports that teams have "improved" their trade offers to the Phillies for Hamels and that a trade is gaining "momentum."
Ben Zobrist is one of the top bats on the market with Justin Upton and both of those players have been connected to the Mets. It looks like the Mets are not pushing for those deals hard after getting Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, but it could come up as the deadline gets closer. The Mets also added Tyler Clippard in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. According to ESPN, the Baltimore Orioles have discussed a trade with the Padres about Upton, who is also heading towards free agency this winter. Stark reports that the trade could also include pitchers Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross.
The Mets reportedly will still look at an outfielder even after making other trades, but Jon Heyman at CBS Sports reports that the team is not willing to meet the Padres asking price. Upton is hitting .251 this season with 16 home runs and 50 RBIs. The Mets and Nationals have been mentioned in connection with Ben Zobrist and he is likely the next player to be traded by the A's, who have dealt Scott Kazmir and Clippard already.
The Yankees are expected to make a move at the deadline, but it's not likely going to be a big one, according to Joel Sherman at the New York Post. Sherman writes that the Yankees are not likely going after Hamels, as the Phillies want players like Aaron Judge or Luis Severino in the deal, so names like Jeff Samardzija or Mike Leake are more likely. The Yankees may look at Leake as a solid number three or four option in the rotation and since he is a free agent, the Reds could be willing to give him up for less than a high class prospect.
