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No matter where your team stands, the trade deadline will grab your attention. Discussion around which player will hopefully soon land in your team’s lineup or which top prospects will spark your dreams of a better future, August 3rd is a day you’ll be tuned in for.
Each deadline is different. The market is driven by a shortage or surplus of what positions are available, matching with contenders’ needs and 2026 is no different.
An interesting twist this time is around, is the looming CBA negotiations, with teams having no idea what rules they will be playing under next season.
Add in the fact that nearly everyone in the American League has an angle to convince themselves they are still in a playoff race and knowing who is and isn’t a buyer becomes cloudy.
We have tried out best to come up with a complete list of the top 50 players who are on the block at this year’s trade deadline. To narrow the field, we eliminated some teams who are still enough in the race that we can’t consider them sellers, such as the suddenly scorching hot Boston Red Sox.
We also have honorable mentions for players who are too valuable to be traded, players who teams are unlikely to sell-low on and even a few players who simply just missed the top 50.
When it comes to our top 50, these players have been ranked considering years of control, talent, and contract dollars to establish which players hold the most trade value at this year’s deadline.
Top 50 Trade Deadline Assets Ranked By Value
1. Mason Miller, San Diego Padres
Years of Control: 3.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $4 million in 2026 (arb-1), Super-Two (three more years of arb 2027-2029)
The San Diego Padres are not likely to trade Mason Miller at this year’s deadline. He is just too valuable. Then again, we said that last year when Miller was still an Athletic. And sure enough, with four and a half years of control, Miller was dealt.
As the old saying goes, you are only untouchable until a team puts an 18-year-old super prospect on the table.
At least that was the case when Miller got traded for Leo De Vries. Because A.J. Preller traded what is now our No. 4 prospect in all of baseball (along with three other prospects) for Miller (and JP Sears) a year ago, the bar has been set pretty high to land the best closer in baseball.
With that said, the Padres could use a little bit of a reset. They have been in perpetual win-now mode, leaving this team with a handful of immovable long-term contracts and a barren farm system. With no clear marquee closer on the market, the Padres could flaunt Miller and get an absolute haul for him.
If they landed 2-3 big league, or close to big league contributors, selling high on a closer might not be the worst way to capitalize on a seller’s market.
2. Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels
Years of Control: 3.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $4.15 million (arb-1), Super Two (three more years of arb 2027-2029)
The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly listening to trade offers on players with control, and that list includes shortstop Zach Neto. Prior to this report, Neto was going to be included at the bottom of this article in our section of, “Top Players Who Require Too Much of a Return to Be Moved”.
This is because the idea of a 25-year-old shortstop getting traded with three and a half years of control is pretty outlandish on the surface. Why would the Angels trade a player who has been on 30-30 watch for the past three seasons, and who plays a premium position that is very hard to replace?
Again, 25-year-old quality big league shortstops don’t grow on trees, but if the Angels were really compelled to sell under interim GM John Mozeliak, they could get a rebuild started with a big return for Neto.
3. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $6.1 million in 2026 (arb-2), $13 million mutual option for 2027 (arb-3)
An extra year of control has pushed Ryan to the top of this list as the most valuable starting pitcher on the trade block. A consistent pitcher who can frontline a rotation, hasn’t had major injury concerns, and just turned thirty fits on just about any contender’s roster.
You won’t find many arms of this caliber at the discounted price point Ryan brings, giving his trade value another added boost.
Minnesota is still technically in the race, but considering what they would be able to get in return, and the reality of their situation, I think it will be hard to pass up the prospect return.
Re-signing in Minnesota feels like a long shot, and trading him in the offseason becomes risky due to the lost half-season of control and unknown CBA implementations.
4. Shea Langeliers, Athletics
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control
Contract: $5.25 million (arb-1)
You will not find Hunter Goodman on this list, because we just think he is too valuable to the Rockies to be moved right now. Shea Langeliers on the other hand comes with one less year of control, and with reports that they failed to come to terms with him on a contract extension, it feels like the A’s should at least have some long conversations at this year’s deadline on their starting backstop.
