on our Big Board of trade candidates<\/a>, and we\u2019re betting they\u2019ll hold onto top prospect Theo Gillen, but former top prospect Carson Williams could be interesting trade bait. Williams struggled in a couple of looks at the big-league level, but he\u2019s still 23 and not far removed from being a consensus top 50 \u2014 or higher \u2014 prospect in the entire sport. His value is down, but if the Rays aren\u2019t sold on Williams as a part of their major league future \u2014 they\u2019re still paying all-glove Taylor Walls at shortstop \u2014 maybe his combination of upside and big league readiness can help bring in a catcher or an outfielder who can hit. \u2014 Chad Jennings<\/p>\n TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Brooks Raley<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
The Mets have a quintet of impending free agents likely to move at the deadline. Raley feels like the safest bet to go \u2014 and maybe the first to go. The lefty has made a remarkable recovery from Tommy John surgery: In the year since coming back, he\u2019s been the best he\u2019s ever been at age 38. Over the last five years, his ERA is under 2.50 and he\u2019s consistently owned fellow lefties. This is unlikely to be the headline deal for the Mets or for the team that acquires Raley, but he\u2019ll be a good get for the latter. \u2014 Tim Britton<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
AJ Blubaugh<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
Blubaugh has already drawn interest from multiple teams and is one of the most realistic trade chips on the Astros\u2019 major-league roster. The lanky 26-year-old ascended the Astros\u2019 pitching hierarchy as a starting pitcher but has blossomed into a swingman in Houston\u2019s bullpen during his first full major-league season. Blubaugh\u2019s fastball can touch 98 mph and his sweeper is one of baseball\u2019s most underrated pitches. That Blubaugh has thrown at least two innings in 20 of his first 37 appearances, has five more seasons of team control and can be converted back into a starter makes him an obvious target for any team talking with the Astros. \u2014 Chandler Rome<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Billy Carlson<\/p>\n
SS<\/p>\n
Carlson was Chicago\u2019s first round draft pick in 2025, taken No. 10 overall as a high schooler out of California. The White Sox, notably, drafted another shortstop No. 1 overall earlier this month. That\u2019s to say nothing of their current young shortstop, Colson Montgomery, who is a bona fide great player. So while you can never have too much shortstop talent in your system, parting with Carlson might make some sense to really bolster a club that could win the AL Central, and maybe even get a postseason bye. It\u2019s been an incredible turnaround, and Chicago needs to capitalize at the deadline by adding some pitching. \u2014 Blum<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Cooper Ingle<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Poor Cooper. I hope you\u2019re not reading this. None of it is your fault. You cracked a couple top 100 prospects lists. You had a torrid start to the season at the plate. You made defensive strides at catcher. Then the Guardians went and traded for Patrick Bailey, and Austin Hedges decided to thrive at the plate for the first time in a dozen seasons, so you started playing left field and you were promoted to the majors soon after and it wasn\u2019t pretty and you were sent back to Triple A. There\u2019s not a convenient spot for you in Cleveland. It might be better for everyone if you head somewhere new, somewhere you can catch. \u2014 Zack Meisel<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Mickey Moniak<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
Moniak is putting together a career season for the Rockies, but there are some reasons why he is more likely to be traded than others. The main one is his age and proximity to free agency. While the Rockies might be hesitant to trade too much from their young core, the 28-year-old Moniak will be a free agent after next season. He\u2019s likely not in Colorado\u2019s competitive window. Plus he\u2019s more of a known commodity. The former No. 1 overall pick put up an .802 OPS with the Angels in 2023, proving this success isn\u2019t completely tied to playing in Coors Field. \u2014 Blum<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Taylor Ward<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
It would be more fun to predict an Adley Rutschman trade, but Ward is a safer bet as a pending free agent. An offseason acquisition meant to improve the Orioles\u2019 right-handed power, Ward has indeed been one of their best hitters, but he\u2019s done in an unexpected way with the highest on-base percentage and lowest slugging percentage of his career. The total offensive impact, as measured by wRC+, is still plenty valuable, and acquiring teams could hold out hope that Ward taps into his old power numbers down the stretch. \u2014 Jennings<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Ramon Marquez<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
Marquez fits the mold of prospect the Phillies have dealt at past deadlines; a pop-up starting pitcher who has considerable development time still ahead. They did it with Ben Brown in 2022, then Sam Aldegheri and George Klassen in 2024. Marquez grades well on rival teams\u2019 models, according to analysts with several teams who were granted anonymity to speak freely. He has a plus changeup. He is throwing harder this season. The 20-year-old signed as an amateur from Mexico could project as a mid-rotation starter. \u2014 Matt Gelb<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Brady Singer<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
