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One ideal trade target for every MLB team
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

One ideal trade target for every MLB team

The 2019 MLB season is only approaching Memorial Day, but it's never too early to start thinking about potential trade deadline moves. Here are possible landing spots for names that you'll assuredly hear among trade rumors in the near future. 

 
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New York Yankees: Madison Bumgarner

New York Yankees: Madison Bumgarner
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The Yankees have been completely decimated by injuries yet impressively find themselves well over .500 and in the thick of a heated AL East race. At some point though, you'd have to imagine the other shoe will drop, and even before the season started a case could have been made for the Bombers needing another starter. Bumgarner would bring an unparalleled postseason resume and give New York a frontline ace to deploy every fifth day down the stretch. 

 
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Boston Red Sox: Sergio Romo

Boston Red Sox: Sergio Romo
Aaron Doster/USA Today Images

Boston needed bullpen help before even reporting for spring training, and nothing has changed a quarter of the way through the season. Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier and Heath Hembree have done serviceable jobs at the back of games, but none of those right-handers is a legitimate closer. And behind their top trio, the Sox are vulnerable. Last year's closer, Craig Kimbrel, is still inexplicably a free agent and makes the most sense, but the veteran Romo would bring a resume that includes well over 100 saves, and he would be a boon for a struggling relief corps.

 
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Tampa Bay Rays: Francisco Cervelli

Tampa Bay Rays: Francisco Cervelli
Matt Kartozian/USA Today Images

Tampa Bay has been terrific from the get-go in 2019, but if there's one spot that stands out as weak at Tropicana Field, it's clearly position No. 2 on your scorecard. The Rays traded for veteran Mike Zunino over the winter, but he owns a career .208 batting average and is currently on the injured list. Michael Perez, Nick Ciuffo and Travis d'Arnaud have all failed to run with their own opportunities behind the plate, and Tampa could definitely stand to upgrade. Cervelli has been a valuable two-way player for most of his career, and while he's off to a slow start in Pittsburgh, he probably wouldn't cost all that much in a trade and could represent a potential steal if inserted into a pennant race. 

 
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Toronto Blue Jays: Dominic Smith

Toronto Blue Jays: Dominic Smith
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Toronto is the first team on this list that will not be looking to buy, instead searching for another premier talent to add to its emerging young core that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette. To do this the Jays will assuredly ship out veteran switch-hitting first baseman Justin Smoak and, in all likelihood, ace righty Marcus Stroman. Stroman in particular makes sense for a team like the Mets, and Smith, a former first-round pick who has thrived off the New York bench while blocked from playing every day by slugger Pete Alonso, could headline a potential swap between the two sides.

 
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Baltimore Orioles: Joey Wentz

Baltimore Orioles: Joey Wentz
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The O's are the worst team in the American League, and their only objective during trade season should be trying to replenish a depleted farm system that could use a serious shot in the arm. Having the top pick in June's draft should help some, but Baltimore should absolutely be looking to turn closer Mychal Givens and right-handed slugger Trey Mancini into young lottery tickets. Relief pitching is always in high demand in July, so Givens will be the Orioles most marketable piece. A team like Atlanta, which could use a real closer and has a deep system, would be a terrific match. Wentz dominated multiple levels of the Braves system before struggling upon reaching AA this season. But the O's would have the luxury of time and would be able to slowly bring him along to hopefully become a long-term member of their starting five. 

 
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Minnesota Twins: Zack Wheeler

Minnesota Twins: Zack Wheeler
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The Twins have somewhat surprisingly emerged as one of the best teams in the American League, thanks in large part to a dominant bullpen. Their rotation, though, could use some reinforcements, as behind Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi, Minnesota has been wildly inconsistent. The Mets have struggled significantly in May, but it's not a guarantee they will ultimately become sellers. If they do though, the hard-throwing Wheeler will be the first to go; he's a high-upside, upper-echelon starter in his walk year.

