MLB trade deadline: The 10 likeliest players to be moved in 2022

MLB trade deadline: Breaking down the 10 likeliest players to be moved

As the MLB trade deadline is officially just one week away, the rumor-mill is in full swing and many long-rumored trades are inching closer to the finish line.

There are some names that are likelier to be moved than others. For instance, the Red Sox have multiple trade chips on their roster, including star shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. It was reported earlier today that the Sox are not going to actively try to move either of them and have had no discussions “internally or externally” about potential moves.

Then there are others like Trey Mancini, who I actually don’t see being moved. He’s a hero in the Baltimore area and with the Orioles (shockingly) still being in contention, why move one of the best hitters and leaders in the clubhouse?

And then there’s Juan Soto, one of the very best players in the game. With news breaking that he turned down a massive 15-year contract extension, his name has also been thrown around in the rumor-mill. He, like Mancini, is someone that I don’t see being traded. At least, not yet. This upcoming offseason is probably when Soto gets moved.

To be clear, this is not a “ranking the top 10” piece. This is just to break down the players who are likeliest to be moved over the next week.

Boston Red Sox OF/DH J.D. Martinez

J.D. Martinez, 34, continues to rake and just wrapped up his fifth All-Star Game appearance of his career. As he has aged, his power has improved and he remains one of the more problematic sluggers in the game to the opposition.

In 81 games this season, Martinez has nine home runs, 38 RBI, a .302 batting average and an OPS+ of 132. He provides little in the way of defensive value but has been worth 1.4 oWAR this season per Baseball-Reference.

A free agent at season’s end, Martinez would provide many teams around the league with a power bat and extensive playoff experience under his belt. With the Red Sox struggling to stay above .500 (they are 49-48 entering today and are just 0.5 games above the Orioles for last place in the division), the slugging corner outfielder is the top trade chip on the current roster.

Other possibilities from BOS: INF Bobby Dalbec – who would likely be moved in any deal the Red Sox make as buyers.

Potential fits: Brewers, Mets, Twins, Cardinals, Mariners

Arizona Diamondbacks OF David Peralta

David Peralta, another 34-year-old corner outfielder, is the old man on the Diamondbacks roster now as he is in his ninth season with the club. He, like Martinez, is on an expiring contract and remains sharp with the bat.

A former Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award winner, Peralta still has some thump in his bat and has been solid on defense, albeit slightly below average according to the more advanced metrics. On the season, he has 84 games under his belt with 12 home runs, 39 RBI and a 116 OPS+. He has been striking out a bit more than he typically has in years past but as a pure rental left fielder, he is still a highly productive player.

With the Diamondbacks comfortably in last place in the NL West at 43-53, 21.5 games back of the division lead and 7.5 games back of an NL Wild Card spot, Peralta is the top trade chip on the current roster with multiple other names remaining as possibilities.

Other possibilities from ARI: 1B Christian Walker, LHP Madison Bumgarner, LHP Joe Mantiply

Potential fits: Yankees, White Sox, Padres, Giants, Rays