We’re a little less than two months from this year’s MLB trade deadline (ending on August 1 at 6 p.m. Eastern time). Here is a top 10 big board ranking of players who might be moved at this year’s trade deadline.
MLB rumors: These could be 10 players on the move at the MLB trade deadline
10. Joey Meneses
After 10 years in the minor leagues, Joey Meneses made his major league debut in 2022 at 30 years old, shocking the league with an awesome 156 wRC+ in 240 at-bats. Truly an incredible story, Meneses continued his elite performance posting monster numbers in the World Baseball Classic with team Mexico. In my NL East season preview, I picked Joey Meneses to be the top name on our trade deadline board come August. The 31-year-old slugger is a perfect candidate to be dealt, aging quickly on a rebuilding team looking to acquire young assets.
While Meneses might not be the top player on the board, he’s still posted a solid slash this year, hitting .302 with two home runs. While the power may not be as apparent this season, he’s still an elite contact hitter who can help just about any playoff contending lineup.
9. Tyler O’Neill
What a season it’s been for Tyler O’Neill, who has yet again struggled with staying healthy. The beginning of the season was highlighted by O’Neill’s feud with Manager Oliver Marmol for “not meeting the standard (of hustling)” while being gunned down at home plate by Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. O’Neill is slowly evolving into a non-everyday player in this St. Louis Cardinals lineup, a role that is underwhelming for the former slugging outfielder. We often forget O’Neill was incredible in 2021, hitting 34 home runs and slashing a 144 wRC+, leading the Cardinals to a Wild Card appearance in October.
Though 2022 was a year plagued by injuries, O’Neill was still above-average offensively, slashing a 101 wRC+ with 14 home runs. Considering St. Louis is below .500 and O’Neill is currently unhappy with Oliver Marmol, the 27-year-old would be a perfect buy low candidate for just about any team. Baseball executives across the league are intrigued to see how St. Louis will approach this upcoming trade deadline.