3 players who've improved their stock prior to the trade deadline

With the rumor mill in overdrive and teams identifying their needs ahead of the trade deadline, some players - including names who've been bandied about for months as obvious targets - have performed well above expectations.

Here are three of those names who've played so well that they should command a much greater return at the deadline than even a couple months back:

Sonny Gray, Athletics

Since alternating between decent and forgettable starts through the end of May, Gray has been a much different pitcher. He's made eight appearances since the beginning of June - with only a couple blips - and has been one of the best in the game over his last four.

Since June 25, Gray has gone 3-1 with a 1.33 ERA and 21 strikeouts over 27 innings. A big reason has been his newfound command, as he's not issuing many walks - an issue that had plagued him.

A trade for Gray has seemed inevitable since before the season began, and his hot stretch couldn't have come at a better time. If he handles the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, the A's should be able to name their price.

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

McCutchen has done more than any player to shift the prevailing opinion about his value. On May 23, he was hitting just .200 after going 0-5 against Atlanta, and the Pirates were looking at a minor return via trade.

The surprising resurgence began the following night, as McCutchen rattled off hits in eight straight games, including a pair of home runs. Since May 24, he's batting .392/.489/.690 with 11 homers, 12 doubles, and as many walks as strikeouts (29). He's looked like an MVP candidate.

So, how can the Pirates trade him now? The team should no longer be expected to sell for cents on the dollar, but it may not be inclined to deal him at all. If Pittsburgh does pull the trigger, McCutchen should return a massive haul. If not, he's exponentially increased his value to the Pirates. It's a win-win for Pittsburgh at this point.

Justin Wilson, Tigers

Hardly a household name before the season, the 29-year-old lefty sprung into prominence when he took over the Tigers' closer role from Francisco Rodriguez in May.

He's been excellent all year and elite of late, tossing eight straight scoreless innings and dropping his ERA to 2.29. Meanwhile, he's only blown one save all season.

And Wilson doesn't have traditional lefty splits, as right-handers are batting just .122/.210/.278 against him due to an array of pitches that break in toward their hands, especially a sharp cut fastball he throws nearly a quarter of the time. His success as the closer has elevated him from relative obscurity to one of the most coveted arms at the deadline