Langeliers is one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, trailing only Cal Raleigh in home runs hit since the 2024 season, with his 82 homers pacing a field that includes Goodman (74 HR) coming in at third.
The 28-year-old is a consistent source of offense, at a position where few are, and comes with enough control that teams won’t hesitant to part with major prospects. Langeliers’ value will never be higher on the trade market for the A’s, but if they envision contending next year, Shea would be a hard player to part with.
5. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $32 million (arb-3)
For my money, Tarik Skubal is the most talented pitcher on this list. A back-to-back Cy Young winner, clubhouse leader, and fierce competitor who is a mere months away from likely breaking records for the highest dollar deal for a lefty starter.
His injury early in the year has been proven not to slow him down, and his $32 million contract is a lot, but so is the talent. As a pure rental, I think teams such as the Rays or Brewers who don’t traditionally spend big will be in play.
Detroit has been one of the hottest teams since the start of June. Will they even trade Skubal?
If you ask Tigers fans, you’ll get mixed answers. Passing up on the potential return is going to be difficult for a team whose farm system is ranked in the back third of the league, but the Tigers have played themselves into keeping Skubal not being a ridiculous decision.
6. Reid Detmers, Los Angeles Angels
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $2.625 Million in 2026 (arb-2), Super-Two (arb-3 in 2027, arb-4 in 2028)
I’m sure some will see Reid Detmers third on this list and disagree. The 2.5 years of team control is carrying some weight, but his 3.35 FIP, 10.19 K/9, and only 2.90 BB/9 have legitimized what we saw out of the bullpen last year. After multiple years of struggles, Detmers has figured it out and will be an inexpensive middle-of-the-rotation arm for a contender.
The Angels would have never traded Detmers in years past. Holding onto trade assets no matter the reality of their situation was their signature move. Now under a new front office, you have to wonder if they are finally willing to start the rebuild they should have started years ago.
7. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $7.3 million in 2026 (arb-2)
Adley Rutschman was a rare case of a super highly regarded prospect reaching their potential right off the bat. Back-to-back 125 wRC+ or higher years with at least 5 fWAR to start his career set the bar high. He’s leveled off to a very solid player, but not quite a star. However, enough teams need catching help that Rutschman would still net the O’s a great return.
Baltimore has once again not lived up to expectations. What was once the best farm system in baseball has produced a mixed bag of big leaguers, and it is time to once again reload the farm. If the organization believes Samuel Basallo can handle catching full-time, trading Rutschman could be a luxury they could afford.
8. José Soriano, Los Angeles Angels
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $2.9 million in 2026 (arb-1)
What was said for Detmers can be nearly copied and pasted for José Soriano. The talent has always been there, but consistency and walking too many batters held him back. An elite groundball pitcher who has seen a tick up in his swing and miss is the perfect type of player to target in order to bolster the middle of your rotation.
Any acquiring team would need to have good defenders around the infield. A career 59.5% groundball rate will put pressure on your infielders, but his career 3.84 FIP speaks volumes to the level of talent Soriano is. He won’t lead your rotation, but he certainly strengthens it.
9. Michael Wacha, Kansas City Royals
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control
Contract: $18 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, $14 million club option in 2028 ($1 million buyout)
Kansas City is in a difficult spot. A team that failed to build on their momentum from two years ago but still has enough of a core to push forward as is. Wacha has been an important piece the last few seasons and is showing no signs of slowing down. The Royals have been rumored to want to hold on, but the return might be too good for a team that could need longer than his controllable years to truly be a bona fide contender.
A low-cost deal will be attractive to buyers, and the additional years of control, especially the club option, allow the acquiring team to have Wacha as more than a rental but not so long that they are paying into his late 30s. A solid, proven veteran that you can count on is not sexy, but valuable.
