5 Players That Could Be on the Move Ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline

As we approach the July 30th MLB Trade Deadline, teams throughout the league could be preparing to make significant moves to bolster their chances of playing in October.

Here are some players that could likely be on the move either before or by the deadline.

Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

It is hard to imagine a scenario in which the Astros would move off one of the best pitchers in the game, Justin Verlander.

However, considering the once dominant franchise has struggled to find its rhythm this season, sitting just six games back from .500 at 30-36; it becomes more likely that Houston would consider moving off the three-time Cy Young winner in an effort to shake things up.

Considering that Verlander is in the last year of his contract with the Astros and is still a very productive player with a 3.97 ERA, he would be a quality pickup for a team looking to boost their World Series chances.

Luis Roberts, Chicago White Sox

A fire sale for the White Sox may be coming in Chicago.

The 17-49 Chicago White Sox may be looking to move off several of their top players this year after an abysmal start to the season.

One player in particular who could be on the move is Luis Robert Jr. It's no secret that Roberts has failed to recapture the same magic from last year that saw him win the Silver Slugger Award.

Despite his numbers being down overall this year and missing most of the season with a hip Flexor strain, Roberts is the White Sox's most enticing trade piece. He still holds value as an excellent fit for a team looking to get an upgrade at Center Field.

Elias Diaz, Colorado Rockies

The Rockies could be major sellers by the trade deadline.

Sitting at the bottom of the NL West at 23-42, the Colorado Rockies could be better off receiving prospects and picks for their top players.

One player who could command a lot of trade equity for Colorado is Elias Diaz.

Last year's All-Star Game MVP has continued to look solid this year, and considering that he will be entering free agency after this season, it seems likely that he would be the move as the Rockies look to rebuild.

Pete Alonso, New York Mets

The 28-36 New York Mets find themselves at a crossroads.

The team is only 3.5 games back from a Wild Card spot. However, they have struggled to find consistency this season and seem likelier to blow things up than trying to compete with some of the best in the NL.

Pete Alonso may be one trade chip that may come to the table by the July 30th deadline.

Alonso declined a seven-year $158M extension last summer that would make him Met for the long haul.

The 30-year-old isn't having the best season, only smashing 14 home runs. Still, he could be an outstanding player in a different situation.

Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays

The stumbling Blue Jays have been a non-factor all season for various reasons.

The team currently sits at the bottom of the American League East after making the postseason last year. Toronto has failed to live up to their high ceiling and could be looking to trade some of their best players, including shortstop Bo Bichette.

Bo Bichette has looked like himself this season, hitting .249/.294/.377 in 80 games since missing time with patellar tendinitis and a quad strain last August.

Still, he is a two-time All-Star with a career batting of .295 with 26 home runs and 15 stolen bases, being a serviceable piece for any top team looking to bolster their World Series chances.