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Now that the MLB All-Star Game has come and gone, the 2022 trade deadline is right around the corner. This year’s Aug. 2 deadline is later than usual, and it could mean that a greater number of players will be dealt.
Trade rumors have been heating up as teams continue to fall out of playoff contention. Arguably MLB’s best young player is available for the right offer.
Here’s a look at five of the best MLB players who have a realistic chance to be traded after the 2022 All-Star break.
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals Right Fielder
As long as he remains on the Nationals and without a long-term extension, Soto’s availability will be the biggest story in baseball. Washington is reportedly open to trading the superstar because he rejected their 15-year, $440 million contract offer. General managers have told ESPN’s Buster Olney that they expect Soto to be moved by the trade deadline. Washington’s asking price is so high that it won’t be easy for a deal to be made.
Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitcher
Castillo is the best pitcher on the trade market, and that means Cincinnati could potentially receive a massive haul in exchange for their ace. The right-hander has a 2.77 ERA and in 78 innings for a team that sits at the bottom of the NL Central. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are viewed as the top contenders to land Castillo.
Andrew Benintendi, Kansas City Royals Left Fielder
In the midst of a career year while playing for a last-place team, Benintendi has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks. The Royals are likely to trade the 28-year-old instead of losing him for nothing in free agency this winter. Benintendi made his first All-Star team by hitting .317 with a .386 on-base percentage.
Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs Catcher
The Cubs last season showed just how willing they are to trade All-Star caliber players who are in a contract year. With Chicago out of the playoff race, the team dealt Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez. Once again, the Cubs are going to miss the postseason. Contreras just made his third All-Star team since 2018 and could help a contender reach the World Series.
Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs Left Fielder
If the Cubs seriously explore trading Contreras, they could put Happ on the block, as well. Happ won’t be a free agent until after the 2023 season, potentially making him more sought-after than other deadline rentals. Happ hit a career-high 25 home runs last season and was named to the 2022 NL All-Star team with nine homers and a .808 OPS.
Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
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