A very early look at some 2016 trade deadline targets

With the August 31st trade deadline approaching and the July 31st deadline in the rear-view mirror, now appears to be a good time to discuss next year's trade deadline and some names that could be moved by then.

The key candidates are going to be those at the end of their contracts and veterans on a bottom team that could help a contending team win.

1) Arolids Chapman, Reds CP

Chapman was among the names discussed this season as a potential trade target. The Reds flame-thrower will be 29 by the end of the 2016 season, still in line for one more big-time contract. Cincinnati is still a couple of years away and have no real need for a high-priced closer. If their price tag can come down from this season, they should still be able to get a good haul to help their rebuild process.

2) Carlos Gomez, Astros CF

The Milwaukee Brewers knew that they weren't going to compete over the next two seasons, and they moved Gomez in order to obtain some pieces for that rebuild process. The Houston Astros surprisingly took on Gomez to help bolster their 2015 roster. After this season, with the pieces that the Astros have in the minors like Daz Cameron and Kyle Tucker, Gomez could become trade bait for the team to retool their system.

3) Jay Bruce, Reds RF

Bruce will be 30 by the time the 2016 offseason rolls around and will have a club option for $13 million. The Reds were discussing him with the New York Mets, but weren't enthralled by bringing back a recovering Zack Wheeler as the main piece. With Bruce being under contract through 2016, the Reds decided to hang on to him. They have this winter to move him, but if Bruce remains a Red through Spring Training, a number of teams will be interested in a rental like Bruce for a playoff run.

4) Andrew Cashner, Padres SP

Predicting the health of starting pitchers is challenging but if Cashner is healthy, the Padres would be wise to listen on him. A.J. Preller is not afraid to make a big splash and Cashner is an attractive target for teams looking to shore up the back end of their rotation.

5) Relievers

Sometimes the hottest commodity on the trade market, and there are a number of them that will be free agents at the end of the season. Brian Matusz and Marc Rzepczynski headline the left-hand side while Neftali Feliz and Ernesto Frieri are on the right-side of the plate. There are also going to be those surprise seasons that teams cash-in for some value.

6) Ryan Howard, Phillies 1B

Could this be the time that Howard finally gets moved? The Phillies have already moved Cole Hamels, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, with Howard the one one remaining. The aging veteran serves no purpose on a rebuilding team, but at his age could serve as a designated hitter, bench piece for a contending American League team.