Early look at the top 15 MLB trade candidates

With the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaching, here's an early look at 15 players who could potentially be moved. We'll update our list in mid-July when the buyers and sellers become more clear.

1. Marcus Stroman, Cubs

Position: SP
Age: 32
Remaining contract: 1-year, $25M ($21M player option for 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stroman's been open about his desire to sign an extension with the Cubs. But it doesn't seem like a deal is imminent, as the right-hander recently said on Twitter that the team isn't interested in talking right now. That's why Stroman could very well be on the move in late July, despite the underwhelming Cubs still on the edge of contention in the woeful NL Central. The 32-year-old could be the best pitcher available at the deadline, and he should have no shortage of interested teams, even as a likely rental. Stroman is also a dependable workhorse who eats innings and has playoff experience.

2. Lucas Giolito, White Sox

Position: SP
Age: 29
Remaining contract: 1-year, $10.4M (FA following 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The White Sox have plenty of players who would be attractive to contending teams. Giolito is the likeliest member of the bunch to be moved as an impending free agent. The right-hander has struggled over the past two years after emerging as one of the American League's most consistent starters between 2019-21. However, he's still at least a No. 3 starter despite not having the same level of upside as he did previously and would instantly boost the rotation for several contenders.

3. Eduardo Rodriguez, Tigers

Position: SP
Age: 29
Remaining contract: 4-year, $63M (Can opt out following 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A finger injury suffered at the end of May halted Rodriguez's fantastic start. It seems unlikely he'll be back before early June. The ailment adds another complication to his trade value. But teams will still line up to acquire Rodriguez if he returns to full health. E-Rod was finally looking like the pitcher Detroit expected when it gave him $71 million in 2021. His 2.13 ERA still leads the majors, while his 0.98 WHIP is tied for fourth. The 30-year-old's averaging almost nine strikeouts per nine innings and has significantly lowered his walk rate. He's also allowed just six home runs. Interested teams will have to consider Rodriguez's opt-out clause, as he'd be one of the best arms available this winter if he chooses to test free agency.

4. Brent Rooker, Athletics

Position: OF
Age: 29
Remaining contract: $725K (1st-year arb eligible in 2025)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

There was never a real chance Rooker would sustain his ridiculous April pace that briefly had him leading the majors in OPS. His stats over the last six weeks are more in line with his career norms. Still, the 28-year-old's breakout campaign has him in a position to be the Athletics' lone All-Star and one of their few legitimate trade-deadline chips. Rooker may not be among the league leaders anymore, but he still sports a solid .885 OPS, along with 25 extra-base hits. He's also providing quietly solid defense at both corner outfield spots. Rooker is under team control for another four years, making him even more attractive as a longer-term acquisition. There's a chance the A's might see Rooker as a core piece for the immediate future. But it would also be a bit of a surprise if he's still in Oakland after Aug. 1.

5. Aroldis Chapman, Royals

Position: RP
Age: 35
Remaining contract: 1-year, $3.75M (FA following 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chapman surprised many when he decided to join the Royals. After posting the worst season of his career in 2022, it appears Chapman was looking for less of a pressure-packed environment to get his career back on track. His move is paying off. But Chapman still has command issues leading to too many walks. It's also fair to wonder how he'll respond to being thrust back into the pressure of a pennant race. It likely won't cost much to acquire Chapman at this stage of his career, so expect teams to engage the Royals to get something done.

6. James Paxton, Red Sox

Position: SP
Age: 34
Remaining contract: 1-year, $6M (FA following 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now fully healthy after elbow and lat injuries sidelined him for nearly three full seasons, Paxton has looked like his old self for the Red Sox and been their most reliable starter. The veteran southpaw has allowed two or fewer earned runs in five of his six starts and has pitched six or more innings three times this year. Paxton's striking out over 12 batters per nine innings, and he's doing a good job of limiting barrels when hitters make contact. That's good news for the Red Sox on the field, but it's even better news for chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom if he wants to deal Paxton now that Boston's falling behind in the AL East.

7. Shane Bieber, Guardians

Position: SP
Age: 28
Remaining contract:: $10M (Arb 3 in 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

On the surface, trading Bieber doesn't make much sense for a Guardians team looking to win now. The two sides have reportedly discussed a contract extension but don't appear close to reaching an agreement. Cleveland has made these trades in the past, moving Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, and Mike Clevinger with at least one year of club control remaining. The issue the team might run into is maximizing the return in a trade with Bieber regressing this season. The 2020 AL Cy Young winner has seen his fastball velocity and strikeout rate plummet, leading to an inflated ERA and hard-hit rate. Pitching-needy teams would likely still be interested in at least discussing a deal with the Guardians. Still, it would certainly help the situation if Bieber found a way to produce more consistent results.