 
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Cleveland Indians: Madison Bumgarner

Cleveland Indians: Madison Bumgarner
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The Tribe have won the American League Central three years running, but the emergence of Minnesota has that streak in serious jeopardy. Injuries to righties Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger threaten the Indians rotation, but they've been fortunate to get a breakout campaign from Shane Bieber, which has partially offset their absences. That said, this team could clearly use another starting pitcher, and while they're assured to have competition for his services, Bumgarner would be an ideal target. 

 
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Chicago White Sox: Manuel Silva

Chicago White Sox: Manuel Silva
Rick Osentoski/USA Today Images

The White Sox have hovered around .500 for most of the early going, but in an American League with several teams that have much more talent than they do, they will almost assuredly be sellers in July — and potentially active ones at that. Jose Abreu, Nate Jones, Alex Colome and Kelvin Herrera should all be in high demand, and the White Sox will aim to turn them into talent they can add to a promising young core they've been developing for several years. The Phillies stand out as a club that will be shopping for relief help, and a young, high-upside arm like Silva would be a reasonable ask. 

 
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Detroit Tigers: Alfonso Rivas

Detroit Tigers: Alfonso Rivas
John E. Sokolowski/USA Today Images

Similarly to their rivals in Chicago, the Tigers will be sellers, and they could have one of the most desirable bats on the trade block in outfielder Nicholas Castellanos. Unfortunately for Detroit though, after a stellar 2018 campaign that watched him slash .298/.354/.500 with 23 homers and 89 RBI, the veteran has not carried that production into 2019. Through 42 games, Castellanos has registered only 19 extra base hits, but he'll certainly remain a target for rival clubs, particularly ones sensing the price may be dropping. A bat-needy American League team like Oakland, which could stand to upgrade from light-hitting Robbie Grossman in left field, would make sense, and a young talented versatile player with offensive upside like Rivas would be a nice get. 

 
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Kansas City Royals: Nelson Velazquez

Kansas City Royals: Nelson Velazquez
Denny Medley/USA Today Images

Like some of their division rivals, the Royals will look to sell at the deadline. They'll have some interesting assets to dangle, headlined by left-handed reliever Jake Diekman. The Cubs stand out as a potential fit for the veteran, as Mike Montgomery and Xavier Cedeno have struggled from the left side in relief. The fact that Diekman's contract carries an option for 2020 should help the Royals bring back more than a typical rental, and a talented lottery ticket like Velazquez would be a nice return.

 
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Houston Astros: Madison Bumgarner

Houston Astros: Madison Bumgarner
Rick Scuteri/USA Today Images

The Astros currently own the best record in baseball, which isn't all that shocking. What is slightly surprising is how well they've played despite serious shortcomings in their rotation behind the trio of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley. Collin McHugh owns an ERA over 6.00, and Brad Peacock is arguably better suited for relief. It would come as a surprise to nobody if Houston brought back free-agent southpaw Dallas Keuchel at some point, but whether that happens, the 'Stros still make sense as yet another team to jump into the Bumgarner sweepstakes.

 
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Oakland Athletics: Nicholas Castellanos

Oakland Athletics: Nicholas Castellanos
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As mentioned earlier, the Tigers will be looking to move Castellanos prior to the July 31 trade deadline, and they'll certainly hope he can hit a hot streak to up his value. The Athletics are looking to make another push for a postseason berth after a slow start, and adding a potential difference maker to their offensive attack would go a long way toward helping them accomplish that goal. 

 
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Trey Mancini

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Trey Mancini
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Angels seem to always be caught in the middle: good enough to contend but not good enough to get over the hump. The early season absence of Shohei Ohtani did not help, and while the Halos have enjoyed an unexpected breakout campaign from infielder Tommy La Stella, they clearly could use more offensive punch. An offense-first player like Mancini, who can capably start at first base, DH or in the corner outfield, could help protect Mike Trout, Ohtani and La Stella and add significant length to L.A.'s lineup. 

