MLB Trade Deadline 2015: Top Trade Targets at Each Position

The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching, so let's take a look at the top trade targets at each position. 

Over the next few slides, we'll name the five best players at each spot on the diamond. Many of the players on this list will be free agents at the end of the season, making them expendable to their current teams. 

The following list will touch on some of the usual suspects like Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir and Carlos Gomez, as well as some under-the-radar options like Adam Lind, Gerardo Parra, Juan Uribe and David Murphy. 

Let us know what you think about the selections in the comments section below. Which players on this list do you want your team to pursue? Are there any your team should stay away from?

Here we go!

Cole Hamels

Baseball fans should finally get some clarity on the Cole Hamels saga by the end of the month. 

Hamels has pitched well in 2015, posting a 3.22 ERA and striking out more than nine batters per nine innings in 16 starts. He's been remarkably consistent since his 2006 debut, which has made him the most coveted prize on the trade market.

The 31-year-old left-hander is owed $23.5 million per year over the next three seasons with a club option for 2019. That sum may seem high, but it's a bargain for a pitcher of Hamels' caliber.  

Johnny Cueto

Cueto may not have as much appeal as Hamels due to his rental status, but he's been as good as any right-handed pitcher in baseball over the past few seasons.

The 29-year-old has posted a sub-3.00 ERA every year since 2011, including a 2.25 mark in a 20-win campaign last season. And Cueto has maintained his strikeout rate while lowering his walk percentage in 2015.  

He won't be as costly as Hamels, but the right-hander won't come cheap. For a team built to win in 2015, he's worth the risk. 

Scott Kazmir 

For teams that don't want to enter the bidding wars for Hamels and Cueto, Kazmir has gained steam lately as a more cost-effective pitching upgrade. 

Kazmir reinvigorated his career with the Oakland A's last season, posting a 3.55 ERA in 32 starts. The southpaw has taken that good work a step further in 2015, lowering his ERA to 2.87 and striking out 23 percent of the batters he's faced. 

Like Cueto, Kazmir will be a rental for the organization that acquires him. A team with established front-line starters should pursue the 31-year-old, who would be a dynamite third or fourth option for a playoff rotation. 

Jeff Samardzija

The Chicago White Sox didn't envision being sellers in 2015, but Jeff Samardzija headlines a contingent of players likely headed to different teams before the deadline.

The 30-year-old has pitched much better than his 4.56 ERA indicates. He's lowered his walk rate while striking out more than seven batters per nine innings. He's also durable, recording over 30 starts and 200 innings in each of the past two seasons. 

Another free agent-to-be, Samardzija could improve a contender's chances in the second half. 

Mike Leake

Cueto isn't the only Cincinnati Reds pitcher being mentioned on the trade market. 

Mike Leake isn't as talented as the other hurlers who figure to be available, but he would be an upgrade for a team with depth issues. The right-hander posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past two seasons and for the second year in a row has a ground-ball rate of over 50 percent. 

The 27-year-old will also test the free-agent market after the season. 

Jonathan Papelbon

Despite his unflattering antics, Jonathan Papelbon remains one of the top relievers in baseball.

The 34-year-old is a perfect 14-for-14 in save opportunities this season with a 1.71 ERA. The right-hander has struck out 26 percent of the batters he's faced, while maintaining a single-digit walk rate. 

The kicker with a Papelbon deal is his remaining contract, as he's pegged to make $13 million next season. Money may be an issue, but in a vacuum, Papelbon would be a significant upgrade for any major league bullpen.

Tyler Clippard

Throughout his career, Tyler Clippard's versatility has made him one of the most valuable relievers in MLB. 

Clippard has a 2.86 career ERA since his debut in a variety of different roles. For the Oakland A's in 2015, the right-hander has taken over the ninth-inning duties and saved 14 games. 

The 30-year-old will be a free agent after the season and could be packaged with fellow A's trade chip Scott Kazmir. 

Brad Ziegler

Papelbon and Clippard are the top relievers on the market, but don't forget about Brad Ziegler of the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Ziegler has a 1.50 ERA with 12 saves in 36 appearances this season. The 35-year-old doesn't strike out many hitters, but his 69 percent ground-ball rate is the second-highest mark in baseball. 

The veteran reliever has a $5.5 million team option for 2016 with a $1 million buyout. That's hardly a number that will scare away interested teams. 

Will Smith 

Aside from an incident with a foreign substance earlier in the season, Will Smith has been one of the top left-handed relievers in MLB in 2015. 

Smith has a 1.50 ERA with a 32.5 percent strikeout rate in 37 games this year. The 25-year-old is tough on righties and lefties. 

