Here’s a list of the top ten prospects that teams could use as trade chips while trying to improve their rosters before the July 31st trade deadline (courtesy of Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus):

Yonder Alonso, 1B, Cincinnati Reds (Triple-A Louisville): Alonso is blocked by NL All Star Joey Votto, so the Reds could deal him. Alonso was mentioned in the Cliff Lee trades, but that obviously did not go through.

Simon Castro, RHP, San Diego Padres (Double-A San Antonio): The Padres were recently green-lighted to add the necessary pieces to the team, so the 6-foot-5 Castro could be a casualty of the Padres’ pursuit of a playoff spot.

Anthony Gose, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (High-A Clearwater): He’s a plus-plus runner who many think will develop some power, but there’s certainly risk. His numbers could be better in High-A ball, but scouts are putting more weight on his tools over numbers.

Jeremy Hellickson, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Triple-A Durham): Probably the best prospect on this list. It would take a blockbuster deal to pry Hellickson from the Rays.

Ryan Kalish, OF, Boston Red Sox (Triple-A Pawtucket): Goldstein wonders if the Red Sox would be willing to trade one of their more promising outfielders despite the lack of experience in the outfielders on their active roster. His Triple-A numbers are .333/.407/.457 and he’s an above-average runner this year.

Robinson Lopez, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Low-A Rome): Lopez has held his league to a .220 batting average while pitching between 90-94 mph. He could be tradable to a team that is looking to take a risk since he’s young and developing, but he has high upside potential.

Fernando Martinez, OF, New York Mets (Triple-A Buffalo): Long is considered to have one of the highest-ceilings of any outfielder. In 49 games this season he is hitting .257/.320/.437, but he’s only 21 years old, and a change in scenery could spark him to the next level.

Jesus Montero, C, New York Yankees (Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre): Montero’s name was tossed around several times over the last week as the centerpiece to the possible Cliff Lee deal. The Yankees are heavy in the catcher department in the minors, so Montero could be dealt if the Yankees see a piece that they cannot refuse.

Jordan Pacheco, C, Colorado Rockies (High-A Modesto): Pacheco is currently hitting .332/.410/.453 but his path to the big leagues is blocked by several catchers, including Chris Iannetta who signed a three-year, $8.35 million contract before this season.

Wilson Ramos, C, Minnesota Twins (Triple-A Rochester): Wilson was another name that came up during the Cliff Lee trade negotiations. Wilson is blocked by All Star catcher Joe Mauer in the big leagues. His offensive production has cooled off over the last few months, but he could still be a valuable trade chip for a team in search of a young catcher.

Related posts:

1. Heath Bell Trade Rumors: Twins could trade prospects for closer?
2. Cafardo on key players who may be traded by the July Trade Deadline
3. Seattle Mariners want three of the Mets best prospects for Cliff Lee?
4. The Halladay-Lee Seven: Review of the traded prospects
5. Cliff Lee traded to the Texas Rangers for Justin Smoak and 3 others