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Top 20 MLB position player trade candidates

With Major League Baseball's trade deadline approaching, theScore's MLB editors break down 20 position players who could be moved ahead of July 31.

1. Whit Merrifield, 2B/OF, Royals

Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
95 26 11 45 .307/.359/.496 2.6

The Royals locked up Merrifield to a four-year, $16.25-million extension this winter, but that doesn't mean he's in their long-term plans. The team is bad and will be throughout Merrifield's contract. Dealing the All-Star now would likely give Kansas City its largest return - especially factoring in his team-friendly deal. With so many holes on the Royals' roster, it would make the most sense for them to trade away their star in exchange for multiple prospects.

Probability of trade: 4/10
Potential suitors: Rockies, Athletics, Indians, Cubs, Padres, Cardinals, Rays, Giants, Dodgers

2. Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
84 13 27 49 .245/.308/.597 2.2

The Padres could help clear out a crowded outfield by moving Renfroe, who's already surpassed his career high in home runs during a breakout campaign. He's controllable for four more years after this season and could net the Padres a top pitcher from a team looking for power from the corner outfield.

Probability of trade: 6/10
Potential suitors: Twins, White Sox, Indians, Athletics, Phillies, Rockies, Giants

3. Trey Mancini, OF, Orioles

Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
87 19 17 40 .281/.340/.500 1.3

There's nothing forcing the Orioles to move Mancini, who has three more years of team control after this season at a relatively small cost. But like the Royals, the focus should be on stockpiling as many future assets as possible. Baltimore should take advantage of Mancini's bounce-back campaign, especially since he's one of the team's few trade pieces.

Probability of trade: 6/10
Potential suitors: Twins, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Rockies

4. Starling Marte, OF, Pirates

Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
82 17 15 51 .275/.315/.478 1.7

Marte has put last year's 80-game PED suspension behind him and remains a solid outfielder with power and speed. It's no guarantee that the Pirates will want to part with the 30-year-old, but a pair of upcoming team options - $11.5 million in 2020, $12.5 million in 2021 - would make him the highest-paid player on a club that's not known for big spending. Those additional years of control make him an attractive trade candidate and could generate a nice return for Pittsburgh.

Probability of trade: 6/10
Potential suitors: Twins, White Sox, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies

5. Yasiel Puig, OF, Reds

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
86 11 22 56 .263/.307/.509 1.2

Puig was one of a number of players on an expiring deal that Cincinnati brought in this offseason. Sitting 5 1/2 games out of the division and 3 1/2 out of the wild-card race with a number of teams in front of them, it's likely the Reds wait until the final days before deciding to sell or not. If they do, Puig is likely to go. After a slow start, the 28-year-old is hitting .383/.427/.809 with 11 home runs over his last 26 games.

Probability of trade: 6/10
Potential suitors: Twins, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Rockies

6. Nicholas Castellanos, OF, Tigers

Duane Burleson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
87 31 9 34 .280/.342/.463 1.1

Castellanos has made it known that he wants out of Detroit, though the front office has so far been unable to find a deal that's suited its liking. But with the outfielder set to hit free agency this winter, the Tigers will be forced to take something at the deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing. Though his power numbers have taken a bit of a dip this year, Castellanos is still a solid offensive player and a candidate to improve with a change of scenery.

Probability of trade: 10/10
Potential suitors: Twins, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Rockies

7. James McCann, C, White Sox

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
66 16 10 31 .310/.365/.500 2.2

McCann has emerged as one of the best catchers in the majors since signing a one-year deal with the White Sox this winter. The 29-year-old All-Star ranks fourth in the majors in OPS (minimum 250 PA) among catchers and has been credited for helping turn around the seasons of some of Chicago's younger pitchers. With so much success in the South Side, the White Sox could opt to extend McCann rather than deal him.

Probability of trade: 5/10
Potential suitors: Rays, Rangers, Padres, Dodgers, Rockies, Astros, A's, Cardinals

8. Freddy Galvis, SS, Blue Jays

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
90 18 15 46 .269/.308/.457 1.4

Galvis has been one of the best value signings from the offseason after agreeing to a one-year, $4-million deal with a $5.5-million team option for 2020. While the club would be best served by selling high on the veteran shortstop and creating playing time for Bo Bichette, the team doesn't need to give Galvis away; keeping him in the clubhouse to mentor the younger players might mean more to the Blue Jays. Always known for a strong glove, Galvis also has 15 homers and is slugging a career-best .457.

Probability of trade: 8/10
Potential suitors: Brewers, Astros, Rays, Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers

9. Alex Gordon, OF, Royals

G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
90 24 10 57 .274/.353/.443 1.5

Gordon's four-year, $72-million extension is set to expire at the end of this season and it's highly unlikely Kansas City has any intention of exercising his $23-million mutual option. After three straight bad seasons offensively, Gordon has enjoyed solid production through the first half and will likely have suitors ahead of the deadline. With roughly $9 million left on his deal this season, the Royals are likely going to have to eat a chunk of his salary in any trade.

Probability of trade: 7/10
Potential suitors: Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Cubs

10. Justin Smoak, 1B, Blue Jays

Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
74 8 14 38 .211/.347/.406 0.3

Smoak's one of the last remaining veterans from the Blue Jays' back-to-back postseason runs, though it's likely his Toronto tenure is nearing its end. With the White Sox reluctant to deal Jose Abreu, the switch-hitting Smoak offers the best option for teams looking for help at first base. While his power numbers are down this season, Smoak still generates a high on-base percentage and has a solid glove.

