{"id":818483,"date":"2026-07-22T11:32:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/818483\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:32:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:32:12","slug":"mlb-trade-candidate-rankings-deadline-predictions-2-0-tarik-skubal-out-of-no-1-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/818483\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB Trade Candidate Rankings, Deadline Predictions 2.0: Tarik Skubal Out of No. 1 Spot"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"a4\">With MLB\u2019s All-Star break in the rearview mirror and the Aug. 3 trade deadline fast approaching, we are firmly in the window where the rumor mill will be pumping out hypothetical trade ideas 24\/7. Complicating matters is the jumbled mess that is the current playoff picture\u2014entering play Tuesday, 22 of 30 teams were within five games of a playoff spot, meaning it\u2019s more difficult than ever to differentiate the buyers from the sellers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"a7\">For example, when we <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/trade-candidate-rankings-2026-deadline-predictions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">first did this exercise last month<\/a>, Tarik Skubal was the No. 1 trade candidate on our list. Now, he barely cracks the top five as star-caliber players with more years of control have come onto the market and are more likely to generate a bigger return\u2014if Skubal is traded at all by the resurgent Tigers.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"aa\">But while that dynamic might hinder clarity, it only adds to the fun. There are dozens of accomplished players who will be mentioned in trade rumors over the next few weeks, and identifying which ones actually get dealt is like playing the lottery. Likewise, what follows is not a list of the players with the most trade value in the league. Rather, the result is something of a compromise\u2014we are attempting to rank the top players based on trade value among those who have at least some realistic chance that they might end up changing teams.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-3\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ad\">Finally, we\u2019ll highlight the best team fits for each player, and make a prediction on whether or not that player will end up getting traded. With that rundown out of the way, let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ag\">All stats are updated through Monday&#8217;s games.<\/p>\n<p>1. Shea Langeliers, Athletics C<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-7\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ap\">2026 stats: .260\/.329\/.490, 22 HR, 50 RBI, 54 R, 123 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR in 90 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Yankees, Red Sox, Guardians, Rays<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"as\">Langeliers just started the All-Star Game for the American League and over the past four years has 104 home runs and counting\u2014trailing only Cal Raleigh among catchers. And while his OPS at the A\u2019s hitter-friendly temporary home of Sutter Health Park is roughly 150 points higher than it is on the road this season, his OPS was nearly 100 points higher away from Sacramento last year. He\u2019s shown during his career that his hitting power and arm behind the plate play everywhere, and there are several catcher-needy contenders who should be willing to shell out a handsome return for one of the few core players the A\u2019s haven\u2019t locked up to an extension.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"av\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>2. CJ Abrams, Nationals SS<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"b1\">2026 stats: .275\/.350\/.521, 22 HR, 15 SB, 72 RBI, 59 R, 135 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR in 97 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Yankees, Cardinals, Red Sox, Rays, Braves, Twins<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"b4\">Abrams has leveled up his game offensively, already setting a new career high in homers by pulling the ball in the air more frequently while dramatically improving his on-base skills. He still grades out among the worst defensive shortstops in the league, but at 25 and with plenty of athleticism, should be able to find a better fit elsewhere on the diamond, and now it looks like his bat will be plenty valuable even if he moves off of shortstop. The Nationals have overachieved so far relative to preseason expectations and remain on the periphery of the playoff picture, so trading away Abrams still feels like an unlikely outcome. They\u2019re in a position where they\u2019d likely need to be blown away for a king\u2019s ransom of an offer.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-13\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"b7\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>3. Hunter Goodman, Rockies C<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-15\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bd\">2026 stats: .255\/.325\/.556, 30 HR, 56 RBI, 62 R, 122 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR in 93 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2029<br \/>Best fits: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-16\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bg\">Goodman has done nothing but hit for the Rockies since seizing their starting catcher job last season\u2014he\u2019s the only catcher to have already secured back-to-back 30-homer seasons in 2025 and \u201926\u2014and it\u2019s not just a Coors Field mirage. The 26-year-old\u2019s road OPS is roughly 175 points higher than it is at Coors Field this year, and his career home\/road home run splits are nearly identical. The former fourth-round pick does possess some concerning chase, whiff and strikeout rates, ranking in the bottom 5% of the league in all three statistics, and he\u2019s nothing special defensively. Goodman nevertheless would command a king\u2019s ransom given he hasn\u2019t entered salary arbitration yet. The only question is whether the Rockies want to let go of the only player who\u2019s represented them at the All-Star Game the past two years.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bj\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>4. Mason Miller, Padres RP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-19\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bp\">2026 stats: 2\u20131, 0.89 ERA, 0.52 FIP, 0.84 WHIP, 25 SV, 75 K, 14 BB, 2.5 fWAR in 40 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2029<br \/>Best fits: Pirates, Cubs, Rays, Yankees, Brewers, Marlins, Orioles, Mariners<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-20\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bs\">Last season\u2019s major trade domino, Miller has somehow become even more dominant since arriving in San Diego. In 61 games for the Padres dating back to last year, Miller has a 0.84 ERA with a comical 50.4% strikeout rate. But the team\u2019s playoff hopes are fading fast, and an elite closer is a luxury that\u2019s largely wasted on this roster. Pivoting this quickly from a player who was just acquired for a massive haul that included highly touted prospect Leo De Vries would be a tough look for A.J. Preller, but it\u2019s probably the right move for the future of the franchise. Expect virtually every contender that wants to make a run at the World Series to be interested if San Diego starts fielding calls about Miller.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"bv\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>5. Tarik Skubal, Tigers SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-23\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"c1\">2026 stats: 6\u20135, 2.83 ERA, 2.85 FIP, 0.93 WHIP, 98 K, 11 BB, 2.2 fWAR in 82 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/tigers\/analyzing-best-tarik-skubal-trade-destinations\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Best fits<\/a>: Dodgers, Yankees, Rays, Braves, Cubs, Phillies, Brewers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-24\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"c4\">Skubal\u2019s fall from the top spot in our rankings to No. 5 has nothing to do with him, but the younger players with more years of team control who have become realistic trade candidates over the past month. Make no mistake\u2014he is the player most likely to be traded and have a major impact on this season. But time and time again over the past few years we\u2019ve seen elite rental players traded for underwhelming packages. Fortunately, Skubal hasn\u2019t missed a beat since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/tigers\/tarik-skubal-injury-loose-bodies-elbow-surgery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">loose bodies<\/a> were removed from his elbow earlier this season, and he in fact appears to be peaking with a 1.59 ERA in three starts this month. Skubal\u2019s 3.4% walk rate is top in the majors, which is absurd for a pitcher who also ranks in the 95th percentile of strikeout rate (30.5%).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-25\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"c7\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01ky4208p759hedk3at6.jpg\" alt=\"Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan\" title=\"Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"ch\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ryan has been as consistent as they come in recent years and would likely net a big trade return. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p>6. Joe Ryan, Twins SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-28\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"co\">2026 stats: 6\u20136, 3.38 ERA, 3.47 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 131 K, 25 BB, 2.5 fWAR in 114 \u2153 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026, with a mutual option for \u201827<br \/>Best fits: Cubs, Braves, Rays, Padres, Cardinals<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-29\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"cr\">Ryan got roughed up in Monday\u2019s outing against the Guardians, but he\u2019s been rock solid for a Twins team that\u2019s hung around the playoff race perhaps longer than most would have expected. Among the starters who could be available at this year\u2019s deadline, he\u2019s about as reliable as the top-end arms get, with a career 27.7% strikeout rate and a 5.7% walk rate. Star outfielder Byron Buxton has been firm in his stance that he will not waive his no-trade clause, meaning if Minnesota opts to sell, it won\u2019t be able to cash in perhaps its biggest potential trade chip. That makes Ryan\u2019s trade value all the more important, and there should be no shortage of pitching-needy teams to line up offers for Ryan\u2019s services.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-30\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"cu\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>7. Jeremy Pe\u00f1a, Astros SS<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-32\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"d0\">2026 stats: .294\/.357\/.441, 7 HR, 8 SB, 26 RBI, 38 R, 125 wRC+, 1.8 fWAR in 54 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2027<br \/>Best fits: Braves, Rays, Red Sox, Twins<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-33\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"d3\">Pe\u00f1a has elevated to a new level on offense over the past two years, being one of only six players to bat over .300 since the beginning of 2025 (min. 700 PAs). That\u2019s helped him grade out as the league\u2019s best offensive shortstop over that span by wRC+ (132), even if his power production leaves something to be desired. The 2022 World Series MVP could help a number of contenders craving better offensive production from the shortstop position, though it\u2019s not typically Houston\u2019s modus operandi to throw in the towel while within shouting range of a playoff spot as they are now even with a losing record.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-34\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"d6\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>8. Reid Detmers, Angels SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-36\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"dc\">2026 stats: 3\u20136, 4.16 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.12 WHIP, 130 K, 35 BB, 3.0 fWAR in 114 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Cardinals, White Sox, Rays, Braves, Cubs<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-37\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"df\">For an Angels team headed toward its 11th straight losing season, will now finally be the time the organization decides to lean into a rebuild? Interim GM John Mozeliak could be the one to finally kick off some serious changes in Anaheim, and no move would signal a seismic shift more than a Detmers trade (unless that Mike Trout fellow has a change of heart and decides to waive his no-trade clause). The lefty has turned a corner this season as a rotation mainstay, and should garner a serious return package of prospects given his years of control. Should they choose to go down this path, the Angels could be one of the sellers who controls the deadline this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-38\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"di\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>9. Francisco Lindor, Mets SS<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-40\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"do\">2026 stats: .220\/.303\/.387, 6 HR, 2 SB, 16 RBI, 23 R, 94 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR in 44 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2031<br \/>Best fits: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Braves<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-41\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"dr\">It may seem unfathomable to picture the Mets moving on from Lindor less than halfway into the 10-year extension he signed upon joining them in 2021. But that\u2019s how bad things have gotten in Queens, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/news\/francisco-lindor-not-untouchable-at-trade-deadline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MLB.com\u2019s Anthony DiComo<\/a> reports he is not among the franchise\u2019s untouchables as New York approaches the deadline as definite sellers. The five years and roughly $160 million remaining on his contract after this season make him a tricky player to rank. But the 32-year-old has averaged a touch over 6.0 bWAR across his last four seasons before injuries took a toll on him this year and would certainly qualify as an upgrade for most teams.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-42\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"du\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>10. Michael King, Padres, SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-44\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"e0\">2026 stats: 6\u20137, 3.34 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 1.16 WHIP, 96 K, 45 BB, 1.7 fWAR in 113 \u2153 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026, with player options for \u201827 and \u201828<br \/>Best fits: Cubs, Braves, Cardinals, Brewers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-45\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"e3\">King has proven himself to be a top-end starter capable of garnering Cy Young votes during his three years in San Diego, but with the Padres averaging an MLB-worst 4.07 runs per game, this may be the rare year that A.J. Preller focuses on selling before the deadline. The 31-year-old King could opt out of the final two years and $53 million on his contract in hopes of garnering one last long-term deal this offseason, in which case the Padres won\u2019t have much use for him if they continue to grossly underperform on offense.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-46\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"e6\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>11. Casey Mize, Tigers SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-48\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ec\">2026 stats: 4\u20136, 2.79 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 1.03 WHIP, 82 K, 19 BB, 2.7 fWAR in 80 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Cubs, Braves, Padres, Rays, Brewers, Rangers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-49\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ef\">Mize, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, is finally putting it all together at the right time, months away from free agency. Thanks in part to increased use of his slider, he\u2019s upped his strikeout rate to a career-best 25.6%, showcasing the talent that makes him more of a front-line starter than simply a reliable innings-eater. Given his status as a rental, though, the price to acquire him likely wouldn\u2019t break the prospect bank should Detroit opt to ship him out.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-50\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ei\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01ky422cby49z8phf9qh.jpg\" alt=\"Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano\" title=\"Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"es\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Soriano is one of several trade assets the Angels could shop if they commit to a full rebuild. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p>12. Jose Soriano, Angels SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-53\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ez\">2026 stats: 8\u20136, 3.43 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 1.25 WHIP, 122 K, 54 BB, 2.0 fWAR in 117 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Rays, Cardinals, White Sox, Braves<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-54\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"f2\">Like Detmers, Soriano has been a rare bright spot for a struggling Angels team that could use a little bit of everything as it looks to infuse the franchise with young controllable talent. The righthander has cooled off considerably after his scorching start, though still looks like a solid option for a playoff-caliber team\u2019s rotation. Walks are the biggest issue preventing him from achieving more consistency, though two years of team control beyond this season makes him an attractive target.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-55\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"f5\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>13. Seiya Suzuki, Cubs OF<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-57\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fb\">2026 stats: .273\/.357\/.476, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 52 R, 129 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR in 84 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Phillies, Guardians, Mariners, Rays, Braves<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-58\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fe\">Suzuki has been the picture of consistency at the plate for the Cubs since debuting stateside in 2022, especially over the last three seasons, when he\u2019s recorded a wRC+ between 123 and 137, with this year being no different. Chicago has certainly benefited from his contributions this season, though it\u2019s been widely speculated that the team\u2019s front office could get creative and deal him for much-needed pitching help before he reaches free agency, sliding Matt Shaw into right field to replace him. Suzuki does have a full no-trade clause, though, and with the Cubs in the thick of the playoff race, it\u2019s hard to see the stars aligning for a trade involving him.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-59\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fh\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>14. Casey Schmitt, Giants IF<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-61\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fn\">2026 stats: .275\/.304\/.482, 19 HR, 9 SB, 50 RBI, 44 R, 114 wRC+, 1.8 fWAR in 92 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2029<br \/>Best fits: Mariners, Guardians, Cardinals, Phillies<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-62\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fq\">A career 85 wRC+ hitter coming into 2026, Schmitt has enjoyed a breakout campaign in his age-27 season. His plate approach is lacking a bit\u2014his 2.6% walk rate is the lowest among qualified hitters\u2014but he makes up for it with power and positional versatility. The Giants are clearly going to be sellers, but the fact that they control Schmitt for three more years means they\u2019ll have to ask themselves whether or not they see him as a foundational player to help build the next contender around.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-63\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ft\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>15. Luis Arraez, Giants 2B<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-65\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"fz\">2026 stats: .323\/.362\/.450, 4 HR, 8 SB, 36 RBI, 48 R, 122 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR in 95 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Rangers, Padres, Twins, Rays<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-66\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g2\">A year after posting a career-low 104 wRC+, Arraez has upped his offensive game back to his previous career norm, and this month made his fourth All-Star Game in five years. He\u2019s also worked on his defense considerably to the point where he\u2019s now a plus defender at second base (Giants infield coach Ron Washington continues to work magic at age 74). Arraez\u2019s outs above average have improved from -9 (fourth percentile) last year to 10 (98 percentile) this year. That should make teams more interested in adding him to their lineup, and with the Giants seemingly desperate to squeeze some value out of this lost season, it seems a sure thing Arraez will be dealt even though he fits like a glove at Oracle Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-67\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"g5\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>16. Gleyber Torres, Tigers 2B<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-69\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gb\">2026 stats: .270\/.405\/.400, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 27 R, 132 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR in 44 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Rangers, Padres, Rays, Red Sox<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-70\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ge\">Torres returned from the injured list Monday after missing more than a month with a strained oblique. He reached base four times on the night, and if he can continue proving that he\u2019s fully recovered, he\u2019s a great complementary bat for a team looking to add some depth to its lineup. Torres will be a free agent after this season, so that\u2014combined with his injury history\u2014should make him a relatively affordable trade target.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-71\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gh\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>17. Josh Hader, Astros RP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-73\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gn\">2026 stats: 3\u20131, 1.56 ERA, 1.46 FIP, 0.98 WHIP, 10 SV, 28 K, 8 BB, 0.7 fWAR in 17 \u2153 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Cubs, Pirates, Orioles, Yankees<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-74\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gq\">Hader missed the first two months of the season with a biceps injury, but has been as dominant as ever since his return. His fastball velocity is down a tick, but he\u2019s still managing to strike out over 40% of opposing hitters. His walk rate is higher than you\u2019d like it to be, and his injury history combined with his salary (he\u2019s due $38 million over the next two seasons), there will be some teams too cautious to touch him. But when he\u2019s going right, he\u2019s as electric as high-leverage arms come.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-75\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gt\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>18. Clay Holmes, Mets SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-77\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"gz\">2026 stats: 4\u20134, 2.39 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 45 K, 18 BB, 1.2 fWAR in 52 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026, with a player option for \u201827<br \/>Best fits: Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves, White Sox, Brewers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-78\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"h2\">Holmes has been out since fracturing his fibula on May 15, though he began his rehab assignment this week just in time to potentially rebuild his trade value. With the Mets\u2019 season careening further into oblivion, it makes all the sense in the world for Holmes to be shopped fairly aggressively. After spending nearly his entire career as a relief pitcher prior to arriving in Queens, Holmes has put up a 3.26 ERA in 40 starts over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-79\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"h5\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01ky426156zycyjyjkrf.jpg\" alt=\"Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers\" title=\"Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"hf\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jeffers offers power at the catcher position and could add instant offense to a contender&#8217;s lineup. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p>19. Ryan Jeffers, Twins C<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-82\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hm\">2026 stats: .288\/.401\/.540, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 27 R, 162 wRC+, 1.9 fWAR in 42 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Padres, Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-83\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hp\">Like Langeliers and Goodman, Jeffers is a bat-first backstop who can really make an impact in the middle of a lineup. Unlike Langeliers and Goodman, he\u2019s a pending free agent, meaning he\u2019s easily the most likely of the trio to actually end up getting dealt. Jeffers owns a 122 wRC+ over the past four seasons, so his gaudy numbers in an injury-interrupted 2026 campaign are no fluke. There are plenty of teams with light-hitting catchers looking to upgrade, so Minnesota should be plenty motivated to find a deal to send Jeffers to a contender.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-84\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hs\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>20. Foster Griffin, Nationals SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-86\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"hy\">2026 stats: 11\u20132, 2.68 ERA, 3.96 FIP, 1.03 WHIP, 111 K, 27 BB, 1.8 fWAR in 117 \u2153 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Dodgers, Rays, White Sox, Marlins, Brewers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-87\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"i1\">Signed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract this offseason after spending three years dominating in Japan, Griffin has proven to be a bargain for Washington, and has set himself up for what should be a much bigger payday next time around. Until then, though, the Nationals will be able to field calls on the 30-year-old as the team weighs whether or not to make a stronger push for the 2026 playoffs. Griffin doesn\u2019t overpower with velocity, but his seven-pitch mix combined with good command makes him plenty effective.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-88\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"i4\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>21. JJ Bleday, Reds OF<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-90\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ia\">2026 stats: .239\/.347\/.478, 16 HR, 5 SB, 43 RBI, 37 R, 121 wRC+, 1.3 fWAR in 71 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2028<br \/>Best fits: Padres, Phillies, Astros, Diamondbacks, Guardians, Rangers, Phillies<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-91\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"id\">Bleday, the No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, put up a 3.2-fWAR season for the A\u2019s in \u201824, but regressed the following year and was designated for assignment. He signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati and has flashed his talent more consistently, adding bat speed and trending toward a new career high in home runs. Given his years of control, the Reds could certainly opt to keep Bleday in the fold as a centerpiece for the next two seasons, but he\u2019d likely fetch a big return as a top-of-the-order bat who\u2019s still in his 20s.