If you’re reading this, yes, the MLB trade deadline is still happening. Despite a heavy lack of movement to this point, there are expected to be several trades between now and 6 p.m. ET on Monday.
The lack of action, while slightly shocking, is largely owed to how competitive both the American League and National League have been through the All-Star break. At the end of play on Tuesday, six teams in the AL were within 5 1/2 games of the third and final wild-card spot, while three of those clubs were 1 1/2 games or fewer back. Both the AL Central and West also don’t have clearly defined frontrunners. The same goes for the NL side of things, where six teams ended Tuesday within 5 1/2 games or fewer of that final wild-card spot.
Which is to say, outside of the usual suspects (Rockies, Angels, Royals, Giants and Mets), almost every team was still within reach, blurring the lines between buyers and sellers. Clarity should be imminent, and that’s where we come in.
Welcome to The Athletic’s MLB trade deadline Big Board, a collection of 60 players who could move between now and Monday’s deadline. This is the final installment of three Big Boards we’ve published.
As has been the case in past installments, the likelihood of being dealt is a best-guess projection (from red as unlikely through yellow to green as likely). That best-guess has led to a slew of red and yellow higher in the rankings and more green toward the bottom, a byproduct of the asking price on of some of the top players, as well as their own team’s willingness to sell.
Some bookkeeping: The player’s listed age is how old he is on July 28, B/T is the classic bats/throws, the money owed is via Baseball Prospectus and covers only the days after Aug. 4, the WARs from 2024 to present are updated through July 28, the WARs for ’26 are a projection from now until the end of the season. Both are from FanGraphs. Lastly, the rankings are beyond reproach.
Position 1B 2B 3B C CF DH OF RP SP SS
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Value: An undisputed pennant-altering ace
The results have been better since Skubal came back from surgery to remove particles from his elbow, including back-to-back starts of at least seven innings after the All-Star break. In terms of movement, spin, velocity, and pitch mix, he’s been as dominant as ever. So if the Tigers decide to sell, they’ll be able to get a big honking haul of prospects for their ace. Every contending fanbase will be rooting just for the chance their team wins the Skubal sweepstakes.
Value: Slugging shorstop coming into his own on defense
Having a breakout, career-best season, Abrams is making a case as the best offensive shortstop in baseball. Outs Above Average considers him to be one of the worst defenders in the sport, but no shortstop — not even Bobby Witt Jr. — has a higher wRC+ this season. Still in his mid-20s and under team control beyond next year’s potential lockout, Abrams would be a massive trade chip, but only if the Nationals actually sell and get a return that’s worthwhile. Washington has been one of the biggest surprises of the first half, and Abrams has two seasons of arbitration eligibility remaining. The Nats don’t have to move him, and even if they do discuss him, they can hold out for an overwhelming return.
Value: Strikeout-prone shorstop who can slug and run
Called up not even a full year after being drafted in the first round out of Campbell University, Neto has been able to hold his own at the big-league level, thanks to a strong bat. He’s slugged at least 20 home runs in each of the past two seasons, along with at least 20 stolen bags. Although he’s among the league leaders in strikeouts, he walks at a decent clip. His defense passes the eye test, but he’s graded out negatively this season. His raw arm strength is legit, as his profile for a club in need of a shortstop.
Value: The sport’s most dominant reliever
Miller was the biggest name moved at last year’s deadline, costing the Padres one of the sport’s best prospects in Leo De Vries to acquire him from the Athletics. Miller, though, has taken his game to another level with San Diego. In 12 months as a Padre, his ERA and FIP are under 1.00, his WHIP is below 0.8, and his strikeout rate is over 50 percent. His changeup is 97 mph, which you might not know because he doesn’t need a third pitch after his 102-mph fastball and wipeout slider. There is nobody better right now in the ninth inning. Miller comes with three years of control after 2026, as well.
Value: Reliable right-hander in his prime
The non-Skubal pitching prize of the deadline, Ryan added a new knuckle curve to his mix this year and looks to be in the midst of a career year. That pitch is the best breaking ball he’s ever thrown, and putting that into an arsenal with a deceptive fastball and decent splitter means he’s cooking with gas. Yes, Ryan is a fly ball guy heading to the homer months with a lively ball. But he’s also had success while giving up homers in the past, and this new arsenal may help him avoid those issues this year.
