Trade Deadline: 3 Biggest Names on the Rental Market (And Where They End Up)

The trade deadline is quickly approaching this Friday at 4:00pm EDT. And while a few trades have been completed, there are still some big names available. As always, free-agents-to-be make up a bulk of the players to be moved, and this year sees some big names on the list. Where could they end up?

SOURCE: The #Nationals have informed opposing teams that they are in sell mode. All-Star Max Scherzer is on the block. The #Dodgers and #Padres are among teams that have engaged the Nats in talks to acquire the 3 time Cy Young award winner.
— Mike Hawk (@mlbhawk) July 25, 2021

Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

If the Nationals are selling, just about every contending team is buying on Max Scherzer. One of the greatest pitchers of this generation, Scherzer is a 3-time Cy Young Award winner, and 8-time All-Star.

Likely landing spot: The NL West is not only the best division this season, but will also be the best divisional race, with 3 teams desperate to claim 1st place and avoid the dreaded one-game Wild Card playoff. Two of those teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, are said to be big-time buyers on the pitching market, and are the top contenders here.

Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

Bryant's biggest calling card, aside from his offensive production, is his flexibility—he can play the infield or the outfield—and that makes him suitable for a number of contenders. He's also a former MVP and World Series Champion (2016).

Kris Bryant trade odds (via bet online)
NY Mets 2/1
Oakland Athletics 3/1
Milwaukee Brewers 4/1
Boston Red Sox 5/1
Atlanta Braves 6/1
Seattle Mariners 7/1
NY Yankees 8/1
LA Dodgers 12/1
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 26, 2021

Likely landing spot: The New York Mets have had trouble filling positions at both third base and the outfield this season, and the oddsmakers have them as the leading contenders.

Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies

Story trade rumors have been circulating all season, and for good reason. The Rockies are at the beginning of a rebuild, he's a free agent, and they could get a nice return for their two-time All-Star slugging shortstop.

Likely landing spot: The Yankees are trying to bring Story to the Bronx, but whether it's to play shortstop or another position, it remains to be seen.

DJ LeMahieu says Trevor Story is one of his "best friends" in the world, and he offered a glowing scouting report his former #Rockies teammate. The #Yankees and Colorado continue to discuss a trade that could reunite Story and LeMahieu: https://t.co/dAvKchfu0N
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) July 26, 2021

However, if the Yankees can't make it work, the two teams most desperate for an impact shortstop are the Oakland A's and the Cincinnati Reds. IF the Reds still consider themselves contenders (6.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central), they could be the logical choice here, though the A's have been in hot pursuit for sometime, and could be next in line.

The rental market is looking up over the next 4 days.

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports