With just a quartet of teams (White Sox, Marlins, Angels, A’s) certain sellers and some likely sellers reluctant to trade controllable impact players (Tigers, Rockies, Blue Jays), very few stars may be dealt at the deadline.
But eight more teams (Reds, Rays, Nationals, Pirates, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Mets) with a chance to sell could still spice up the market.
Here’s our list of stars (and near stars) with some chance to be traded (in order of trade value, with odds to go):
It would take a massive haul to pry this huge star with two more years of control. Jack Flaherty more likely to go. Odds to go: 8-1 against (11 percent).
With five more years, one exec says it’d take a “Herschel Walker-type trade” for the 103.7 mph man. Odds to go: 5-1 against (16 percent).
Two years of control to go, so the price is understandably high. Odds to go: 4-5 in favor (56 percent).
Though the Sox have three more years of control at a reasonable rate, it’s looking possible. Even money (50 percent).
His name is out there more than Randy Arozarena. Odds to go: 3-1 against (25 percent).
He has a year left, and they haven’t come close on a contract. Odds to go: 6-1 against (14 percent).
He isn’t having his usual year, and few teams seek a shortstop. 8-1 against (11 percent).
The Rangers prefer to try to repeat, and with a trio of other star pitchers back or coming back, they could “run the table again” despite so-so start. Odds to go: 5-1 against (16 percent).
This All-Star is a bargain in the second year of his $40 million, three-year deal. Odds to go: 2-5 in favor (71 percent).
The best player the Jays will likely trade. Odds to go: 1-3 in favor (75 percent).
The All-Star closer will go barring utter incompetence. Odds to go: 1-9 in favor (90 percent).
Rockies are listening after declining to talk extension. Very good-hitting catcher. Odds to go: 5-1 in favor (83 percent).
Yankees killer could aid Orioles. Has year left so he probably stays. Odds to go: 6-1 against (14 percent).
The near All-Star could help many teams in this year of the pitcher. Odds to go: 1-5 in favor (83 percent).
Rays already traded two pitchers. Odds to go: Even money. (50 percent).
All-Star closer is back in form, but Texas remains an unlikely seller. Odds to go: 5-1 against (16 percent).
Not again. Odds to go: 9-1 against (10 percent).
Rental sluggers aren’t deadline hits, and Mets aren’t likely sellers now anyway. Astros and Mariners could use Alonso. Odds to go: 11-1 against (8 percent).
Another excellent rental slugger but team aims for World Series return. Odds to go: 8-1 against (11 percent).
Even without the fractured finger, the $30M salary is a deterrent. So are the opt-outs. Odds to go: 20-1 against (5 percent).