Unlike many trade targets, Smith is under contract until 2020, with his first arbitration hearing scheduled for after the season. 

Zach Duke

Along with Smith, Zach Duke is one of the top lefties on the market. 

After signing a three-year, $17 million contract with the Chicago White Sox this winter, Duke has posted a 3.41 ERA in 36 games. Duke specializes against left-handed hitters and has held them to a .222 average this season. 

The 32-year-old is owed $10.5 million over the next two seasons, but he could be worth the risk for a team that's light on lefties in the bullpen. 

A.J. Pierzynski

The Atlanta Braves didn't plan on A.J. Pierzynski assuming the everyday catching duties in 2015, but with solid production and the struggles of prospect Christian Bethancourt, that's exactly what has happened.

Pierzynski is hitting .263 with five homers and 26 RBI this season. More importantly, the 38-year-old has played in 32 postseason games in his career, hitting close to .300 in those contests.

If Atlanta continues to slide, Pierzynski could appeal to an American League team with catching, DH or depth issues. 

Dioner Navarro

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Russell Martin this winter, Dioner Navarro seemed like a logical trade candidate.

The Blue Jays instead decided to hold on to Navarro, who missed significant time this season with a hamstring injury. But the 31-year-old is a career .255 hitter who hit a combined 25 home runs in 2013 and 2014.

Navarro will be a free agent after the season. Toronto needs pitching upgrades and could include a major league piece like Navarro to sweeten any deal.  

Brayan Pena

With Devin Mesoraco missing most of the 2015 season, Brayan Pena was tasked with the everyday catching duties for the the Cincinnati Reds. 

Pena has far exceeded any expectations, hitting close to .300. The 33-year-old has also walked more than he's struck out this season. 

Pena is a free agent this winter and isn't in Cincinnati's future plans, so expect teams looking for catching depth to come calling. 

George Kottaras

George Kottaras has proved to be a powerful major league hitter throughout his career.

Kottaras has mashed 32 homers in 313 career games. He's hit .328 with seven homers in 23 games with the Chicago White Sox's Triple-A affiliate in 2015. 

The 32-year-old isn't going to lead a team to the World Series, but his ability to drive the baseball and draw walks could interest contenders with bench needs. 

John Jaso

The Tampa Bay Rays may decide to keep John Jaso for the stretch run, but the 2016 free agent could be used as trade bait.

Jaso has been sidelined with a wrist injury for virtually the entire season but has begun rehab assignments. The 31-year-old has a career .359 on-base percentage and has been productive for three different organizations. 

The Rays need offensive upgrades and could be waiting for Jaso's return to give them that spark. However, trading a player on the wrong side of 30 who's in the last year of his contract is the type of shrewd move Tampa Bay normally makes. 

Adam Lind

Adam Lind may not be as glamorous as some of the other top players in MLB, but he's one of the best free-agent hitters available.

Lind has put together an impressive .291/.362/.494 slash line in 77 games for the Milwaukee Brewers this season. He's also gone deep 12 times and driven in 47 runs. The 31-year-old crushes right-handed pitching, as he boasts a career .863 OPS against righties.  

Lind has an $8 million team option with a $500,000 buyout for 2016. For his level of production, teams would be more than willing to pick up the tab for next season as well.

Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard's flaws have been well-documented, but the Philadelphia Phillies slugger has improved his value in 2015.

Howard has hit 13 homers and driven in 37 runs this season. The strikeouts are still alarming, but he's improved his hard and soft contact rates; when Howard makes contact, he's squaring the ball up. 

Unfortunately, the 35-year-old is owed $25 million in each of the next two seasons with a $23 million team option ($10 million buyout) for 2017. If the Phillies aren't willing to take on the majority of that salary, Howard is likely staying put. 

Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche has enjoyed a long, successful career and would be a wonderful addition for a contending team in need of some offensive punch.

LaRoche hasn't impressed in his first season with the Chicago White Sox, but he's only a year removed from a 26-homer, 92-RBI season. LaRoche has managed to hit nine homers in 2015, proving the power is still there.

The 35-year-old is owed $13 million next season, but could be revitalized by a change of scenery. 

Ike Davis

Over the past two seasons, Ike Davis has carved out a niche as dependable MLB left-handed power bat. 

Davis hit 11 homers with 51 RBI last season and has produced in minimal playing time in 2015. The 28-year-old is hitting .265 with a .419 slugging percentage in 43 games for the Oakland A's this season. 