Value: Slugging catcher whose excelled away from Coors
Arguably one of baseball’s best-kept secrets, Goodman has come into his own as a power threat, having clubbed 31 homers last season en route to his first All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger. Entering play Wednesday, he was up to 31 and has shown no signs of stopping. Of note, he’s performed better away from Coors, a rare wrinkle that only adds to his intrigue. The advanced metrics don’t love his catching ability, but FanGraphs hasn’t graded his defense negatively, either. Goodman has also proven himself to be one of baseball’s best ABS challengers.
Value: Still young and (perhaps) finding his footing
Still just 22 years old, the top pick in the 2022 draft has been more solid than elite in his first two-plus big league seasons. But his offensive numbers have steadily improved (he’s been an above-average hitter this year) while defensive metrics remain underwhelmed by his work at second base. Would Baltimore really trade Holliday when he’s still a year away from arbitration eligibility? Seems unlikely, but the Orioles are in an awkward spot, not winning nearly as much as expected with their young core, so it’s hard to completely dismiss anything they might do.
Value: Ground-baller who added the strikeouts
A thorough, honest investigation of the Angels from prospects to major leaguers would produce a strategy of selling at the deadline from most front offices. Well, front offices without Arte Moreno as the owner at least. Instead, the most likely thing is that the self-delusion continues and José Soriano is touted as the ace of next year’s squad, just right around the corner from contention. It’s too bad, because Soriano — who under the tutelage of pitching coach Mike Maddux has re-emphasized his fourseam and splitter in order to add strikeouts to what was already a compelling power sinker package — would be a fun addition to any postseason team.
Value: Southpaw with intriguing peripherals
By some projections, Detmers is the second-best starting pitcher that could be available on the market. His stuff is above-average, he’s striking out 27 percent of batters, not walking anyone, and the lefty seems to have learned an approach that works against righties while he was in relief. He won’t even make $3 million this year and is under team control for two more years. He’d bring in a relative haul in a trade.
Value: All-Star catcher with another year of control
The top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is a three-time All-Star but seemed to be in steady decline before an offensive uptick this season. When healthy, he’s been back among the top catchers in baseball this season, but he’s currently on the IL with a wrist injury, adding further uncertainty about whether he’ll actually be traded. Rutschman has one more year of team control before becoming a free agent for the first time in his career.
Value: Emerging All-Star having career-best season
Claimed off waivers in early 2024, Lopez has emerged the past three seasons, first as a solid infield regular and now as an All-Star shortstop who could win a batting title and generate some MVP consideration. Lopez does a lot of things well. He has useful speed, his defensive metrics are good, and he doesn’t strike out often. He makes solid contact often enough to hit for a high average with a good amount of doubles and double-digit home runs. Lopez is a good young player with three years of remaining team control, but recent reporting indicates the Marlins at least open to discussing him in trade talks.
Value: Young second baseman traded twice already
Edwards has an approach similar to that of his double play partner Otto Lopez, except with more walks and less power. A former top-100 prospect with experience all over the infield, Edwards has found a home at second base where his defensive metrics are generally solid. He has good speed and gets on base enough to steal 20-30 bags a year. Traded twice as a prospect, Edwards is now in his third straight season with better than 2.0 fWAR in the big leagues, and he’s on track for a career year. Like Lopez, the Marlins could continue to build around Edwards or else trade him before he enters arbitration this offseason.
Value: Power bat who can finally play defense
Through his first four major-league seasons, Suzuki proved he could hit while leaving ample room to question whether he could actually play right field. This season, though, Suzuki’s bat has remained productive — a tick below past seasons, but still well above-average — while his defensive metrics also have been strong in right. There is plenty of reason to wonder whether Suzuki will actually be traded — will he waive his no-trade clause? — but if he’s on the market, Suzuki will have considerable value as a proven hitter who can, as of now, be trusted to regularly play the outfield.