Probability of trade: 10/10
Potential suitors: Astros, Red Sox, Twins, Rangers, Rockies, Indians, Rays, Nationals

11. Corey Dickerson, OF, Pirates

Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
32 12 2 19 .271/.308/.458 0.2

Dickerson has been one of the more underappreciated outfielders in the game over the last three years. He was an All-Star in 2017 and won a Gold Glove the following season. However, injuries have limited Dickerson to just 32 games this year, which could affect the return Pittsburgh receives. The Pirates shopped the 30-year-old this winter, and even despite being in the playoff hunt, expect them to try and get something for the impending free agent.

Probability of trade: 7/10
Potential suitors: Twins, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, Rockies

12. Todd Frazier, 3B, Mets

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
69 6 12 36 .251/.335/.442 0.9

The Mets sit closer to last than first in their division, and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen acknowledged they'll try to offload veterans on expiring deals. Frazier offers a solid power bat from the right side and boasts a .335 on-base percentage - the third-highest mark of his career.

Probability of trade: 9/10
Potential suitors: Brewers, Rays, Indians, Phillies, Cardinals

13. Clint Frazier, OF, Yankees

Nuccio DiNuzzo / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
53 11 11 34 .262/.330/.513 0.3

Frazier's time with the Yankees has seemingly been coming to an end for the better part of the season. However, it's understandable why the front office doesn't want to give up on the former top prospect despite a crowded outfield. Still 24, and with four additional years of service time available, Frazier is an attractive piece for any rebuilding club and seems like the most logical trade chip for New York to package away for pitching. His history of injuries could give some teams pause.

Probability of trade: 7/10
Potential suitors: Blue Jays, Rays, Indians, White Sox, Athletics, Padres, Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Mariners, Marins, Reds, Giants, Phillies, Cardinals

14. Adam Jones, OF, D-Backs

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
85 17 13 44 .261/.310/.433 0.1

Jones blocked a trade out of Baltimore last season, but no longer has that ability. The 33-year-old has proven he's still got something left in the tank during a solid first season in the desert and should have a market before the deadline. Jones, who's well-respected across the league, is fine in either corner outfield spot, while his bat still has some pop.

Probability of trade: 8/10
Potential suitors: Astros, Rockies, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Indians, Twins

15. Eric Sogard, IF, Blue Jays

Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
64 13 10 27 .302/.370/.494 2.1

Sogard sits second on the Blue Jays in WAR and has been excellent hitting at the top of the order. Not only does he boast a .370 OBP, but he's also already hit a career-high 10 home runs this season after hitting just 11 over the first 584 games of his career. The 33-year-old impending free agent can help at second base, shortstop, and in the corner outfield.

Probability of trade: 10/10
Potential suitors: Rays, White Sox, Athletics, Cubs, Brewers, Rockies, Dodgers

16. Dee Gordon, 2B/OF, Mariners

Lindsey Wasson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
71 7 3 25 .263/.293/.352 0.0

It won't be a shock if Gordon, along with other Mariners veterans, is moved at the deadline. Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce have already been packaged off, so expect GM Jerry Dipoto to continue to sell. Gordon isn't the star player he once was but he does provide speed and a strong glove at second base. He's owed $13 million next season, so the Mariners will need to eat money in any deal.

Probability of trade: 9/10
Potential suitors: Indians, Cubs, Brewers, Rockies, Cardinals

17. Jose Iglesias, SS, Reds

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
84 12 5 33 .282/.314/.388 0.4

Iglesias has provided the Reds with considerable value after agreeing to a minor-league deal over the winter and is a solid option for teams looking for shortstop help. While he offers little power (five home runs, .388 slugging), Iglesias is a gifted defender and would be a cheap depth addition for a contender should the Reds sell.

Probability of trade: 7/10
Potential suitors: Rays, Brewers, Astros

18. Melky Cabrera, OF, Pirates

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
79 14 6 31 .305/.341/.448 0.1

Cabrera continues to be productive even into his 15th season. The veteran corner outfielder isn't a game-changer, but he is a solid on-base threat with some pop and owns the best strikeout percentage (9.5 percent) of his career. Cabrera will hit free agency at the end of this campaign, making it likely that the Pirates opt to move him.

Probability of trade: 9/10
Potential suitors: Red Sox, Twins, Indians, Athletics, Nationals, Rockies, Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals

19. Pablo Sandoval, IF, Giants

Daniel Shirey / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
84 17 11 33 .269/.311/.528 0.8

The Panda has experienced a bit of a renaissance since rejoining the Giants and has arguably been the team's best player. In addition to little money being owed to the impending free agent - the Red Sox are still paying the bulk of his salary - Sandoval is a switch-hitter who can play both corner infield spots. The only concern is how motivated will he be to leave San Francisco?

Probability of trade: 8/10
Potential suitors: Brewers, Cardinals, Rockies, Rangers, Athletics, Indians

20. Billy Hamilton, OF, Royals

Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP 2B SB AVG/OBP/SLG WAR
80 9 16 .217/.284/.270 0.3

A change in scenery hasn't helped Hamilton take off, but he still possesses elite speed and a solid glove, which could be a game-changer for any contender. Despite running much less this season - in part due to a dismal .284 OBP - Hamilton has still swiped the seventh-most bases in the AL. The 28-year-old has a $7.5-million mutual option for 2020.

Probability of trade: 9/10
Potential suitors: Red Sox, Twins, Indians, Athletics, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers, Rockies

Other trade candidates: Welington Castillo, Alex Avila, Starlin Castro, Wilmer Flores, Asdrubal Cabrera, Neil Walker, Kole Calhoun, Jon Jay, Hunter Pence

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