With so many teams in striking distance of leading their divisions or earning wild-card spots, the landscape for next week's non-waiver trade deadline has been slow to form. During the next seven days, however, teams on the bubble will have to decide whether they are pretenders or contenders, with their verdict having potential long-lasting ramifications if they guess incorrectly. Regardless of which teams will be doing the actual dealing, one of the highest forms of currency in baseball is a top prospect -- especially ones close to the major leagues.
While most casual observers will be fixated on the big names rumored to be available -- players like Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto and David Price -- the real intrigue is found below the surface in the minor leagues. Depending on what happens at the deadline, prospects can be affected in various ways.
If traded for a veteran, a prospect will be part of a new organization, one likely with a different philosophy on handling young players. If a veteran is traded away, a path to the majors could be cleared for the player behind him. In some cases, prospects could be affected by what their teams do not do. Contenders might decide the cost on the market is too high and look within for that push to the playoffs.
The players below are the top prospects who could see their value change in a week's time.