As the trade deadline of July 31 looms, there’s growing buzz about which prominent prospects may be used as trade pawns. After engaging in comprehensive dialogues with more than 40 MLB executives—primarily heads of baseball operation departments and general managers—a constellation of fascinating names came to the fore. These executives, who voiced their thoughts on condition of anonymity, identified potential prospects most likely to trade places in exchange for established professionals. Particular attention was drawn to two candidates: the Cubs’ outfielder Owen Caissie and Harry Ford, the catcher for the Mariners.
It should be clarified that no current discussion about these prospects’ potential trade is ongoing within the mentioned teams. However, they collectively consist of an exceptional pool of budding talent that may be pitched in to secure key league players, consequently elevating the teams’ chances of immediate success. The process of trading youthful prospects may be burdensome, but this strategy, barring selective promotions, offers these teams an opportunity to infuse star power into their roster for key matches.
The highlighted prospects range across various levels of experience, each requiring a unique approach for a successful trade-off. Here are some top-rank prospects set to possibly move before the July 31 deadline. Their positions are based on how frequently they were mentioned during the process of the survey.
Securing the highest number of mentions, Owen Caissie, the Cubs’ outfielder, emerged as a top contender for potential trades. Currently, Caissie holds an impressive .258/.369/.496 with 18 doubles and 12 home runs in his second season in Triple A. At the age of 22, Caissie looks set to step up to the major league but is currently stonewalled due to the Cubs’ already elite outfield. Obtained from the Padres in a trade for Yu Darvish five years ago, he is likely to be traded again, most likely in exchange for a pitcher at the end of the month.
Another chief prospect, Harry Ford of the Mariners, was named repeatedly. Many executives believed that Ford, whose odds of playing are hampered by Cal Raleigh’s long-term contract, is both valuable and expendable within the Mariners’ robust roster of prospects. Ford, a product of the 2021 MLB Draft’s 12th overall pick, has been batting .307/.421/.473, with nine home runs and 46 RBIs in Triple A this season. His attractiveness as trade bait is amplified by the Mariners’ search for a corner infield with a powerful bat.
The Astros’ second baseman, Brice Matthews, also appeared in the list of potential trades. A first-round pick in 2023, Matthews holds a .280/.397/.480, including ten home runs and 23 stolen bases this season in Triple A. At 23, Matthews is a competent infielder, gaining recognition for his cross-positional versatility. However, his potential trade hinges on finding a left-handed, second-base hitting partner. Matthews’ name repeatedly surfaced during the executive poll, suggesting potential interests elsewhere.
Carson Williams of the Rays was another notable player suggested by multiple executives in the survey. Despite batting just .212 this season in Triple A, Williams, a shortstop, still boasts some considerable statistics, like 11 doubles, 14 home runs, and 14 steals. However, his trading prospects are dependent on the significance of the deal due to his desirable status as the top prospect of the Rays.
Several execs considered Spencer Jones, an outfielder from the Yankees, a potential player for a trade. Although his potential trade would be consequential, leading to acquiring either a top starting pitcher or an influencing second or third baseman, it’s unlikely he will be traded.
Zyhier Hope, an outfielder from the Dodgers, was often mentioned as a likely candidate for a major trade deadline swap. Dodgers fans could see this emerging talent, who they acquired alongside Jackson Ferris from the Cubs for first baseman Michael Busch and relief pitcher Yency Almonte, being selected as the headline prospect. This season, the 20-year-old Hope, playing in High A, has batted .300/.401/.468 with 20 doubles, seven home runs, and 11 stolen bases.
Also identified was Edwin Arroyo, a second baseman/shortstop from the Reds. The Reds reportedly aim to acquire an exceptional batter during the trade deadline, and their rich portfolio of shortstop and third base prospects means the 21-year-old Arroyo may be a possible trading option. Acquired in the Luis Castillo trade with the Mariners in 2022, Arroyo’s current season comes after he missed an entire year due to left shoulder labrum repair surgery. Despite this, he’s recorded standards of .268/.329/.329, complete with nine doubles and 32 runs, in Double A this season.
Lastly, Ethan Salas, a Padres catcher, was discussed by executives as a potential trade. Salas, a 19-year-old Double A player, is currently out of play due to a lower back injury sustained since mid-April this year. The Padres, known for their bold moves during the trade deadline season, may consider trading their top prospects, Salas among them.
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