 
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Seattle Mariners: Joe Perez

Seattle Mariners: Joe Perez
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Nobody likes to deal more than Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto, and it would be utterly shocking if he didn't pull the trigger on more than a few trades between now and the end of July. After a ridiculously hot start, the M's have regressed to the level of play most expected from them before the season started, and thus, several current Mariners could be wearing different uniforms sooner rather than later. Dee Gordon, Omar Narvaez and Jay Bruce could all draw interest, but the hitter most assured of being traded is veteran DH Edwin Encarnacion. The slugger has the potential to be a difference maker for contending teams, and the Astros, which currently use unproven Tyler White as their regular DH, would appear to be a fit. Perez is going to be blocked on the left side of the Houston infield by Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa for the foreseeable future, and the Astros could afford to move him in an effort to win another title.

 
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Texas Rangers: Mickey Moniak

Texas Rangers: Mickey Moniak
Kim Klement/USA Today Images

A better-than-expected start has the Rangers hovering around .500, but they'll still have to be realistic about their situation as the trade deadline approaches. The American League is extremely top heavy, and Texas is not going to leapfrog Houston, Boston, New York or Tampa Bay any time soon. With that in mind they should look to unload their attractive assets, and they don't have anyone more desirable than left-handed ace Mike Minor, who would make a lot of sense for a number of clubs. The Phillies in particular stand out as a fit, and with Minor under contract for next year too, it wouldn't be unreasonable for Texas to demand Moniak, a former No. 1 overall pick who still has a lot of upside. 

 
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Philadelphia Phillies: Mike Minor

Philadelphia Phillies: Mike Minor
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The NL East leading Phillies possess as much offensive firepower as any team in baseball, but their struggling pitching staff has the potential to derail what could ultimately be a special season in the City of Brotherly Love. Philly needs help in both the rotation and bullpen, but adding Minor to a starting staff that includes Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta would make it much more imposing in a short playoff series. 

 
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Atlanta Braves: Will Smith

Atlanta Braves: Will Smith
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The Braves won the NL East last year and likely present the most difficult obstacle for the Phillies in their effort to bring the division crown back to Pennsylvania. Similarly to Philadelphia though, the Braves possess a dynamic everyday lineup but a pitching staff that could use some help. The back of the bullpen, in particular, needs addressing, as injuries have pushed unproven Luke Jackson into the closer's role. The competition for Smith will be immensely steep, as he's dominated all year at the end of games for San Francisco. It's hard to deny how perfectly he would fit in Atlanta. 

 
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New York Mets: Marcus Stroman

New York Mets: Marcus Stroman
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As mentioned earlier, the Mets and Blue Jays match up well as potential trade partners, and it would be a surprise if the two didn't at least discuss possible matches. Stroman, who grew up on Long Island, should be of particular interest to the Mets, whether they ultimately become buyers or sellers, given that he's under contract through next season and could serve as excellent rotation insurance in the event Zack Wheeler is either traded or departs as a free agent. New York also has Dominic Smith, once one of the premier first base prospects in the sport, relegated to nothing more than a pinch-hitting role thanks to the emergence of Rookie of the Year threat Pete Alonso. He would fit well as part of a future core north of the border.

 
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Washington Nationals: Carlos Rincon

Washington Nationals: Carlos Rincon
Aaron Doster/USA Today Images

There hasn't been a more disappointing team in baseball this season than the Nationals who, for the second straight campaign, are failing to live up to expectations. This has every chance to become a team in transition, and it should surprise nobody if manager Davey Martinez fails to survive the season. The issue for Washington, if it does decide to become sellers, is that the team lacks real marketable pieces. The three top pitchers, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin, all own long-term contracts. Anthony Rendon is the player tagged to be the successor to Bryce Harper as the face of the franchise, and Juan Soto and Victor Robles are exciting young talents who aren't going anywhere. If the Nationals do something, look for it to be a minor trade involving a bench player like Howie Kendrick or Michael Taylor. The versatile Kendrick could be attractive to a club like the Dodgers who value positional versatility seemingly more than any team in the game, and a low-level minor leaguer like Rincon could get the deal done.