Value: One-time Cy Young Award winner capable of dominance
The years of team control remaining on long-rumored trade candidate Sandy Alcantara have dwindled to a $21 million club option for next year. The good news is that he’s reestablished his pre-injury norms as a strong mid-rotation starter with the ability to go long and keep his team in the game. The bad news is that he hasn’t reestablished himself at the Cy Young level, when he was adding strikeouts to a groundball-heavy approach. He’s now a capable No. 3 starter who can pop and give you a dominant game, and that’s valuable.
Value: Versatile power hitter in a down year
Paredes has been the subject of constant trade rumors since the offseason. The Astros acquired him in the 2024 Kyle Tucker blockbuster, and he’s been an All-Star the past two seasons, but his offensive numbers are down this year and the middling Astros might want to cash in before deciding on a team option this winter. Paredes has played some first and second, but he’s mostly a third baseman with good on-base skills and 20-homer power.
Value: Established ace with declining stuff
Kevin Gausman has been a remarkable outcome for a two-pitch pitcher without top-shelf velocity. Using great command of both his four-seam and splitter, he’s been a steadying force for the Blue Jays. Only two pitchers (Logan Webb and Framber Valdez) have thrown more innings since Gausman signed with Toronto, and his 3.21 ERA over that time frame was supported by strong strikeout, walk, and home run rates. The strikeout and home run rates, though, have been in decline for a few years now, and have mirrored his flagging four-seamer velocity. Usualy closer to 95 mph, he’s slipped under 94 for the year and has two games with sub-93 mph velocity on the fastball. Nobody wants to pay ace prices on the market for yesterday’s ace.
Value: Homer prone former No. 1 overall pick
For his career, Mize has an ERA about a half-run lower at home than on the road (this year it’s more of the same). With the ball acting more lively and the right-hander sporting one of the highest fly-ball rates in the league, it’s fair to wonder if a lot more homers are coming. His current homer rate is a little less than half his career norm, so you’d already look for regression there. Depending on the cost, he could be a serviceable acquisition as a back-end starter. Anything more would be too much to part with.
Value: Righty with multiple years of control
A busy offseason saw Hancock drop his arm angle, add a cutter, improve his sinker and sweeper, and add velocity to all his pitches. The result is a pitcher who has ranked top 25 by ERA, top 30 by strikeouts minus walks, and top 50 by WAR. So why trade him? The Mariners have got him for four more seasons after this one! He might just be what it takes to get a good bat with years of team control. Also, his arm angle has been slowly dropping over the course of the season — and his strikeout rate with it.
Value: Starter tailor-made for October
When he’s right, Michael King is still a playoff-level starter who can dot his changeup, use his sweeper for whiffs, and has enough funk on his fastballs to keep batters guessing. That promise will get any team to the table should the Padres acknowledge their borderline playoff probabilities and decide to sell. The return might be lower than expected, though, because his stuff (and strikeout rate) has regressed this year due to two lost inches of ride on his fastball. His contract situation — two player options at $28 and $30 million — could also be seen as risky.
Value: Emerging bat-first catcher
Taken second in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, Hicks has emerged as a solid big-league regular. His defensive metrics aren’t great behind the plate, but he hits enough to have a role either at catcher or first base. He’s kept his strikeout rate low while hitting for more power in his second big-league season. Hicks is a left-handed hitter who has shown considerable left-right splits in the majors.
Value: Proven contact hitter with plus defense
If you’re reading this, you know Luis Arraez. Three-time batting champ. All contact, with minimal walks or power. He does what he does, except this year, he’s also played defense, posting an unusually high OAA in his return to second base. He can also play first and third, and the Giants have little reason not to trade him.
Value: Cost-controlled ground-ball maestro
First, he has to get healthy. After a line drive broke his leg, Holmes is targeting a return sometime in August. If he returns on the earlier end, he represents a safe ground-ball, mid-rotation type who can help this year and then is on a reasonable player option for next year at $12 million. A more cost-conscious team with needs all over their rotation might jump at the chance — but the leg has to heal.
Value: Proven defender in center field
If the Blue Jays decide to sell, Varsho could be the top center fielder on the market. He remains a good defender at a premium position, and although his offensive numbers are down, he’s on track for roughly 2 fWAR this season, which is more than a lot of teams are going to get from their center fielders. Varsho doesn’t get on base a ton, but he has 20-homer power and will steal some bases. With his glove, that’s enough to have a value as a rental, especially at a position that could be in short supply on the trade market.