The Reds acquired Singer after the 2024 season to fortify the back of their rotation and he\u2019s done just that. The impending free agent led the team in innings (169 2\/3) in 2025 and has already cleared the 100-inning mark this season. Singer was in the bullpen for the Kansas City Royals for their 2024 playoff appearance and he likely wouldn\u2019t make the playoff rotation for a team, but he will take the ball every five days and give the team a chance to win more often than not. \u2014 C. Trent Rosecrans<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Tarik Skubal<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
There is much still to be determined between now and Aug. 3. The Tigers are winning and building a compelling case to keep Skubal. But unless they can win enough games to give a more meaningful boost to their playoff odds, it might not matter. The promise of a big return for Skubal could be too good to pass up. The Tigers have a tough call to make, but they might still be more likely to trade Skubal than any other player. \u2014 Cody Stavenhagen<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Adrian Morejon<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
Whether A.J. Preller buys or sells, Morejon will become a coveted free agent this winter; the Padres must consider extracting value while they still can. A younger, more potent version of $72 million reliever Tanner Scott, Morejon has emerged as the hardest-throwing left-hander in baseball. He might end up as the best bullpen arm moved at the trade deadline (if Mason Miller stays put). \u2014 Dennis Lin<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Ryan Ward<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
The Dodgers have already traded one of their outfield prospects, and it would qualify as somewhat of a surprise if they don\u2019t move another. Ward is a candidate who the Dodgers listened in on earlier this season, and with a dearth of outfield options on the market, Ward (a consistent Triple-A performer who debuted this season) could be a stealth option for teams looking to add a bat. \u2014 Fabian Ardaya<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Michael Wacha<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
Eleven years after his first All-Star appearance, Wacha made the team for the second time earlier this month. He has posted a 3.66 ERA in 20 starts, similar to the 3.49 ERA he has put together since 2022. He offers any rotation stability in its middle, if not top-end potential. His $14 million salary for 2027 may scare away some cheaper suitors, though. \u2014 Andy McCullough<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
David Hagaman<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
Hagaman is a 6-foot-4 right-hander with big extension and interesting strikeout numbers in High A. The Diamondbacks got him from the Rangers last year in exchange for Merrill Kelly. If the Diamondbacks end up buying, they have plenty of young pitching to offer other clubs. Hagaman has the sort of traits another team might be happy to take a chance on. \u2014 Stavenhagen<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Luke Adams<\/p>\n
1B<\/p>\n
The Brewers have a robust farm system, and they tend to be conservative about moving top prospects. So don\u2019t expect to see J\u00e9sus Made or Luis Pe\u00f1a even mentioned in trade rumors this summer. But the team has a lot of quality beneath the top prospects. Adams has shown increased power this season at Triple A, and would make sense as part of a package. \u2014 McCullough<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Daulton Varsho<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
Varsho is the Blue Jays\u2019 one expiring player who is both unlikely to re-sign in Toronto and, despite recent struggles, will have significant value on the trade market. Any deadline selling from Toronto will include a Varsho trade. \u2014 Mitch Bannon\u00a0<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
JR Ritchie<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
Ritchie made his MLB debut this season, and has shuttled between Triple A and the majors through the year. He has a six-pitch mix, with his curveball leading the way, but has struggled with command, as he\u2019s walked batters 14 percent of the time. He is just 22, and the right organization could help him elevate his game. \u2014 Jes\u00fas Cano<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Foster Griffin<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
With the Nationals\u2019 contention window still seemingly one or two years away and with Griffin on an expiring contract, it is hard to see Washington holding on to its All-Star. Maybe the team goes on a heater. Maybe a last-minute contract extension materializes. The team could even plan to extend the qualifying offer this winter, which would either give it another season of Griffin or net draft-pick compensation. But this is a classic sell-high candidate. Someone will want a starter with sharp command and a sub-3.00 ERA, even if the stuff isn\u2019t overpowering. \u2014 Spencer Nusbaum\u00a0<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Jake Burger<\/p>\n
1B<\/p>\n
Decent right-handed bats are in short supply. Burger, despite disappointing numbers since he joined the Rangers, remains a decent right-handed bat with power. He\u2019s under affordable club control for two more years, which could further entice teams in need of a weapon against left-handed pitching. \u2014 Lin<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Braxton Garrett<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
Garrett, who returned in March from elbow surgery, has thrived in Triple A and been shellacked in a couple of big-league starts. He\u2019ll be out of minor-league options next year, and he was inherited by Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix. Given the leaguewide demand for controllable starting pitching, Garrett could be due for a change of scenery. \u2014 Lin<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Matt Wallner<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