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-92\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ig\">Prediction: Not traded<\/p>\n<p>22. Isaac Paredes, Astros 3B<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-94\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"im\">2026 stats: .257\/.351\/.419, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 40 R, 119 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR in 95 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026, with a team option for \u201827<br \/>Best fits: Marlins, Brewers, Phillies, Pirates, Guardians, Red Sox<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-95\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"ip\">Paredes remains a steady contributor in Houston, posting his fifth consecutive season with a wRC+ better than 115. There doesn\u2019t appear to be many viable trade candidates at the hot corner, which should drive up the demand for the 27-year-old. The Astros have underachieved most of the season, yet remain firmly in the mix in the putrid AL West. Still, there are plenty of reasons for Houston to sell some veteran pieces and try to build for the future.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-96\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"is\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01ky428gxjzxy6pstm5d.jpg\" alt=\"Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward\" title=\"Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward\" width=\"360\" height=\"203\" class=\"undefined w-full w-full blur-[5px]\" q:id=\"j2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ward, a free agent after this season, is an effective leadoff hitter with a knack for getting on base. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n<p>23. Taylor Ward, Orioles OF<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-99\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"j9\">2026 stats: .251\/.386\/.361, 7 HR, 3 SB, 27 RBI, 61 R, 120 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR in 100 G<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Diamondbacks, Braves, Rays, Guardians, Blue Jays, Padres, Rangers, Phillies<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-100\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jc\">Ward has traded power for passivity, posting his lowest slugging percentage in a full season while walking 17.2% of the time, the third-highest rate in the league. Though now wielding a completely different approach than the one that saw him pop 36 homers in 2025, it all adds up to a well-above-average hitter by wRC+. He\u2019s a free agent after this season and a non-factor defensively and on the basepaths. But if you\u2019re going to be a one-trick pony as a hitter, having that one trick be a near-.400 OBP is plenty useful. Baltimore is one of many teams in the muddled middle of the American League, but could still find a way to deal Ward and keep an eye toward making a playoff push this season.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-101\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jf\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>24. Luke Weaver, Mets RP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-103\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jl\">2026 stats: 2\u20131, 2.03 ERA, 2.83 FIP, 0.83 WHIP, 43 K, 11 BB, 1.1 fWAR in 40 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2027<br \/>Best fits: Yankees, Dodgers, Pirates, Cubs, Cardinals<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-104\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jo\">Hey, not all of the Mets\u2019 offseason moves turned out to be disastrous. Weaver has been excellent, with an ERA, xERA and FIP all below 3.00 and a three-pitch mix (four-seam fastball, changeup and cutter) that makes him effective against both righties and lefties. Even though this season has been a complete mess, the Mets likely won\u2019t be looking at a total teardown, and could opt to keep Weaver for 2027. But he\u2019d be a huge asset in high-leverage situations for any playoff team.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-105\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jr\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>25. Robbie Ray, Giants SP<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-107\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"jx\">2026 stats: 8\u20136, 3.33 ERA, 4.59 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, 96 K, 54 BB, 0.7 fWAR in 110 \u2154 IP<br \/>Years of control: Through 2026<br \/>Best fits: Cubs, Braves, White Sox, Cardinals<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-108\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"k0\">Ray has posted a 3.53 ERA across nearly 300 innings since the start of 2025, and while his strikeout rate has dipped to below league average (20.6%), he still profiles as a reliable innings-eater and veteran presence for a team that could use an extra arm to make it to the playoffs. Set to be a free agent after this season, the Giants will surely be proactive in shopping him over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-109\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"k3\">Prediction: Traded<\/p>\n<p>More MLB from Sports Illustrated<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\" class=\"shrink-0\"\/>Add us as a preferred source on Google<a aria-label=\"Follow si.com on Google News\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"flex h-[30px] w-[30px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary font-group-large text-sm font-medium text-white transition-colors hover:bg-secondary focus:bg-secondary md:w-auto md:gap-2.5 md:px-4 md:py-[5px]\">Follow<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With MLB\u2019s All-Star break in the rearview mirror and the Aug. 3 trade deadline fast approaching, we are&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":818484,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[435],"tags":[49,48,462,82],"class_list":["post-818483","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-mlb","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/818483","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=818483"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/818483\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/818484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=818483"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=818483"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=818483"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}