Value: The most likely catcher traded this deadline
Finally off the IL after being sidelined with a broken hamate bone, Jeffers is arguably the best offensive catcher who is actually available at the deadline. His defensive metrics have fluctuated over the years, but he’s been an above-average hitter each of the past four seasons, and his hot streaks at the plate have been tremendous. Now healthy, Jeffers could be an impactful target at a position that could have limited supply. Even if the Twins choose not to sell to the extent they did last season, it would still make sense to move Jeffers before he reaches free agency.
Value: Average arm who can post
It’s possible that there’s more name value here than actual quality on the field. The artist formerly known as Fastball Freddie is showing a four-year low in fastball velocity and his overall stuff is down as measured by Stuff+, swinging-strike rate, and strikeout rate. Right now his peripherals suggest more of an average major-league starter than a guy a contender needs to have in a playoff game. He’s gone on some pretty legendary streaks in the past when something clicks with a secondary, though.
Value: Dominant left-handed set-up man
If his teammate Mason Miller isn’t moved this deadline, Morejon has a strong case as the best reliever available. The left-hander is in his third straight season as a shutdown set-up man, capable of throwing three straight innings one night and three straight nights soon after. Morejon’s sinker sits 99 and he owns both a slider and changeup to work off of it, permitting him to suppress righties almost as well as he suffocates lefties.
Value: Young starter with ace stuff in down year
If the Reds believe Nick Lodolo has another year like 2025 in him, they might not trade their lefty away. That year, he threw more than 150 innings with a 3.33 ERA with great supporting rates and looked like the ace ascendant he was supposed to be. This year, the underlying stuff has been similar (his fastball velocity is even up a little) but the command has deserted him in between the ever-present trips to the injured list. It’s the injuries and iffy command, combined with the fact that he’s a free agent after the close of next year — that might make him available on the market. Teams without much financial wriggle room should take notice.
Value: Disciplined veteran with a power stroke
For six years now, Ward has been an above-average hitter. He’s gotten there mostly with power and a low chase rate. This year, he’s gotten there with far less power but with an extreme uptick in walks. His barrel percentage is down, but so is his strikeout rate. His OPS is similar to recent years, but he’s gotten there with on-base percentage rather than slugging. An acquiring team will want that plate discipline while hoping the old power returns down the stretch.
Value: Solid defender with a diminishing bat
An All-Star and down-ballot MVP candidate in 2024, Duran’s production slipped last season and has fallen off a cliff this year. His defense remains solid in left, and his speed is still a strength, but his chase rate is up, and his hard-hit percentage is down. He remains an intriguing talent, but his stock is slipping, and the Red Sox — who came into this season with more outfielders than they knew what to do with — might already have missed their chance to sell high.
Value: Veteran everyday outfielder
One of the few veterans to survive the Cardinals’ offseason roster purge, Nootbar missed the first two months of the season but returned in June looking sharp. If the Cardinals keep winning, they’ll surely hold onto their veteran bat, but if they slip, they’ve already made clear their intention to rebuild. Nootbar has played all three outfield positions, and he was a solid everyday player three of the previous four seasons (last year was the outlier).
Value: Intriguing first-time All-Star
In some ways, Griffin came back from Japan as advertised. He’s a low-velocity lefty with good command and a (very) wide mix of average-ish pitches. In other ways, he’s surprised. Despite the poor velocity, he’s managed to keep the slugging percentage on his fastballs in the low fours, and in some part he’s done so by having a better cutter than might have been expected. In the end, though, he’s still a low-velocity, wide-mix guy, so more of a back-end add to most contenders.
Value: Late-blooming power threat
After years hovering around league-average with the bat, García has exploded in 2026. He’s already set a career high in home runs with still plenty of season left, buoyed by 11 in June alone. It looks like he’s unlocked all of his considerable potential, which leaves the Nationals an interesting dilemma with the 26-year-old: Buy into all these changes and try to keep him beyond 2027, or sell now when the price is as high as it’s ever been.