 
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Miami Marlins: Zach Schellenger

Miami Marlins: Zach Schellenger
Aaron Doster

The Marlins are the unanimous favorites to be picking first overall in the June 2020 draft, and they'll be looking to trade anyone of value. Veterans Curtis Granderson, Martin Prado, Starlin Castro and Neil Walker could all be playing elsewhere before long, as well as closer Sergio Romo. It's hard to pinpoint fits for some of the positional players, but the market for Romo is likely to be robust, with Boston potentially emerging as the auction winners. The price shouldn't be exorbitant, with hard-throwing lottery ticket Zach Schellenger a fair ask. 

 
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Milwaukee Brewers: Madison Bumgarner

Milwaukee Brewers: Madison Bumgarner
Joe Camporeale/USA Today Images

The Brewers appear destined for an NL Central dogfight with the Cubs, and they'll certainly be looking to add reinforcements. The area where Milwaukee could use the most external help is without question the rotation, and the Brewers should be in on every available big=name starting pitcher. Expect to hear rumors linking the Brew Crew to Madison Bumgarner, Zack Wheeler and Mike Minor, as well as free-agent lefty Dallas Keuchel

 
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Chicago Cubs: Jake Diekman

Chicago Cubs: Jake Diekman
Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Images

As mentioned a little earlier, left-handed relief has been a cause for concern on the north side of the Windy City, and Theo Epstein and Co. will almost certainly look to address the issue prior to the trade deadline. Giants closer Will Smith could be an option if the Cubs want to aim really high, but a more likely target is Diekman, who has pitched well out of the Royals bullpen thus far. 

 
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St. Louis Cardinals: Martin Prado

St. Louis Cardinals: Martin Prado
Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Images

The Redbirds have the potential to complicate what could be a fascinating NL Central race, but to do that they'll have to start finding offense from players not named Marcell Ozuna, Paul DeJong or Paul Goldschmidt. Veteran left-handed hitter Matt Carpenter has been particularly disappointing at third base, and it would stand to reason the Cardinals will at least look for a right-handed platoon partner for him. Miami's Martin Prado should come reasonably inexpensively and would bring a valuable veteran capable of coming off the bench and giving St. Louis professional at-bats down the stretch if Carpenter is ultimately able to reestablish himself.

 
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Pittsburgh Pirates: Todd Frazier

Pittsburgh Pirates: Todd Frazier
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The Pirates are a fascinating team, as they've vastly outperformed preseason expectations and find themselves in the thick of a crowded divisional race. The Bucs starting pitching has been absolutely tremendous, and led by Felipe Vazquez and Francisco Liriano, their bullpen has been steady as well. It's unclear just how aggressive Pittsburgh will want to be at the trade deadline, but if it does choose to pursue offensive upgrades, third base stands out as a position of need. Jung Ho Kang and Colin Moran have combined to give them very little, and a veteran like the Mets Todd Frazier, who would cost almost nothing if the Pirates took on the remainder of his salary, could be worth a flyer. 

 
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Cincinnati Reds: Jasseel De La Cruz

Cincinnati Reds: Jasseel De La Cruz
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No National League team underwent more of a face lift over the winter than the Cincinnati Reds, as in one offseason they remade just about their entire rotation and completed a blockbuster trade with the Dodgers to bring in outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp. The moves have not exactly paid off though, as the Reds currently sit dead last in their division, and appear to be sellers in July yet again.The thing is, though, similarly to the Nationals, the Reds don't have many trade candidates who jump off the page. Most of their better players are under long-term control, and their most marketable piece, second baseman Scooter Gennett, has missed much of the year due to injury. Veteran bench player Derek Dietrich would be attractive to contending clubs though, and a team like Atlanta could make some sense. The Braves have enough pitching depth in their system to trade from strength, and De La Cruz should be an attractive enough return for Cincinnati. 

