Early MLB trade deadline targets

Bard has re-established himself as the Rockies closer this season, fanning 24 batters over his first 17.1 innings in the process. Even nearing age 40, he can dial up the velocity to the high-90s and would be a valuable addition for many bullpens.

Washington needs to make a decision on Bell as he approaches free agency. After hitting .261-27-88 last season, he’s off to another strong start this year and could be one of the best power hitters available.

Benintendi has gotten his career back on track in Kansas City since he was acquired last season. He’s among the batting average leaders in the AL, and also won a Gold Glove last season. The pending free agent could fetch a nice return for the Royals.

The Rangers are getting more than they bargained for from Calhoun, who has been on a tear in May. The team has a reasonable contract option for next season of only $5.5 million, but the prospect return might be greater if Calhoun keeps up his strong play.

Castillo missed the first month with a shoulder injury but has pitched like an ace since his return. The Reds created too big of a hole for themselves in the standings without him, and Castillo could be expensive for the Reds in his final year of arbitration next season. Cincinnati should be able to get a big package in return as they rebuild.

Chafin has a $6.5 player option for next season, and he continues to be effective in a setup role. That payday shouldn’t prevent teams in need of bullpen help from pulling the trigger for a second-level prospect.

Contreras was one of the few core players the Cubs retained after last season, but his time could come soon. He’s a free agent after this season and is well in line to make his third All-Star appearance after a strong start at the plate.

It’s unlikely Cruz thought he’d be in Washington all year after signing with the rebuilding squad. The 41-year-old is finally showing signs of age this year, but he could at least help someone off the bench down the stretch.

Seattle’s disappointing start could put their pending free agents on the block. The Mariners have second base alternatives like Abraham Toro, and Frazier remains a viable top-of-the-order hitter.

Fulmer’s career hasn’t lived up to the hype, but he’s settled in as a solid setup man. The right-hander is also a pending free agent with high-leverage inning experience, making him an interesting trade target.

Greinke rejoined the Royals in what could be his final season, but the team could be willing to trade him if he’s willing to move. While Greinke has had trouble missing bats this season with only 23 strikeouts in 47.2 innings, he’s thrown enough strikes to remain somewhat effective.

Haniger is currently on the shelf with an ankle injury, and might not be a part of Seattle’s future as a pending free agent. The team has alternative young outfielders who need more at-bats like Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammell when Haniger is ready to return, and he could still net the team a strong prospect after hitting 39 home runs last season.

Hernandez’s batting average has bounced back this season as Washington’s leadoff man, though he’s still been limited offensively overall. The bat might no longer be viable as a regular, but Hernandez could still help a contender off the bench.

Iglesias has done as good a job as the Rockies could have hoped for replacing Trevor Story, hitting above .300 with strong defense early in the season. He was on the move at the trade deadline last year and could be a nice infield addition again this season.

Kennedy signed a one-year deal as a setup man this season after serving as the closer in Texas and Philadelphia last year. He’d be a viable addition as a late-inning reliever again despite struggles missing bats early this year.

Has Melancon finally hit a wall this year? He led the NL with 39 saves last year, but his ERA was above 7.00 through the first two months. Melancon would be a risky addition but likely come cheap if a team thinks they can rehab him with a contract that runs through next season.

Would the Royals finally be willing to move Merrifield? He’s been one of the faces of the franchise for the past five-plus seasons and is now digging out from a very poor April at the plate. Merrifield’s speed and versatility should still make him valuable if KC finally pulls the plug.

Mancini returned from cancer to hit 21 home runs for the O’s last year and is a viable power option. The rebuilding Orioles could trade him, with a pending $10 million mutual option for next season.

Miley missed the start of the season due to injury and continues to have minor arm issues. However, the groundball pitcher was effective in the short time he was healthy and could be a cheap option for a team with a good infield defense.

Minor missed the first two months of the season due to a shoulder injury but could create trade value over the next two months. The lefty’s peripherals have been far better than the results over the last two years, and he should be able to help in the right ballpark.

Montas was one of the few impact players Oakland didn’t trade before Opening Day. It seems like only a matter of time with only one year until he hits free agency, and Montas has been his usual self so far. Billy Beane and company could see a huge return of prospects if they decide to trade Montas.

Peralta has been a staple in the outfield for Arizona since 2014, and he’s off to a good start this year with eight home runs in 44 games. His declining on-base percentage remains a concern, but Peralta could be a helpful power bat for the stretch run and is a free agent to be.

Like most of the other Tigers starters, Pineda has missed significant time to injury. The veteran was still very good in his five starts and should be back for the second half of the season. He can help a team at the back of the rotation.

Quintana was hoping to revitalize his career this year in Pittsburgh. So far, so good for the lefty with a 2.15 ERA in nine starts. There’s reason to believe he will regress with a mediocre strikeout rate, but he could still be capable of helping down the stretch.

Perez is having a breakout year that’s almost unexplainable after the Twins and Red Sox coaching staffs were unable to unlock his potential. He leads the AL in ERA and hasn’t allowed a home run through nine starts. That’s unlikely to continue, but the Rangers could do well in a trade before the regression starts.

Reynolds is Pittsburgh’s most accomplished player and has three more seasons until free agent. The Pirates might need more time to be competitive again, so moving Reynolds remains a possibility. He’s coming out of an early-season slump, and the 27-year-old All-Star should still be able to get the Pirates a nice package of prospects.

Robertson’s late-career return has been good to see after multiple arm injuries. He’s done a fine job as the Cubs closer this year, missing bats at a rate we saw early in his career. Teams should be able to find value with Robertson in the late innings.

Schoop has been reliable power for much of his career, so his $7.5 million player option for next year might not be a big obstacle in a trade. Of course, Schoop will have to break out of his early-season slump, producing a terrible .516 OPS in 44 games.

The oft-injured Smyly has done a nice job for the Cubs early in the year, with a 4.08 ERA over eight starts. He doesn’t miss bats with his curveball as he did earlier in his career, but Smyly can throw strikes. The lefty could be a good fit in a big park.

A late bloomer, Walker is among the NL leaders in home runs early in the season. Arizona has a potential first baseman of the future in Seth Beer, even though Walker has two more seasons until free agency. The Diamondbacks could still take the opportunity to sell high if the power continues from Walker.