Value: Safe back-end starter with No. 3 potential
Is Gingergaard back? The red-haired May was once a super prospect with the Dodgers, but injury and inconsistent play led to a trip around the league. Now in St. Louis, he’s found his old release point and upped his fastball velocity. He’s striking more guys out with every month as he seems to be settling into the best version of himself. A team might get lucky and pay a back-end rental price for the righty and get a playoff starter for their efforts.
Value: Reliable reliever in a career year
Little of David Stearns’ offseason overhaul of the Mets has worked, and Weaver is the reason this sentence starts with “little” instead of “none.” Signed to a two-year deal, the right-hander has been nearly since the start of May. He’s signed through next season, so New York could hold on to him or try to cash in on a market that right now lacks obvious impact relievers. Weaver’s previous experience closing for the Yankees should make him even more appealing.
Value: Injury-prone former Cy Young Award winner
Last year, Bieber didn’t make his debut until mid-August, the result of setbacks in his return from Tommy John surgery. No mind, Bieber saved his best for last, helping propel the Blue Jays to Game 7 of the World Series. Despite some October shine, Bieber accepted his $16 million player option instead of testing the market, a wise decision given that he was placed on the 60-day IL to open 2026. So far the results haven’t been there, and yet, his past pedigree as a Cy Young Award winner and his postseason track record make him an intriguing deadline option.
Value: Former top prospect who hasn’t put it together
Once a top prospect in the sport, Alvarez has hit a bit of a plateau as a 24-year-old: While his offense is above-average for a catcher, his defense has vacillated between good and bad, and he’s been on the injured list four times in the past three seasons. The Mets don’t have to move on from a player with three more years of team control beyond this one, but things have gone south enough that New York is considering more extreme options this summer.
Value: Known bat-first second baseman
Expected to be a superstar when he arrived almost a decade ago, Torres has instead settled in as a solid, bat-first second baseman. He was an All-Star last year, and he’s put up even better offensive numbers this season, but he was on the IL for an extended stretch with an oblique strain that’s bothered him for much of the year. (It was the second time he’s been shut down with that injury.) If healthy, Torres is a known commodity and a potentially worthwhile rental, but the injury and the uncertain status of the Tigers are wrinkles.
Value: Lefty on the upswing
A Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2021, Rogers spent the next three seasons pitching the exact opposite of that before bottoming out and getting demoted to Triple A. Last season, Rogers looked more like the pitcher he was on the Marlins, finishing as one of the best arms in the second half. That didn’t carry over in the season’s first three months, but Rogers has managed to right the ship, posting a 2.05 ERA over five starts in June. If that holds, Rogers could be a sneaky frontline starter option.
Value: Controllable innings-eater
An All-Star for the first time since he was 23 years old, Wacha has developed into a reliable middle-of-the-order option. In each of the past two seasons, Wacha has thrown at least 150 innings, including 172 2/3 in 2025. That’s carried over into 2026, as Wacha is one of the league-leaders in innings pitched. For a team looking to get to the finish line, Wacha represents reliability with the potential for magic every fifth day.
Value: Versatile glove looking for a permanent home
The 2023 first-round pick has found himself in a super-utility role for Chicago, having played every position this season except catcher, shortstop and pitcher. A Gold Glove finalist at third base last season, Shaw found himself the odd man out after the Cubs signed Alex Bregman in the offseason. Second base (Nico Hoerner is signed through 2032) and first base (Michael Busch through 2029) are also seemingly off the table. In limited action, Shaw has posted an above average wRC+. Pedro Ramirez’s emergence, coupled with the Cubs’ need for a frontline starter, could make Shaw a valuable trade chip.
Value: Former elite prospect who hasn’t lived up to the hype
On a team with Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger signed long-term, where does the 23-year-old Domínguez fit in the long run? He’s basically split his time between the majors and Triple A this season, and the big-league results have remained pedestrian for The Martian. He’s less an acquisition for this season than for the longer term, which should make him a target for more than just your standard buyers.
Value: Lefty hitter with good defensive metrics
Yet another Orioles first-round pick on our Big Board, Cowser finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2024, but he’s been a below-average hitter by OPS+ the past two seasons. His defensive metrics are good, though, and he’s under team control for three more seasons through arbitration. Cowser is a left-handed hitter who’s had some trouble with left-handed pitching, so might be best used as a strong-side platoon, but he’s still relatively young, and his walk rate is way up this season.
