These MLB Players Expected To Be Trade

Michael Fulmer, pictured at Comerica Park on Aug. 24, 2017 in Detroit, is reportedly a trade target.

The 2021 MLB trade deadline is only a little over a month away, and potential sellers have started to emerge. The Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to unload some of their most productive players by July 30.

All-Star-caliber players like Trevor Story, Ketel Marte and even Max Scherzer will find themselves in trade rumors, but some of their teammates could be dealt sooner. Jon Gray, Michael Fulmer, Eduardo Escobar, Jonathan Schoop and Richard Rodriguez all have an extremely high likelihood of being traded, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.

Colorado is expected to move Story before he becomes a free agent this winter, though a deal involving Gray might be easier to find since the asking price won’t be nearly as high. In the last year of his contract and currently on the injured list with a right flexor strain, Gray might not cost much to pry for Colorado. The 29-year-old has a high upside with a 3.25 ERA at hitter-friendly Coors Field, but he’s been awful on the road with a 6.75 ERA in 18.2 innings.

The Rockies have been MLB’s worst team on the road, knocking them out of the playoff race within a couple of months. The Arizona Diamondbacks set a record with a 23-game road losing streak and trail Colorado with the worst overall record in baseball, making them a clear seller before the deadline.

Marte’s .361 batting average and affordable contract make him Arizona’s most desirable asset. The 27-year-old could still be part of the Diamondbacks’ future, while Escobar is likely gone this winter as a free agent. Escobar’s 15 home runs and 45 RBI could help a contender looking to boost their infield offensive production.

Schoop is another infielder that’s expected to be on the move. The veteran leads the last-place Tigers with a .271 average, 13 home runs and 71 hits. Fulmer, Detroit’s closer, is definitely getting traded, according to Bowden. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year has recorded six saves since May 5 to go along with an overall 3.55 ERA in 38.0 innings.

Rodriguez is the best closer that’s expected to be moved. The 31-year-old has a 1.91 ERA and a 0.74 WHIP in 28.1 innings with Pittsburgh.

The Pirates are on pace for their third straight last-place finish.