10. Luke Weaver, New York Mets
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control
Contract: $9.5 million in 2026, $12.5 million in 2027
Weaver’s transformation from mediocre back-end starter to shutdown reliever has been a fun story to follow over the years. Although he’s in year one of his deal, the Mets’ disaster of a season could, and should, lead him to being a hot commodity for bullpen-needy teams. Year three as a full-time bullpen arm has continued to show elite results with a 2.03 ERA and 2.82 FIP, with great command.
Every contender could use bullpen help, with some more than others. The $12.5 million price tag for 2027 could scare some small market teams away, but considering how good he has been, I think those teams could be in play more than we usually suspect. New York needs a boost to their system, and Weaver is the easiest way to do so.
11. Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $6.15 million in 2026
The former first overall pick has had a number of injuries and mixed results throughout his career. Last season (3.87 ERA, 3.89 FIP) was promising, and he has followed it up with the best season of his career, pitching to a 2.79 ERA and 2.69 FIP with a career-best 8.96 K/9.
Detroit has a few young arms coming through the system, and with Mize’s injury history, I could see them not being inclined to give him the 3+ years he’ll likely get on the open market this winter.
To me, Mize feels like the perfect comfort spot for a contender to buy. Not elite enough or attached to years of control to demand the massive haul, but good enough to impact your rotation for a playoff run. I could see more teams realistically in the mix for Mize than Skubal, but the Tigers haven’t announced themselves as sellers just yet.
12. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets
Years of Control: 3.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $2.4 million in 2026 (arb-1), Super Two (three more arb-years 2027-2029)
If the Mets really want to shake things up, moving their 24-year-old catcher with plenty of control would certainly be a statement. Alvarez is a great bat to add into a lineup and provides more offense and upside than most contenders have to offer at the catching position. I doubt the Mets are trying to move him, but if an offer big enough comes through, it could be worth it.
If I were a contender with catching problems and a farm system good enough to make an Alvarez trade, I would. In fact, for some contenders, I’d put him atop their needs list.
Over three years of control and untapped potential is the type of risk certain teams need to take. Injuries have been an issue, but catchers like Alvarez do not come available often.
13. Luis García Jr., Washington Nationals
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $6.875 million (arb-3), Super Two (arb-4 in 2027)
Washington’s season has been a pleasant surprise but not quite good enough to derail a long-term plan. A front office in year one on the job is less likely to be attached to players from the last regime, and trading García, who’s playing significantly better than he ever has, at the top of his value makes too much sense. He had one season over a 100 wRC+ heading into the year and currently sits at a 135 wRC+. Prime time to cash in.
What makes García interesting is an acquiring team could play him at second, where he mostly played prior to moving to first for the 2026 season. A year and a half of control should boost his value, especially if a team buys into the massive jump in power production. He has cleared 20 home runs for the first time, and his .271 ISO is .100 more than any other point in his career.
14. Clay Holmes, New York Mets
Years of Control: Likely a Rental
Contract: $13 million in 2026, $12 million player option in 2027
For the sake of discussion, let’s treat Holmes and his 2.39 ERA, 3.21 FIP as a rental. Declining his option is extremely likely, which places him in a similar bucket to Mize. If Detroit decides not to sell, Holmes becomes the comfortable medium between a great pitcher but not demanding the elite level of prospects to acquire.
His familiarity in the bullpen makes him an interesting chess piece come playoff time when rotations could shorten, as well.
The Mets need to take advantage of what they have in Weaver and Holmes and to help boost their farm system. In many ways, the Mets can control the deadline with a number of impactful pieces they could move and motivation to do so.
15. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $23 million in 2026
Through his first 21 starts this season, Kevin Gausman has a 4.51 ERA. That performance is a big reason why thy Blue Jays find themselves tabbed as sellers right now.
Despite the struggles, the expected metrics suggest he has been unlucky this year. If the Blue Jays ate down the remainder of his $23 million contract, Gausman could be easily moved. Even if not, Gausman is a proven playoff performer who is healthy and ready to join any rotation.
16. Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs
Years of Control: 5.5 years of control
Contract: Pre-arbitration, arbitration-eligible 2028, free agent: 2032
Matt Shaw went from a top 30 prospect in all of baseball to a utility piece on the Cubs roster rather quickly. Not because his level of play was troubling, but because Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, and a newly extended Nico Hoerner clogged the infield. Before his injury, he posted a .246/.322/.415 slash and 105 wRC+ and still has the upside teams will be interested in, especially in an expanded role.
Chicago might not be interested in moving Shaw, but he does carry enough value to pull off a significant move without hurting the major league roster all that much. If his future is more of a utility guy than a set-in-stone, one-position, everyday player, parting with him could come easier than moving off a top prospect. Pedro Ramirez could fill the backup role for the time being.
17. Adrián Morejón, San Diego Padres
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $3.9 million in 2026
The San Diego Padres may not decide to sell, but if they do, Adrian Morejon would be the easiest piece to move. He durable, effective pitching in leverage, and throws left-handed. What team doesn’t need an Adrian Morejon?
18. Foster Griffin, Washington Nationals
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $5.5 million
You might wonder why Foster Griffin finds himself ranked below Clay Holmes coming off an injury, or Kevin Gausman at 35 years old, still making over $20 million a year.
With that said, if you are the Chicago Cubs, who would you rather roll the dice on at the deadline to be able to start a playoff game for you: Foster Griffin or Kevin Gausman?
19. Huascar Brazoban, New York Mets
Years of Control: 3.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $1.05 (arb-1), Super Two (three more years of arb 2027-2029)
The Mets may want to hold onto Brazoban, as they pretty much control the remainder of his career with 3.5 years of team control. Still, the lack of options on the market could present the perfect opportunity for the Mets to cash in on Brazoban in a major way.
20. Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $12 million in 2026
You might be surprised to see Luis Arraez ranked outside the top 10 considering the season he is having in San Francisco. Arraez is hitting .330 through his first 91 games, while playing great defense at second base. There are plenty of teams that can use Arraez, but what kind of return will a rental second baseman get?
Teams value pitching over hitting at the deadline, because a hitter can go into a slump for a month and there goes 50% of the value you were expecting to get from the rental.
Arraez very well could be the most impactful hitter moved at the deadline, and yet his value is limited compared to rental pitchers, where great stuff tends to translate wherever you are.
21. Freddy Peralta, New York Mets
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $8 million in 2026
Steady Freddy has not been so steady in New York. A 5.01 ERA and 4.51 FIP with an uncharacteristic 8.97 K/9 is far from what the Mets expected they were getting. But Peralta’s cheap $8 million price tag and impressive track record will still drive interest and net the Mets a nice return, although not as nice as what they paid back in the offseason.
Peralta comes with playoff experience, and you know teams will be willing to look past his struggles from the first half. Being a rental might actually make him more attractive because if the struggles continue, at least you are not tied in the long term. Holmes and Peralta should be top priority for the Mets to move with Weaves and Raley a close second, and Alvarez on the block, seeing who’s willing to bite.
22. Michael King, San Diego Padres
Years of Control: Likely Rental
Contract: $9 million in 2026, player opt-out two-year, $58 million (2027-2028) + $5 million buyout on opt-out
On the surface Michael King would be much higher on this list based on how he is pitching this year.
The problem lies with his contract, as King will get a $5 million payday just for opting out at the end of the season to hit free agency. If King doesn’t opt out though, he would be opting into over $60 million in guaranteed money.
23. Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $16 million in 2026
Shane Bieber was traded last year off the IL. This year, his numbers have not been good, and he has struggled to stay healthy. Still, an opposing team that is desperate for a starter likely looks at Bieber and thinks he can start of playoff game. And if he is truly healthy, he probably can.