Value: Proven playoff performer
Springer could be a perfect fit for a team looking to add veteran know-how for a playoff push. He turns 37 in September, and his past four seasons have been wildly up and down, but his playoff track record is elite, and he’s coming off a resurgent Silver Slugger season. Springer’s numbers are down this year, but he’s bounced back a bit since the middle of June. He’s also been limited to DH this season, but he played a good amount of outfield last year. With his contract expiring, Springer offers no long-term risk, which could make him a good short-term gamble for a team betting his bat will show up when the games matter most. He’s a been-there, done-that hitter who won’t flinch in the October spotlight.
Value: Multi-pitch bulldog
In some ways, Ray’s arsenal is wider than ever. Increased use of the changeup and sinker has given him five pitches he uses regularly. But after some velocity loss on the breaking balls and movement loss on his fastball, he’s left with a wide assortment of mediocre pitches (hence the below-average strikeout and walk rates). Still a battler, his best use might be for a team that could use him on the back end and then move him to the ‘pen for more lefty-oriented work in the playoffs.
Value: Legit power threat with above-average defense
After a down year in 2025, Walker’s bat has bounced back. Now in his second year with the Astros, he’s hitting like he did the previous three years in Arizona. Defensive metrics no longer paint Walker as an elite fielder, but he has legitimate power. If the Astros sell, Walker could be in-demand for teams in need of right-handed pop.
Value: Gold Glove winner with power
Still an excellent defender with tremendous bat speed and a relatively low chase rate, Chapman can provide power and stability at the hot corner. He’s no longer a mid-ballot MVP candidate, but he’s plenty productive even as his offensive numbers have dipped to a little under league average this season. In a vacuum, a veteran like that has a lot of trade value. However, Chapman is owed just over $25 million each of the next four seasons, and he turns 34 next April. That’s a good amount of financial risk that will undoubtedly affect his market.
Value: Controllable reliever with elite velocity
Among potential relievers, O’Brien is perhaps the most intriguing. The 2017 eighth-round draft pick pitched to a 2.06 ERA last season for St. Louis, flashing an elite fastball and extension. A season later, the extension and velocity are still there, but the results aren’t. Still, O’Brien largely limits hard contact and generates groundballs at a high level. That he won’t hit arbitration until 2028 and is controlled through 2030 makes him all the more fascinating.
Value: Former No. 1 pick whose found his way
Aside from the ankle injury that cost him a month, Moniak has had a nice second year with the Rockies. He can play all three outfield positions, and his offensive numbers have surged in Colorado. That offensive environment can be deceiving, but Moniak’s improved production has come with a higher walk rate, lower strikeout rate, more consistent barrels and a higher hard-hit percentage. He had a 115 wRC+ with the Angels in 2023, too.
Value: Expensive former ace
If you’re pessimistic about Castillo returning to his normal veteran form, then you’ll point to gradually declining stuff and strikeout rates, and the $24 million due to the righty in 2026, and the $25 million option that could vest for 2027, and you’d say no thanks, you’d have to give me prospects to think about this trade. Well, actually, even if you’re fairly optimistic about his future, you’d want the Mariners to pay down some of the contract, or accept very little in future talent in return. He’s 33 with a below-average strikeout rate.
Value: Electric controllable righty reliever
Cano has rebounded from a subpar 2025 with a terrific start to this season. The right-hander excels at getting ground balls with his sinker/splitter mix, and he’s become even stingier with free passes this year. With two more years of team control, Baltimore doesn’t need to move Cano, though the ups and downs of most any reliever make it tempting to sell when the value is high, especially with someone who’s already 32 years old.
Value: Boom-or-bust slugger
At this time last year, Suárez was one of the top trade targets on the market. He was having a career year at the plate, and the Mariners wound up trading three prospects to add his power bat. However, Suárez’s production cratered after the deal — 143 OPS+ before, 93 OPS+ after — and he’s continued that post-trade production this season. Suárez remains a massive home run threat, but he’s a rental with limited defensive value who gets almost all of his offensive value from the longball. He could provide two terrific months, but Suárez has so far been a negative WAR player this season.
