Three potential trade chips after MLB's first month

Although the MLB season is only five weeks old,  we're already getting an idea of which teams will be contenders and which are pretenders. 

With some front offices likely considering themselves "sellers" already, let's break down three potential trade chips that might be on the move before the August trade deadline.

1. Joc Pederson - OF/DH - San Francisco Giants

The Giants entered the season with the third oldest roster in MLB (behind the Mets and Padres, both of whom have World Series aspirations), and after a 15-18 start in the highly competitive NL West, it's safe to assume that San Francisco will look to move a handful of its veterans this summer.

The team's most desirable piece is likely Joc Pederson, the lefty slugger who's currently in his second season with his hometown team. 

Buyers would be drawn to Pederson's pop — he's averaged over 23 home runs per season in his career; his playoff experience — he won the World Series in 2020 with the Dodgers and in 2021 with the Braves and has 79 career postseason games under his belt; and his contract — he's currently on a one-year, $19M deal.

So far this season, Pederson is slashing just .222/.313/.417, but should nonetheless be in high demand for teams looking to add a professional hitter who's no stranger to making deep runs in October.

2. Alex Verdugo - OF - Boston Red Sox

Given their 21-15 record to begin the season, some might question labeling the Red Sox as "sellers." And although Boston has surprised many with its impressive April, the Sox are still in fourth place in the gauntlet that is the AL East and their starting pitchers have combined for an ERA of 5.80.

If the starting pitching doesn't improve drastically (which, given their collective track records, seems unlikely), the Red Sox should be out of contention by June.

Assuming things go sideways for the Sox, look for the team to move Alex Verdugo, who was the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts deal that still gives Bostonians nightmares. 

In two full seasons with the club, Verdugo has hit .285 and averaged 12 home runs and 69 RBI a year. This season, he's gotten off to a hot start, batting .307 with five homers and 18 RBI and, like Pederson, is on a one-year deal.

3. Joey Meneses - OF/DH - Washington Nationals

After a sluggish start to the season, Joey Meneses, one of the few bright spots last year for a Nationals team that lost 107 games, appears to be rounding into form and enhancing his trade value as a result. 

Just last night, Meneses hit a towering three-run homer in the top of the ninth to give the Nats a badly needed 9-8 victory over the Diamondbacks.