{"id":746295,"date":"2026-07-06T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/746295\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T10:46:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:46:14","slug":"mlb-trade-deadline-buzz-top-targets-for-contenders-and-which-teams-should-sell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/746295\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB Trade Deadline buzz: Top targets for contenders and which teams should sell"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are less than a month away from the Aug. 3 trade deadline and contending teams know their biggest needs and which players they hope to target in deals. Teams expected to be sellers will be listening to offers on their veteran players and are scouring the farm systems of organizations they think they\u2019ll match up with in possible trades.<\/p>\n

Of course, team needs can change with one injury, one week of slumps or a player who unexpectedly becomes available for a deal. Trades usually don\u2019t happen overnight; instead, there are weeks of discussions, negotiations and constant monitoring of the market and where teams stand in the playoff race.<\/p>\n

Though that work is being done now, most front offices are so focused on the upcoming MLB Draft<\/a> that true trade discussions won\u2019t begin in earnest until right after the All-Star Game.<\/p>\n

Most years, we look at the trade deadline through the lens of which teams are buyers (contending teams) and which are sellers (non-contending teams). However, with all but a small handful of MLB teams within reasonable striking distance of the playoffs, it\u2019s probably safe to say that most moves made at this year\u2019s trade deadline will be between two teams with possible paths to the postseason.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, let\u2019s look at all 30 teams, where they stand and which players might be the best fits in a potential trade.<\/p>\n

NL EastAtlanta Braves<\/p>\n

The Braves are searching for a starting pitcher who is worthy of a Game 2 playoff series nod. Their top trade targets have to include Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Jos\u00e9 Soriano, Reid Detmers, Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Robbie Ray.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Joe Ryan, RHP, Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n

It would probably take two of JR Ritchie, Cam Caminiti and Didier Fuentes to pry Ryan away from Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Due to right fielder Adol\u00eds Garc\u00eda\u2019s season-ending injury, the Phillies have made a corner outfielder or first baseman their top priority. Right field is their preference, but they know Bryce Harper is willing to move to right field if they can land a first baseman.<\/p>\n

There is not much of a market for that type of player, but here are some possibilities: Mike Trout (even though it\u2019s highly unlikely that Trout is traded), Jo Adell, JJ Bleday, Spencer Steer, Jarren Duran, Bryan Reynolds, Kody Clemens, Spencer Torkelson, Willson Contreras and TJ Rumfield.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n

A package of Dante Nori, Gabe Craig and Ramon Marquez could entice the Angels\u2019 new leadership to make the deal.<\/p>\n

Washington Nationals<\/p>\n

The Nationals are making relief pitching their top trade priority and the market will be flooded with relievers. Some possible targets include: Antonio Senzatela, Seth Halvorsen, Matt Gage, Keaton Winn, Chase Silseth and Sam Bachman.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

Senzatela has made a seamless transition from starter to reliever this season.<\/p>\n

Miami Marlins<\/p>\n

The Marlins continue to prioritize adding offense and are willing to trade from their strong cabinet of pitching prospects. The position with the biggest need for more thump is third base. Possible trade targets for them include Josh Jung, Royce Lewis and Nolan Gorman.<\/p>\n

\"Royce<\/p>\n

\n Could a resurgent Royce Lewis be a fit for the Marlins? (Michael Turner \/ MLB Photos via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Best fit: Royce Lewis, IF, Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n

The Twins are desperate for pitching upgrades and would have to consider dangling Lewis at this point. He only makes $2.85 million and would fit in Miami\u2019s challenging budget.<\/p>\n

New York Mets<\/p>\n

The Mets should be selling at this point and must be hoping that Freddy Peralta starts pitching a lot better, as his trade value has dropped considerably after his ERA ballooned into the high 4s as his velocity dropped across the board.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

NL CentralMilwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n

The Brewers are clearly the team to beat in the NL Central and most of their needs can be solved with internal promotions. However, their primary need is bullpen depth, and adding a third left-handed reliever makes a lot sense. If the Red Sox deal Ardolis Chapman, he would be ideal to pair with Trevor Megill. Other lefties that might make sense include Anthony Bender, Brock Burke, Daniel Lynch and A.J. Minter.<\/p>\n

Best fit: A.J. Minter, LHP, New York Mets<\/p>\n

Minter has pitched well since returning from left lat surgery in late May.<\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals<\/p>\n

The Cardinals have been the NL\u2019s biggest surprise, and they believe that their biggest need is a starting pitcher. Without giving up any of their very top prospects, their most realistic trade targets are a reunion with Sonny Gray or acquiring Robbie Ray.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Robbie Ray, LHP, San Francisco Giants<\/p>\n