 
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Los Angeles Dodgers: Howie Kendrick

Los Angeles Dodgers: Howie Kendrick
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The two-time defending National League champions are arguably the best team on the senior circuit again in 2019, and they don't present any noticeable holes. Los Angeles is always on the hunt for roster upgrades in an attempt to improve its depth, though, and a player like Washington's Howie Kendrick, who can play a variety of positions and provide a strong right-handed bat off the bench, could be a a strong under-the-radar addition. 

 
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San Diego Padres: Marcus Stroman

San Diego Padres: Marcus Stroman
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The Friars have been a pleasant story in the early going, and dating back to the winter meetings they've been vocal about wanting to add a frontline starting pitcher. The Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman has been linked to San Diego for months now, and while nothing has come to fruition, don't be surprised if the rumors pick up in the near future. The Padres fancy themselves contenders at least for a wild card, and while their pitching has been better than expected, inexperienced hurlers like Chris Paddack, Joey Lucchesi and Matt Strahm are all likely to be on innings limits. Adding a pitcher like Stroman would help them both this year and next, and though he will cost a lot, the Padres do have the top-rated farm system in the game. 

 
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Colorado Rockies: Josh Stowers

Colorado Rockies: Josh Stowers
Steven Branscombe/USA Today Images

The morale of the Rockies organization was high when spring training ended, as it just locked up superstar Nolan Arenado long term and felt it had assembled a strong enough team to compete with the Dodgers in the West. Unfortunately that has not come to pass, as this club is well under .500 and struggling to remain relevant. Kyle Freeland and Jon Gray have struggled tremendously in the rotation, and an early injury to Daniel Murphy put a crimp in the offensive attack. It's hard to really gauge how the Rockies will approach trade season, but if they want to make a minor swap, righty reliever Scott Oberg could be desirable to other teams, particularly one like the Yankees, who like to shorten games and play matchups with a dynamic bullpen. New York could dangle low-level athletic outfielder Josh Stowers, who would be a pretty strong return for the Rox.  

 
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San Francisco Giants: Kolby Allard

San Francisco Giants: Kolby Allard
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In a lot of ways the Giants are going to be in the driver's seat in July, as they'll hold arguably the most desirable available starting pitcher in Madison Bumgarner and the most valuable reliever in closer Will Smith. It will be interesting to see how exactly they choose to play it, as Smith is a lock to be traded, but San Francisco is cognizant of the status Bumgarner carries in the Bay Area and how much he means to their fans. With it far from a guarantee the Giants move their ace, for the sake of argument let's focus on Smith and the type of return he could bring. A team like the Braves would make a world of sense for the southpaw, and armed with a deep system, they're sure to have a number of young players who could pique San Fran's interest. Young lefty Kolby Allard has been passed by other talented arms in the Atlanta organization, but he still has tremendous upside and would be a great addition to a rebuilding Giants team.

 
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Arizona Diamondbacks: Alex Colome

Arizona Diamondbacks: Alex Colome
Joe Camporeale/USA Today Images

The Diamondbacks have played well thus far, perhaps better than most outside observers thought they would when the season began. They do, however, present as a team that could find itself stuck in the middle as we get closer to the trade deadline. The D-backs may be in realistic striking distance but not feel good enough about their chances to trade away significant assets. Instead, it's more likely Arizona targets a relief pitcher to help fortify the bullpen, with Alex Colome of the White Sox representing a possible target. 

Justin Mears is a freelance sports writer from Long Beach Island, NJ. Enjoys being frustrated by the Mets and Cowboys, reading Linwood Barclay novels, and being yelled at by his toddler son. Follow him on twitter @justinwmears

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