While Ryan Jeffers appears to be a likely candidate, Wallner is redundant and his future with the Twins is murky. Trevor Larnach is excelling in the leadoff spot. Even if he gets moved, Alan Roden is a superior defender to Wallner, and top prospect Walker Jenkins is healthy, hitting and ready for the call to the majors. Though he struggled before his demotion, Wallner is hitting once again at Triple A. His three-plus seasons of team control remaining should appeal. \u2014 Dan Hayes<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Jonny Farmelo<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
The Mariners have a deep system, and in lieu of Farmelo, this answer could have been Michael Arroyo or Lazaro Montes. All three are 21-year-olds who could be ready for the majors in the next year or two. Seattle is certainly positioned to package a couple prospects for help for their big-league lineup and\/or bullpen. If they want to get creative, they could deal someone from their starting rotation in a surplus-for-surplus structure, since they\u2019ve been juggling a six-man crew, but that could be tough to execute. \u2014 Meisel<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Jonah Heim<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
No, not the catcher you were expecting here. Shea Langeliers could become the buzziest name at the deadline, but the A\u2019s will resist the temptation to make the biggest big-leaguer-for-prospect splash for the second straight summer. Instead, they\u2019ll send Heim to a team in need of some catching help, perhaps the Dodgers or Yankees or Rays, one of the teams that strikes out on acquiring Ryan Jeffers. \u2014 Meisel<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Hunter Barco<\/p>\n
LHP<\/p>\n
It\u2019s primarily by process of elimination that we arrive at Barco as the Pirates\u2019 most likely player to be traded. MLB clubs rarely trade top-100 prospects, and I\u2019d be shocked if the Pirates bucked that trend. Seth Hernandez should be untouchable. Moving Edward Florentino, Murf Gray or Wyatt Sanford would only be warranted if it was to land San Diego Padres closer (and Pittsburgh kid) Mason Miller. The Pirates\u2019 surplus lies in their starting pitching depth, and trading Barco \u2014 a 25-year-old lefty starter drafted in the second round in 2022 \u2014 would not hinder their hopes of contending this season. Frankly, I doubt other GMs are falling over each other to acquire the position-player prospects the Pirates would be most willing to move. But clubs\u2019 seemingly insatiable appetite for controllable starting pitching makes Barco a nice fit in any trade. \u2014 Stephen J. Nesbitt\u00a0<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Kevin Alc\u00e1ntara<\/p>\n
OF<\/p>\n
Alc\u00e1ntara has shown power and speed in the minors, though in the big leagues the former hasn\u2019t shown up yet and the latter hasn\u2019t kept him from making some baserunning mistakes. But he\u2019s a plus defender in center who teams can dream on at the plate and still only 24. He\u2019s out of options next year and isn\u2019t guaranteed an everyday spot with the Cubs next year, so trying to maximize his value makes sense. \u2014 Sahadev Sharma<\/p>\n
TeamPlayerPosition<\/p>\n
Dustin May<\/p>\n
RHP<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been an uneven season for the right-hander on a one-year deal. After a pair of rough starts early, he pitched like a potential All-Star, capped off by a one-hit shutout of the Padres. In his five starts since, his ERA is over nine. Everyone needs a starter, and May\u2019s frequent glimpses of his potential and his strong peripherals are sure to tantalize one of those teams this summer. (He brought back real value at the deadline during a worse individual season last year.) While still in contention in the NL, St. Louis was never all-in on this season, and this is a chance to cash in a nice chip. \u2014 Britton<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hug watch season is officially upon us, and while there hasn\u2019t been a big move in advance of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":822874,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[435],"tags":[485,495,3960,3966,3959,49,48,508,3961,3983,491,4021,490,1506,474,3962,487,3981,493,3965,462,475,3980,481,509,477,512,470,82,3982,480,3992,507,3968],"class_list":["post-822873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mlb","tag-arizona-diamondbacks","tag-athletics","tag-atlanta-braves","tag-baltimore-orioles","tag-boston-red-sox","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-chicago-cubs","tag-chicago-white-sox","tag-cincinnati-reds","tag-cleveland-guardians","tag-colorado-rockies","tag-detroit-tigers","tag-houston-astros","tag-kansas-city-royals","tag-los-angeles-angels","tag-los-angeles-dodgers","tag-miami-marlins","tag-milwaukee-brewers","tag-minnesota-twins","tag-mlb","tag-new-york-mets","tag-new-york-yankees","tag-philadelphia-phillies","tag-pittsburgh-pirates","tag-san-diego-padres","tag-san-francisco-giants","tag-seattle-mariners","tag-sports","tag-st-louis-cardinals","tag-tampa-bay-rays","tag-texas-rangers","tag-toronto-blue-jays","tag-washington-nationals"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822873","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=822873"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822873\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/822874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=822873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=822873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=822873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}