Value: Elite bat speed but not much else to offer
A former first-round pick, Adell has found himself in headlines for multiple highlight reel plays, both the good and bad kind. Unfortunately, that’s about as much as he’s been able to offer this season. He’s walking at a career low 3.4 percent, strikes out a good deal and doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard, even though he possesses elite bat speed. For now, it looks like his 2025 campaign is more of an aberration than a sign of things to come.
Value: Cost-controlled outfielder with good numbers
Bleday was a first-round pick of a team that traded him away. He had a breakout 2024 but was non-tendered in 2025. He signed with the Reds this offseason, didn’t make the Opening Day roster, and now has the best offensive numbers on the team. Bleday’s career has been a roller coaster, but his highs have been extreme, and he’s on pace for the best season of his career. He’s cheap with good numbers and remaining team control, an intriguing combination for any team that believes he can maintain this production.
Value: Veteran bat having throwback season
An All-Star in 2022 with Seattle, France is having a nice all-around season this year at 31, back with the team he debuted with. After turning himself into a Gold Glove first baseman last year, he’s rediscovered his offense. He’s already hit more home runs than he has in any year since that All-Star campaign, a result of pulling the ball in the air more often. In a market where the first-base options and right-handed bats might make you bored, though, what do you have to lose with France?
Value: Risky reliever with upsider
Poor fastball command has long rendered Hoffman’s fastball less effective than a high-90s, two-plane-riding four-seam should be. That flaw explains some of the ups and downs of his last few seasons, as he’s moved in and out of the closer’s role in Toronto. But this year he’s pushed the slider usage further than he’s ever taken it, and at least by strikeouts and walks it’s been incredibly effective: His strikeout minus walk rate is top 10 among qualified relievers. That sort of thing is more predictive than his current low-fours ERA, but there’s risk here still.
Value: Right-handed hitting hidden gem
Since 2024, Larnach has hit right-handed pitching roughly as well as Jackson Chourio and Willson Contreras (they have nearly identical OPS vs. RHP). Larnach doesn’t hit lefties as well, but as a strong-side platoon, he can be as impactful as far bigger names. His splits are even more pronounced than usual this season, but that’s in part because he’s been even better than usual against righties. The Twins might be hesitant to sell too much this summer, but Larnach’s contract status could have him on the block.
Value: Speedy outfielder with a little pop
Sent to Colorado in the offseason, McCarthy has spent the season flirting with a .300 average, contributing on the bases and playing all over the outfield. It’s that kind of versatility that makes him an intriguing deadline candidate. He’s up to a career-high 10 homers on the year and boasts a .497 slugging percentage, another career high. His 99th percentile sprint speed is another element that could be further tapped into.
Value: Mercurial starter on a good run
Singer isn’t having a great year. His velocity, overall stuff, command, and strikeout numbers are all down. The righty is more of a “get you there” type who can chew up some innings. But since June 1, he has an ERA under 3.00 that’s mostly supported by quality peripherals. He’s gotten there by featuring the sweeper more and playing his two breaking balls off of each other. The margin of error on a starter averaging just over 90 on the fastball isn’t large, but he’s available for what will likely be a low price, he has good breaking balls, and he’s in the middle of a good stretch.
Value: Former October legend with very little to offer
The 2021 World Series MVP has seen better days, combining for an OPS+ of 91 in his time with the Angels. His bat speed and barrel rate are above average, but his average exit velocity and squared up rate are trending in the opposite direction. Soler has never been one to shy away from a strikeout, but even by his standards, things have plummeted. His strikeout rate has gone from 24.6 percent in 2024 to 32.3 percent in 2026, while his walk rate (11.8 percent in 2024) has dropped to 9.9 percent. His reverse splits also don’t bode well. His contract status and prior postseason pedigree are the only reasons he’d be moved.
Value: Catcher who doesn’t chase often
For clubs in need of a backstop, Stephenson represents a rather intriuging option. He grades out as an elite blocker but a terrible framer, he doesn’t chase often but strikes out at 25.3 percent clip. He has strong exit velo and barrel rates, but his slugging percentage has lagged. It’s a mixed bag, and its led to a mediocre platform season.