8. Tim Anderson, White Sox

Position: SS
Age: 29
Remaining contract: $12.5M ($14M club option for 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️

This would be a bolder move for the White Sox than moving Giolito. Anderson has been one of the team's most marketable and productive stars since his debut in 2016. General manager Rick Hahn needs to determine whether Anderson is part of the club's long-term plan. If Chicago doesn't want to make a long-term investment or concludes that Anderson isn't interested in staying put, it would behoove the franchise to explore a potential trade. Anderson hasn't surpassed 123 games in a season since 2018, so there are certainly some injury and durability concerns. If the White Sox make him available, it'll be fascinating to see how teams value Anderson with just one year of club control remaining.

9. Jack Flaherty, Cardinals

Position: SP
Age: 27
Remaining contract: 1-year, $5.4M (FA following 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After an impressive two-year stretch in 2018-19 in which he accumulated 7.0 fWAR, Flaherty has struggled through injuries and inconsistency over the past four campaigns. The right-hander has seen his walk rate climb the last two seasons, and he has struggled to command his stuff in a number of outings this year. Any team looking to acquire Flaherty needs to accept some risk. However, his stuff is still good enough that it's probably worth chasing the potential reward associated with bringing him aboard. It seems like his tenure in St. Louis has run its course. And even if the Cardinals are in the hunt, John Mozeliak could look to recoup an asset or two for a pitcher heading for free agency.

10. Brent Suter, Rockies

Position: RP
Age: 33
Remaining contract: $3M (FA after 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Rockies have several relievers who should be available this summer, and Suter might be the best. The 33-year-old left-hander is quietly enjoying an All-Star-caliber season, sporting a career-best 2.50 ERA while allowing only one homer in 39.1 innings. Suter's been money against lefties, holding them to a .624 OPS, but he's far more than just a specialist. Right-handed hitters own a meager .552 OPS against him in 43 more plate appearances. As a rental reliever on a reasonable salary, there should be no shortage of suitors for Suter. He'd look good in just about any contending bullpen.

11. Scott Barlow, Royals

Position: RP
Age: 30
Remaining contract: $5.3M (Arb 3 in 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Royals might have missed their chance to maximize the return on a potential Barlow trade. After posting ERAs of 2.18 and 2.42 with 40 saves over the past two seasons, the right-hander has seen his ERA climb in 2023. Teams are always interested in adding relief help in-season, especially pitchers who carry additional control. One interesting scenario could see Barlow paired with Chapman in trade, a possibility reported by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

12. Randal Grichuk, Rockies

Position: OF
Age: 31
Remaining contract: $10.3M (FA after 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grichuk's offensive game has some holes. Still, he's showing great patience at the plate in 2023 with the best walk and strikeout rates of his career. The power has yet to materialize, but that's likely only a matter of time for a player who has five seasons with at least 20 home runs. Grichuk is probably better suited as a platoon option or fourth outfielder on a contender. A handful of teams should be interested in adding him to their roster for the stretch run.

13. Cody Bellinger, Cubs

Position: CF/1B
Age: 27
Remaining contract: $17.5M ($25M mutual option for 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️

If Bellinger - who's been on the IL since mid-May - gets healthy, there may be some fantastic value here. He might not be an MVP anymore, but before getting hurt, Bellinger seemed to have rediscovered his form in Chicago. His .830 OPS is easily his best since his 2019 award-winning campaign. The two-time All-Star also has seven homers, 17 extra-base hits, and nine steals, and he was again playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. A healthy Bellinger offers contenders a sneaky-good lefty bat, excellent outfield defense, and potential versatility since he can play the other two outfield spots or first base if needed.

14. Jeimer Candelario, Nationals

Position: 3B
Age: 29
Remaining contract: $5M (FA after 2023)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Candelario is enjoying a solid rebound season for the rebuilding Nationals after joining them on a one-year deal. While the former top prospect's bat might not set the world on fire, he's leading his team in doubles (17) and extra-base hits (27), while his slash line is his best since 2021. Candelario has also improved defensively at third base, an area long considered his biggest weakness. Candelario's a switch-hitter but has fared much better from the left side this year. He might be better suited for a platoon corner-infield role on a contender.

15. Paul Blackburn, Athletics

Position: SP
Age: 29
Remaining contract: $1.9M (Arb 2 in 2024)
Trade probability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The A's pitching has been woeful at best, and Blackburn is their only realistic arm who could net them some kind of prospect return. He's made just three starts due to a fingernail issue but has looked solid in limited action. Injuries have dogged Blackburn throughout his career, including last season, and he won't light the radar gun on fire. However, he made 20 starts for the first time in 2022 en route to representing Oakland at the All-Star Game. He's not a perfect pitcher. But teams may be willing to overlook the flaws because he's only 29, under team control for two more seasons, and might cost less prospect capital than some other available starters.