Perhaps a package that includes right-hander Tanner Franklin and shortstop Yairo Padilla could get a deal done.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Pirates<\/p>\n

The Pirates are concentrating on improving their run prevention, specifically by beefing up the bullpen with a difference-making back-end reliever. Possible candidates include Aroldis Chapman, Luke Weaver, Alex Lange and Jimmy Herget.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Luke Weaver, RHP, New York Mets<\/p>\n

Weaver can set up, close and throw multiple innings.<\/p>\n

Chicago Cubs<\/p>\n

The Cubs have made it clear to opposing teams that trading for starting pitching is their top priority. If they think they can win the division, they\u2019ll swing for the fences and make a run at Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan or Jos\u00e9 Soriano. However, their most realistic targets will probably be Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Freddy Peralta.<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

\n Could Sonny Gray return to the NL Central? (Jaiden Tripi \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sonny Gray, RHP, Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n

The Cubs could offer Matt Shaw as the headliner in the package, and he would be a solid fit for Boston.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n

The Reds need another impact bat, preferably in the outfield, but the way they\u2019re playing right now, they\u2019re much better off being sellers.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

NL WestLos Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n

The Dodgers believe they just need to get healthy to win their third straight title and they are unlikely to make any big moves at this year\u2019s deadline. There are whispers that if Tarik Skubal is made available, the Dodgers don\u2019t plan on being involved, although I wouldn\u2019t necessarily bet against them making a play to acquire Skubal. They just have too much talent depth at all levels not to at least get involved at the buzzer.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Just get healthy<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

The Padres\u2019 top priority should be to land a top-of-the-rotation starter, and it won\u2019t surprise me if they target Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan and are willing to swap their best prospect, Ethan Salas. Why? Because that\u2019s what they do. However, it\u2019s probably more realistic they land either Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray or Reid Detmers instead.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Freddy Peralta, RHP, New York Mets<\/p>\n

Rather than swing for Skubal or Ryan, the Padres are more likely to take a chance they can get Peralta back on track, given that the prospect price to acquire him will be much lower than it was before the season.<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks<\/p>\n

The Diamondbacks\u2019 most pressing needs are starting pitching, a left-handed power bat and more bullpen depth. They\u2019re hoping that Max Kepler can solve the left-handed power issue and the return of Brandon Pfaadt can solve the rotation need. At this point, it\u2019s more likely they focus on relievers, with Adolis Chapman, Kyle Finnegan, Lucas Erceg and Sam Bachman all possibilities.<\/p>\n

\"Kansas<\/p>\n

\n Lucas Erceg has pitched better of late and could be a late-inning stabilizer for Arizona. (Dale Zanine \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Best fit: Lucas Erceg, RHP, Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

Erceg has an inflated ERA but has pitched better of late. Last year, he was a lockdown reliever and he still has good stuff. The Royals are desperate for offense and the Diamondbacks could offer any one of several right-handed hitters in their system.<\/p>\n

San Francisco Giants<\/p>\n

The Giants are going to be sellers, with Robbie Ray and Luis Arraez the most likely to be dealt. However, they will listen on their star players, too, including Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames. Should be a fascinating deadline for their front office.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

Colorado Rockies<\/p>\n

The Rockies will be sellers, with the only untouchable being catcher Hunter Goodman. Unfortunately, they don\u2019t have a lot of trade assets outside of some bullpen arms, fifth starter\/long reliever types and role players.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

AL EastNew York Yankees<\/p>\n

The Yankees\u2019 biggest needs are another high-leverage back-end reliever and a right-handed-hitting catcher. They were hoping that prospect Carlos Lagrange and his triple-digit fastball would help them out of the bullpen this summer, but he just landed on the Triple-A injured list<\/a> with a shoulder injury. Therefore, they\u2019ll be monitoring the trade market for late-innings arms to pair with closer David Bednar.<\/p>\n

On the catcher front, their most likely target will be Ryan Jeffers, once he\u2019s healthy. They also could try to go big and ask the Orioles about Adley Rutschman, but it\u2019s unlikely Baltimore will move him. Otherwise, they\u2019ll look for a platoon-type catcher like Jeffers, Keibert Ruiz or maybe even Gabriel Moreno.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n

Jeffers would be a good platoon fit with Austin Wells.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays<\/p>\n

The Rays know they have an opportunity not only to win the AL East but also to reach the World Series, given the current parity in the AL. Therefore, expect them to go big at this year\u2019s deadline and probably do it in stealth fashion.<\/p>\n

\"Tarik<\/p>\n

\n Can the Rays finally acquire a superstar? (Nic Antaya \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve always made a run at star players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, but the public normally doesn\u2019t find out until years later. That\u2019s why no one should be surprised if they make a run at Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Aroldis Chapman or any other star player who is moved. Don\u2019t be surprised if they\u2019re willing to trade one or two of their very best prospects to get it done. They\u2019d love another big outfield bat or top-of-the-rotation starter.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers<\/p>\n

The Tigers will have to actually make Skubal available, of course, but if he is, he\u2019d be the best target for Tampa.<\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

The Blue Jays are hoping for better health and haven\u2019t yet told other teams what they\u2019ll be targeting. However, they are among the worst teams in baseball in terms of runs scored and home runs, so targeting a power bat makes sense.<\/p>\n

Possible trade targets include Jo Adell, Mike Trout (although, again, I don\u2019t think Trout will be moved), Luis Robert Jr. or Jorge Polanco if either is healthy in time, Casey Schmitt, Kody Clemens, Mickey Moniak, JJ Bleday or Spencer Steer.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Spencer Steer, OF\/IF, Cincinnati Reds<\/p>\n

Steer can play first, third and left and is on pace to eclipse 20 homers for the fourth consecutive year. He\u2019s still only 28 but is arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason, which is why the Reds could move on from him.<\/p>\n

Baltimore Orioles<\/p>\n

The Orioles have made it clear that starting pitching continues to be their top priority in all trade discussions. I expect them to pursue Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Jos\u00e9 Soriano, Reid Detmers, Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Robbie Ray.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Reid Detmers, LHP and Jos\u00e9 Soriano, RHP, Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n

With John Mozeliak now in charge of the Angels, they are much more likely to consider deals for their veterans. The Orioles have a bevy of young position players on their major-league roster as well as in their farm system to put together a strong enough package to land one of those two starters. Either one could be a game-changer for the Orioles\u2019 chances to make the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n

The Red Sox are looking for offense in all of their trade discussions and are open-minded about what they have to deal. However, their best play would be to sell because it\u2019s a seller\u2019s market and the Red Sox could be one of the headliners at the deadline with Sonny Gray, Aroldis Chapman and Jarren Duran all potential trade bait.<\/p>\n

A rebuild to contend next season is probably in their best interests, even though they have moved back into the wild-card race.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

AL CentralChicago White Sox<\/p>\n

The White Sox are looking to go from last to first just like the Blue Jays did last year. Their path would be easier if they add to the rotation and the back end of their bullpen.<\/p>\n

I think they should target both Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, but should be willing to consider all possibilities, including an in-division trade with the Royals. The White Sox trading a bat for either Michael Wacha or Seth Lugo could make sense for both teams.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n

Chapman would become their lockdown closer and give them a much better shot at reaching the postseason and being competitive once there.<\/p>\n

Cleveland Guardians<\/p>\n

The Guardians ideally need another middle-of-the-order bat, with first base or DH the best positional fits. At some point they\u2019ll be getting Jos\u00e9 Ram\u00edrez and Angel Mart\u00ednez back from the injured list, which will help, but they still need another power bat.<\/p>\n

\"Washington<\/p>\n

\n Could the Guardians acquire Curtis Mead to give them two Aussies in their infield? (Rafael Suanes \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

If either Christian Walker or Isaac Paredes becomes available, they both would be solid targets, as would Spencer Steer or Eugenio Su\u00e1rez, possibly Marcell Ozuna if he starts producing more, Jake Burger, Joc Pederson, Willson Contreras (although I doubt Boston moves their best hitter), Kody Clemens, Luis Garc\u00eda Jr. or Curtis Mead.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Luis Garc\u00eda Jr. and Curtis Mead, IFs, Washington Nationals<\/p>\n

Both Garc\u00eda and Mead are having their best seasons and Washington desperately needs to upgrade both its rotation and bullpen. Pitching is a strength for Cleveland while offense is a strength for the Nats, making them good trade matches.<\/p>\n

Detroit Tigers<\/p>\n

The Tigers need to get healthy and have their players get back to their normal level of play. If they do that, they could get back in the race by the end of July and hold on to Tarik Skubal, which was their original plan. However, if I were them, I would trade Skubal and get the biggest return possible to set the team up for 2027 and beyond. I don\u2019t think this is a championship-caliber team even if they were to defy all odds and make the playoffs this year.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Trade Tarik Skubal for the best trade package possible.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Twins<\/p>\n

The Twins see a wild-card berth within striking distance and are searching for bullpen help. I don\u2019t think they have a strong chance for a wild card, and if I were them, I would see what I could get for Joe Ryan, Taylor Rogers, Kody Clemens, Royce Lewis, Tristan Gray, Victor Caratini and Josh Bell. I would even talk to Byron Buxton to see if he would waive his no-trade clause if I could deal him to either the Braves or Yankees.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

The Royals have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball and they are focusing on improving their offense for the long term. They have the start of a strong nucleus around superstar Bobby Witt Jr., with Maikel Garcia and young potential stars Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. However, they know they need to add more hitters around them.<\/p>\n

Kansas City is not going to be a legitimate contender this year. The Royals need to see what they can get back for their best trade assets, pitchers like Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Lucas Erceg and Alex Lange.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n

AL WestSeattle Mariners<\/p>\n

The Mariners\u2019 biggest need is one more high-leverage bullpen arm and a right-handed power hitter who can do damage against left-handed pitching, which they have struggled against this year. If Jorge Polanco or Luis Robert Jr. get healthy, one of them would make some sense. Willson Contreras would be the best fit, but, again, I doubt the Red Sox move him. Spencer Steer also would be a solid choice due to his positional flexibility and power.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Jorge Polanco, DH\/1B, and Huascar Brazob\u00e1n, RHP, New York Mets<\/p>\n

Securing a reunion with Polanco, who is currently on rehab assignment with the Mets, and acquiring right-handed reliever Huascar Brazob\u00e1n in one big trade would be a strong move for Seattle. A deal of that magnitude, combined with the promotion of top pitching prospect Kade Anderson, could be the final pieces for the Mariners to secure the AL West.<\/p>\n

Texas Rangers<\/p>\n

The Rangers are looking to improve their offense and are really challenged right now with their best two players, Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager, on the injured list.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

\n If he\u2019s healthy, Luis Robert Jr. could provide a boost for the Rangers. (D. Ross Cameron \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Like the Mariners, the Rangers should be calling the Mets to see if they can get a bat. Luis Robert Jr. could be a fit, as he\u2019s on a minor-league rehab assignment recovering from a lumbar spine herniation. He is expected back this month and has time to prove he\u2019s healthy. He\u2019s already hit 38 homers in a season (2023) and stolen 33 bases in a year (2025) and is still only 28.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Luis Robert Jr., CF, New York Mets<\/p>\n

The Rangers might be willing to offer a package of left-hander Dalton Pence and outfielder Paxton King to make the trade work from the Mets side of things.<\/p>\n

Athletics<\/p>\n

The A\u2019s are targeting pitching of all types, as they have big needs in the rotation and the bullpen. Once the A\u2019s figure out how to build a stable pitching staff, they should be perennial contenders. They might just be a starting pitcher away from making the playoffs and should be targeting pitchers that they control past this year without having to give up any of their top-end prospects.<\/p>\n

Their best trade targets include Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Brady Singer, Kyle Freeland, Robbie Ray, Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara or Emmet Sheehan.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Seth Lugo, RHP, Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

Lugo is 36 but controllable for one more year with a team option. He\u2019s having a solid season and would be a leader for the A\u2019s young pitchers.<\/p>\n

Houston Astros<\/p>\n

The Astros are searching for a left-handed hitting outfielder with pop to better balance their lineup. There are not a lot of players available who fit that profile, but a few significant ones they should target include Jarren Duran, Kerry Carpenter, Ryan O\u2019Hearn and maybe even Mickey Moniak.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Jarren Duran, OF, Boston Red Sox<\/p>\n

Duran needs a change of scenery and would thrive in the Astros\u2019 strong clubhouse environment.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n

The Angels made their best move in years when they landed veteran executive John Mozeliak<\/a> to get them back on the right track from a front-office leadership perspective. The Angels have a lot of talent they can dangle at the deadline, including starters Jos\u00e9 Soriano and Reid Detmers and outfielders Jo Adell and Jorge Soler. They\u2019ll now be a fun organization to follow in late July.<\/p>\n

Best fit: Sell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We are less than a month away from the Aug. 3 trade deadline and contending teams know their…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":746296,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[2317,4818,2111,371,374,479,2318,2319,2320,1230,372,373,2321,2322,2323,2324,2325,2326,363,1189,369,480,2240,2328,2329,481,99,1231,974,2330,364,2331],"class_list":["post-746295","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-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\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/746295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=746295"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/746295\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/746296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=746295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=746295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=746295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}