5 Closers That Could be Moved Prior to the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline

We are about to enter July, meaning the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline is roughly a month away. The trade talks are heating up, as is the need for strong closers among the contenders.

Here are five closers that could be moved prior this year's Trade Deadline on July 31.

5. Edwin Diaz, New York Mets

St Louis Cardinals v New York Mets / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Sitting in fourth place in the NL East, the New York Mets aren't exactly where they were hoping they'd be at this point in the season, and a number of their pitchers have already heard their names come up in trade talks. One of the best closers in the league, Edwin Diaz, could certainly be one of those names that actually gets moved before the deadline. In 30 2/3 innings pitched this season, Diaz has a 3.52 ERA and 49 strikeouts.

4. Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati Reds

Houston Astros v Cincinnati Reds / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds sit in last place in the NL Central and should look to move Raisel Iglesias, who is among the best bullpen pieces available. In 32 2/3 innings pitched thus far in 2019, Iglesias has amassed a 3.86 ERA and 43 strikeouts. If the Reds decide to move him, they also have the option of allowing either Robert Stephenson or Amir Garrett to take over in Iglesias' place.

3. Kirby Yates, San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres v Colorado Rockies / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The San Diego Padres reportedly would need an "overwhelming offer" to move Kirby Yates, but they might just get one. Yates has allowed just one home run on the entire 2019 season. He also owns an absurd 1.36 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched. San Diego also has leverage, due to his lower annual salary ($3 million) and another season of arm control remaining. The New York Yankees are rumored to have interest in reuniting with Yates as well.

2. Ken Giles, Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox / Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

A Ken Giles' trade is seeming more and more likely by the week. Giles is controlled through the 2020 MLB season, and he has posted a 1.33 ERA this year, making him a hot commodity for bullpen-needy teams. He has also given up just a single home run, while striking out 47 batters through 27 innings pitched.

1. Felipe Vazquez, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins / Eric Espada/Getty Images

The left-handed talent is having another terrific season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out 51 batters with a 1.91 ERA in 33 innings pitched. The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that has already expressed interest in acquiring Felipe Vazquez as well. He has been incredible since joining the Pirates in 2016, pitching a 2.12 ERA with 11.51 K/9, 2.67 BB/9 and a 46.2 percent ground ball rate in 178 1/3 innings.

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