Davis is signed through 2016, with an arbitration hearing scheduled for this upcoming winter. Left-handed power is a premium in today's game, which could make Davis a cheap upgrade option.  

Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau is one of the most accomplished hitters in the modern era and can still contribute to a contending team. 

Morneau is hitting .290 for the Colorado Rockies this season. The 34-year-old won the National League batting title in 2014, adding 17 homers and 82 RBI to his stat sheet. 

With a $9 million mutual option for 2016, Morneau could be a free agent as early as this winter. Because of that, Morneau might have more value than any other first base target. 

Ben Zobrist

Arguably the most versatile player in MLB, Ben Zobrist will be a significant upgrade for whichever team acquires him. 

Zobrist has played virtually every position on the diamond throughout his career. He's also an accomplished hitter, boasting a career .264 average and .354 on-base percentage. 

The 34-year-old is a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, making him one of the most coveted targets on the market. Zobrist's veteran savvy and ability to play multiple positions makes him a fit for nearly every contender. 

Emilio Bonifacio

Although maybe not quite as versatile as Zobrist, Emilio Bonifacio has proven he's a capable defender at more than one position.

There's no denying that Bonifacio has been downright terrible in 2015, as the 30-year-old is hitting .153 with a strikeout percentage over 34 percent. But a career .259 hitter with 164 lifetime stolen bases could still present some value to a team with depth concerns. 

Bonifacio has a $4 million team option with a $1 million buyout for 2016.

Gordon Beckham

Bonifacio's fellow teammate Gordon Beckham could also be packing his bags before the deadline. 

Beckham has struggled too in 2015. He's hitting just .207 with four homers in 64 games. His career has been a disappointment considering where he was taken in the 2008 draft, but his ability to play second or third and decent power has helped him keep a bench spot. 

The 28-year-old will be a free agent after the season, so there won't be much risk involved for an interested team. 

Chase Utley

If Chase Utley would have been available a year ago, he would have carried much more value.

Unfortunately, the All-Star second baseman is in the midst of the worst year of his career. The 36-year-old is hitting .179 with a .257 on-base percentage in 65 games for the Philadelphia Phillies. For a player as productive as Utley has been throughout his career, it's hard to fathom those ugly numbers. 

Utley will be owed $15 million over each of the next three seasons if he reaches 500 plate appearances in the previous season, making it tough for the Phillies to deal him away. 

Skip Schumaker

For teams on the prowl for cheap veterans with playoff experience, Skip Schumaker is an intriguing player. 

Schumaker has enjoyed a nice career, but he's struggled with the Cincinnati Reds this season. The 35-year-old is hitting just .218 in 55 games. Schumaker is still a .279 career hitter though, with 30 games of playoff experience. 

Schumaker will cost next to nothing and has a $500,000 buyout with the $2.5 million team option on his 2016 contract. 

Troy Tulowitzki

It's unlikely to happen, but a Troy Tulowitzki blockbuster would send shock waves through the baseball world.

Tulowitzki is the game's premier offensive shortstop. He's a career .300 hitter with close to 200 homers and over 600 RBI. In 2015, Tulowitzki has overcome a slow start to post a .320 average and hit eight homers. 

The Colorado Rockies have the 30-year-old under contract through the 2020 season. It's hard to see the organization parting ways with its franchise player, no matter the offer. 

Ian Desmond

Another shortstop that's unlikely to be traded is Ian Desmond, but the Washington Nationals could surprise MLB by dealing the struggling free agent-to-be.

Desmond is hitting just .219 and leads the National League with 18 errors. The 29-year-old has always been a defensive liability, but his run-producing ability has made up for that in years past. A shaky glove combined with a tendency to swing-and-miss is a bad recipe for the Nats.

With top prospect Trea Turner approaching the big leagues and Yunel Escobar capable of taking over the shortstop duties in the short term, a potential Desmond trade is something to watch over the next month. 

Jean Segura

Although inconsistent, Jean Segura is extremely talented and could help a team fill a hole at shortstop.

Segura is hitting just .249 with 10 stolen bases this season. After a breakout season in 2013 with a .294 average, 12 homers and 44 steals, Segura had the look of baseball's next great shortstop. But a free-swinging mentality has caused problems for the 25-year-old over the past few seasons. 

Still, a team may take a flyer on Segura based on potential alone. He's under contract through 2019 with an arbitration date scheduled for this winter. 

Alexei Ramirez 

Alexei Ramirez has given the Chicago White Sox years worth of service, but that union could come to an end over the next month. 

Ramirez has played his entire career in the Windy City, posting a lifetime .273 average and over 120 stolen bases. 2015 hasn't been as kind to Ramirez, as his average has dropped to a .217 mark. 

Despite the offensive struggles, the 33-year-old remains a reliable defender. With a $10 million team option ($1 million buyout) for 2016, Ramirez might be on his way out the door. 

Jimmy Rollins

It seems strange that the Los Angeles Dodgers would trade Jimmy Rollins after just acquiring him this winter, but it's a distinct possibility over the next month.

Rollins is hitting .212 with a .266 on-base percentage through 77 games in L.A. He's light-years removed from his best years, but could provide veteran leadership to a contender. 

Dodgers top prospect Corey Seager is on the doorstep of the big leagues, only complicating Rollins' situation. The 36-year-old will be a free agent after the season ends, so turning the keys over to Seager is becoming a more realistic option. 

Todd Frazier

If the Cincinnati Reds are serious about a quick rebuild, they'll think long and hard about dealing Todd Frazier. 

Frazier has developed into one of the top right-handed hitters in baseball over the past few seasons. After socking 29 homers in 2014, Frazier has gone deep 25 times and driven in 54 runs at the season's halfway point. 

The 29-year-old is under contract for a steal in 2016 ($7.5 million) before hitting arbitration in 2017. He'll cost multiple top prospects, but Frazier is a legitimate game-changer at third base. 

Aramis Ramirez 

He's not the hitter he once was, but Aramis Ramirez can still help a contender in 2015.

Ramirez hit .285 with 15 homers for Milwaukee last season. He's struggled a bit this season, but nearly every contender would love to have a veteran presence with close to 400 career homers come playoff time. 

The 37-year-old is likely to retire at the end of the season, so expect the Brewers to deal Ramirez over the next month. 

Juan Uribe

Juan Uribe has already swapped teams once this season, but could be on the move once again before July 31. 

Uribe is hitting .279 in 2015 between stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, but has done most of his damage with his current team. Uribe has mashed six homers and hit over .300 in 30 games with the Braves. 

With the 36-year-old hitting free agency after the season, Atlanta has no reason to keep him on the roster. Uribe would be a solid upgrade for a team in need of infield help.

Chris Johnson 

Uribe won't be the only Atlanta third baseman mentioned in trade talks, as Chris Johnson could also be shipped out over the next month. 

Johnson has struggled this season, hitting only .237 in 38 games for the Braves. Although he's scuffled, Johnson has remained a force against left-handed pitching. He's hitting .400 against lefties this season with a .960 OPS. 

The 30-year-old doesn't have the friendliest contract—he's owed $7.5 million and $9 million over the next two seasons. But Johnson's ability to handle southpaws will still draw the eye of plenty of contenders. 

Casey McGehee

The San Francisco Giants inked Casey McGehee to a one-year, $4.8 million contract this winter, but the third baseman failed to make any impact for the defending World Series champions. 

After hitting .287 with the Miami Marlins last season, McGehee hit just .213 in 49 games with the Giants. He also saw a significant increase in his strikeout rate from last year. 

The 32-year-old was recently designated for assignment, opening the door for a team to pick up the struggling veteran. Despite his offensive woes, McGehee is a career .262 hitter and could solidify a team with a weak bench. 

Carlos Gonzalez

The Colorado Rockies will probably hold on to Troy Tulowitzki, but there's an increasing likelihood the club will part ways with talented outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has been an offensive juggernaut for the majority of his career, hitting .290 with over 100 homers and steals since debuting in 2008. However, 2015 has been a struggle for Gonzalez, as he's hitting just .245 with 10 homers in 72 games.

The 29-year-old will make $17 million in 2016 and $20 million in 2017 before hitting free agency in 2018. If Gonzalez can produce at the All-Star level he has in previous seasons, those figures are worth paying for a game-changing outfielder.

Alejandro De Aza

Although he's already been traded this season, Alejandro De Aza will be a popular target among teams with outfield needs.

De Aza is hitting .256 with six homers between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Since arriving in Boston, De Aza has posted a .319 average in 22 games.

The 31-year-old will be looking for a new team at the end of the season, so expect Boston to get what it can for De Aza before July 31.

Jonny Gomes

Jonny Gomes is the type of player whose impact extends far beyond the field of play. 

On the diamond, Gomes has his uses. He's hit over 150 homers in his career and is a solid option against left-handed pitching. But it's his winning mentality and leadership qualities that make him a valuable commodity, especially to a contender. 

The 34-year-old has a $3 million vesting option for 2016, but don't expect that to deter a team with few veterans from making a push for his services. 

David Murphy

If the Cleveland Indians fail to get back in contention over the next month, outfielder David Murphy could be a useful trade chip. 

Murphy is in the midst of his best season. The 33-year-old has posted a slash line of .331/.371/.494 in 66 games for the Tribe this season. The reason for Murphy's success is due to a significant decrease in the amount of soft contact he's produced. 

Murphy has a team option for $7 million next season with a $500,000 buyout. He's not flashy, but there's not a hotter hitter on the trade market. 

Matt Joyce

Matt Joyce was brought to the Los Angeles Angels to provide Mike Trout and Albert Pujols with protection in the lineup, but he's done little to nothing for the Halos this season.

Joyce is hitting .193 with a .282 on-base percentage in 70 games. Joyce has never been a superstar, but those numbers are well below his career averages. 

The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $4.75 million contract before the season, so a team that thinks they can help Joyce regain his swing won't be taking on any risk. 

Carlos Gomez

There are plenty of talented position players on the trade market, but Carlos Gomez may be the best of the bunch. 

Gomez has stolen over 100 bases and hit over 70 homers since 2012. He's also finished in the positives in defensive runs saved in every season of his career. In 2015, Gomez has begun to heat up, hitting close to .300 in June. 

The Brewers owe Gomez $9 million next season, which is a steal for a player pegged to make much more than that when his contract expires after the 2016 campaign. On a contending team, the 29-year-old would be a major factor in the playoff picture.

Ben Revere

Ben Revere is a light-hitting table-setter, but could be an interesting target for a team that needs outfielders. 

Revere has posted a .287/.324/.375 slash line in 78 games for the Phillies this season. He's also on pace to steal 40 bags for the second straight season. 

The 27-year-old will go through the arbitration process at the end of the season, hitting free agency in 2018. 

Austin Jackson

Austin Jackson has failed to live up to the expectations he set for himself after an outstanding 2012 season, but the speedy outfielder might be of use for a contender. 

Jackson is hitting .261 with seven steals in 56 games. The 28-year-old has yet to get his strikeout totals under control, which is worrisome for a table-setter. 

Fortunately, Jackson is a free agent at the end of the year and won't cost an arm and a leg to acquire. His ability to play all three outfield positions and his speed will interest teams on the market. 

Will Venable  

The San Diego Padres have struggled in 2015, so Will Venable could be wearing a new uniform in the second half. 

Venable has an dynamic blend of speed and power. He's hit over 80 homers and stolen 125 bases throughout the course of his career. Venable is hitting .259 with five home runs and six steals in 65 games this season. 

The 32-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the year. 

Andre Ethier

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a logjam of outfielders and Andre Ethier may end up being the odd man out. 

Ethier is hitting .270 with 10 homers this season. He's also hitting the ball harder this year, which has led to improved production.

The Dodgers owe the 33-year-old roughly $34 million over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, with a 2018 option that vests if Ethier has at least 550 plate appearances in 2017 or at least 1,100 plate appearances combined in 2016 and '17. 

If L.A. can make the money work, Ethier's bat can still help a contender. 

Gerardo Parra

Gerardo Parra made a name for himself in 2013 by saving a jaw-dropping 41 defensive runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Parra has improved his offensive game to match his stellar glove over the past few seasons. In 2015, he's hitting close to .300 with five homers. He's also making hard contact more frequently this year.  

The 28-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the season, which makes him obvious trade bait for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Jay Bruce

As discussed with various Cincinnati Reds players throughout the slideshow, the organization has another opportunity to jump-start the rebuild process by trading Jay Bruce.

Bruce had a subpar season in 2014, but has played much better this season. He's hit 12 homers and has driven in 40 runs in 75 games. 

The 28-year-old is due to make $12 million next season with a $13 million team option ($1 million buyout) in 2017. A team in need of some left-handed pop might be willing to take on that salary.

Ichiro Suzuki 

One of the most decorated hitters of the 2000s could be headed back to a contender.

Ichiro Suzuki is hitting .261 for the Miami Marlins this season. Suzuki is a career .316 hitter, capable of playing all three outfield spots in a pinch. 

Like many players on this list, the 41-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season. He's one of the best hitters of all time and could be a key addition for a contender.

Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd rounds out the Cincinnati Reds contingent on this list. 

Byrd's average has dipped this year, but he's hit 13 homers in 58 games for the Reds. The 37-year-old has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the past two seasons and is on pace to do that again in 2015. 

Byrd has an $8 million vesting option if he reaches 550 plate appearances this season. He's a proven MLB hitter who can give a contender a formidable veteran presence. 

Advanced stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of July 2.