2022 MLB trade deadline rumours: Who could be on the move next? Soto, Ohtani, Yankees, Dodgers...
There are a few interesting trade prospects heading into MLB’s trade deadline, but who are they and where could they end up? Let’s take a look
With a slight extension in effect, Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is set a little later than usual this season, falling on Augst 2nd rather than on July 31st.
Who are the top candidates for a trade in the MLB?
Though nothing is carved in stone, we’ve picked out a handful of players who have been heavily linked with moves away from their current teams. All players, unless otherwise stated are about to be free agents such that, should a move actually occur, it will be potentially be shocking, but not surprising. Last but not least, we’ve also done our best to give a view of where these guys might end up, so with no further delay, let’s take a look at the headliners as we head to the MLB trade deadline:
Juan Soto - Washington Nationals
Probably the biggest name on the list, if not the most talked about, Soto’s name has emerged as the most popular trade candidate on the market after rejecting a 15-year, $440 million extension offer from the Nationals. At 23 years of age, the young star is on his way to the Hall-of-Fame and has a remaining two years of team control after this season. In what has been an off year for Soto, he’s still registered an OPS+ of 156. While some have criticized his defense, the reality is that money can’t buy that kind of hitter, or can it? Where possible destinations are concerned, we’re looking at the Cardinals, Dodgers and Yankees.
Luis Castillo - Cincinnati Reds
Prolific from the mound, Castillo is probably the most high-profile pitcher on the list of potential trade targets as we head into the deadline. Having successfully overcome injury in April, Castillo returned to the field with a noticeably slower delivery. It must be said, however, that it didn’t last long. In 12 starts, the Reds star has accumulated an incredible 158 ERA+, while his fastball-changeup combination remains lethal. Indeed, the latter of the two is still perhaps one of the best we’ve seen out there. If teams can look past his shaky shoulder, expect him to be on the move. As for where, we’ve pegged the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and just about everyone else who wants to win big. This after all, is a pitcher who is above average and moreover has a year of team control remaining.
Frankie Montas - Oakland Athletics
Like Castillo above, Montas has had some shoulder issues. That’s to say, that banking on him could potentially be risky. On the other hand, he’s not had to endure any lengthy layoffs to date, so we can expect to see him out there soon enough. If ever there was a power pitcher, it’s Montas who at present is throwing pitches that 86 mph pitches on a large percentage of the time. If we’re honest, the only reason that one might take Castillo before Montas is because of his lack of consistency. That’s to say that while Castillo has posted four seasons with more than 100 innings and is realistically heading for a fifth, Montas is only now scraping the surface of his second. Where could he go? We’d say the Mets, Yankees, Reds and like Castillo, anyone else who wants to contend.
Bryan Reynolds - Pittsburgh Pirates
What’s interesting in this situation is that the Pirates are under no obligation to trade Reynolds. With three remaining seasons of team control, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him stay put. On the other hand, if they do decide to cash in then expect heads to turn. Having established himself as a formidable hitter, Reynolds isn’t far off from a new career-high in home runs this season with 15 under his belt already. It could be argued that he needs to improve his defense, but for the moment most will be paying attention to the way he swings a bat. According to reports, the center fielder recently rejected a slew of long-term extension offers from the Pirates, which is to say watch this space. As for where he could end up, we’re going with the Giants, Yankees and Cardinals.
Sean Murphy - Oakland Athletics
Though he’s under team control until 2025, there is merit to the idea of shifting Murphy. For starters, Shea Langeliers is raring to go so there is incoming cover from the Triple-A. Then, we’ve got to consider that the A’s are looking to lower their costs. What better way to do so that letting go of one your highest earners. Needless to say, should Murphy move there will be no shortage of suitors in the queue. An excellent hitter, the A’s slugger has also got experience, with more than 1,000 appearances at the plate. Of course, we haven’t even touched on his 114mph exit velocity home runs that ruffle the feathers of players such as Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. If there is one catch, it’s that Murphy doesn’t hit as frequently as he does powerfully. If he can improve on his consistency, then is already stellar defensive abilities will only serve to accentuate the point that he is indeed, a valuable asset. Land spots? Keep an eye on the Rays, Astros, Giants and of course anybody else who’s looking for a top tier player.