24. Eduardo Rodríguez, Arizona Diamondbacks
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control + conditional mutual option
Contract: $21 million in 2026, $19 million in 2027, vesting mutual option with $6 million buyout for 2028
Eduardo Rodríguez is one of the more cautionary All-Stars from this season. His 2.29 ERA looks great on the surface, but a 4.11 FIP is much closer to the truth. We have seen these stretches from E-Rod in the past, notably ahead of the 2023 deadline with Detroit, but at the end of the day he’s closer to a solid number four than an impact arm for a contender.
Arizona is stuck between selling and riding out what they have. Their rotation needs help not only now, but into the next year or two, causing them to potentially balk at moving him even if the offer is attractive. The next 12 months will be interesting in the desert with a number of important decisions ahead.
25. JJ Bleday, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $1.4 million in 2026 (arb-1)
Bleday landed in Cincinnati on a one-year, $1.4 million deal and started his season in Triple-A Louisville. After being recalled, he went on a tear that has cooled down, but still comes with flashes. The uptick in power feels real, and any acquiring team would be getting a player that puts together competitive at-bats each time he steps to the plate.
The added years of control will be difficult for the Reds to give up unless the return is significant. Cincinnati needs lefty bats and outfielders, so keeping Bleday could be the best path forward. On the other hand, their farm system is weak, and the idea of flipping a found commodity and cashing in is attractive.
26. Trevor Larnach, Minnesota Twins
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $4.475 million (arb-2)
The extra year of control bumps Larnach up the list a few spots, but don’t sleep on his bat. Although mostly a platoon player, Larnach has posted a .850 OPS off righties this season and has been a solid contributor since becoming a full-time player in Minnesota. You might not think much of him now, but this is the type of move you could look back on more fondly as a pleasant surprise if your team adds Larnach to the mix.
Minnesota is playing better than anyone expected, but I do not think it will hold them back from cashing in on pieces that are not in their long-term plans. Larnach is starting to get more expensive, and a number of their top prospects are ready for a role in the outfield, making him expendable.
27. A.J. Minter, New York Mets
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $11 million
A veteran lefty with a great track record is always on teams’ needs list. However, Minter has dealt with injury after injury and does not come with a cheap contract. The Mets have shown a willingness to pay down a contract in exchange for a better prospect, and Minter could be a candidate for that approach.
28. Brooks Raley, New York Mets
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $5 million
If Minter is not your cup of tea, how about the Mets’ other veteran lefty on an expiring deal?
Who doesn’t need a 38-year-old throwing junk from the left side with a 2.02 ERA and 3.18 FIP? Raley has had an ERA under 3.00 for five straight seasons, and although he falls more into the specialist category, he should net a mid-tier prospect. The Mets have no reason to keep him, as signing up for his age-39 season doesn’t sound like the best idea.
29. Kirby Yates, Los Angeles Angels
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $5 million
Yates is a well-traveled veteran at the end of his career but still pitching well, when healthy. Obviously, the Angels are in sell mode and getting whatever they can get for Yates, which I don’t think will be much, is good business. He won’t be viewed as a priced piece to bring in but can log productive middle relief innings for a bullpen-needy team.
30. Taylor Ward, Baltimore Orioles
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $12.175 million in 2026
Ward came to Baltimore in a surprise move over the winter with Grayson Rodriguez going to the Angels. Well, the move has worked out in the O’s favor as Ward has slashed .255/.387/.359, good for a 120 wRC+. The power has evaporated from 36 home runs to only six as Ward’s passiveness at the plate has led to more walks but an unusual approach.
We all know Baltimore is in the midst of a disappointing season, and cashing in on a rental makes a lot of sense. I do think Ward is the type of player that teams will value and also see as an extension candidate. He’ll turn 33 in the offseason, making a shorter-term extension more likely.
31. Ty France, San Diego Padres
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $1.35 million in 2026
Ty France is a sneaky good trade chip. He costs nothing in terms of salary, and he rakes against lefties. As a pure rental the value will be limited some, but the Padres should still be able get a decent return.
32. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $22.025 million in 2026
Gleyber Torres rolled a solid 2025 season into a qualifying offer that he accepted to come back to Detroit. When healthy, he’s been great – .280/.395/.395 with a 127 wRC+ – but staying healthy has been an issue. Power is no longer a major part of his game, and the defense at second is not a strong point. A big price tag and injury make him less attractive to other teams.
I doubt the return for Torres will be worth it for the Tigers. If Detroit continues to stay hot and climb back it would be wise to simply keep Torres rather than moving him for a lottery ticket type prospect. The talent is worth more, but other factors are driving down his potential return
33. Luis Torrens, New York Mets
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control
Contract: $2.275 million in 2026, signed two-year, $11.5 million extension (2027-2028)
What a career arc for Torrens. Years ago Seattle was trying to get his bat in the lineup but avoid playing him behind the plate, and now he’s a great defender with a less-than-average bat. Go figure. The Mets feel likely to move one of their catchers, and while Torrens will not bring the same return as Alvarez, he will fit many teams’ needs and price tag.
Years of control at a comfortable price make Torrens attractive as a backup option for many teams.
34. Jake McCarthy, Colorado Rockies
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control
Contract: $1.525 million in 2028 (arb-1)
I have to say, the new front office in Colorado is showing signs of being able to run a competent operation. they have found a number of useful players that were cast out in other organizations and turned them into trade pieces. McCarthy can play all three outfield spots, makes a ton of contact, steals some bags, and enters deadline discussions with a 121 wRC+.
Even with the years of control, Colorado needs to flip McCarthy and continue to build their farm system, especially on the pitching side. McCarthy is a solid all-around player that should fit onto many teams’ rosters and can be viewed as a starter or luxury bench piece at the deadline. I think he could net a better prospect than simply a mid-tier, 15-20 ranked profile.
35. Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $10.75 million in 2026
Daulton Varsho is a rental at a position of great need in the game, as there are not many above average center fielders on the market. The problem is that Varsho is in the midst of a down season on both sides of the ball, so the value may be limited a bit, but you never know what supply and demand at the CF position could do to his trade value.
36. Mickey Moniak, Colorado Rockies
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control
Contract: $1.525 million in 2026 (arb-2)
The former first-overall selection from 2016 finally broke out last season in Colorado, launching 24 home runs, and has only increased his production this season. A .278/.326/.574 slash with 15 home runs and a 128 wRC+ across 62 games should be able to be moved for a quality prospect even with his injury playing a factor.
A similar story from McCarthy can be told for Moniak. A found commodity that is not quite fitting, contract and age, with Colorado’s long-term plan. Instead of holding onto these players like the Rockies have done in the past, I do think they will move them in order to boost the farm system.
37. Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $6.7 million
Minnesota has had Jeffers as the preferred catcher for a number of years, but I do expect that to end soon. On an expiring deal that should net him a significant contract, and Victor Caratini signed through next year to serve as the bridge catcher, Jeffers is likely to be moved at the deadline.
Jeffers would be higher on the list, but injury has shortened his season and might impact the return Minnesota nets from a deal. A solid defender with a great bat is hard to find behind the plate, and any acquiring team would likely view him as an extension candidate, which should help Minnesota.
38. Nick Lodolo, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control
Contract: $4.725 million in 2026 (arb-2)
I’m not sure if we have seen a pitcher deal with the amount of blister issues as Lodolo has. Injuries have followed him around throughout his career, and he currently is on the IL due to a blister. When healthy, Lodolo’s talent has shined in stretches, most notably last season, when he posted a 3.33 ERA and 3.81 FIP across 28 starts.
How much do you give up for a year and a half of a pitcher who has pitched over 125 innings once in his career? Especially during a season where he has not been effective mostly due to start-and-stop injuries. I imagine the Reds value him more than what they will get in return, but if a team is willing to roll the dice, Cincinnati should listen.
39. Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $11 million
Spencer Steer is a very interesting trade candidate for the Reds. Here is a guy who is four homers away from his fourth-straight season with 20 home runs, who has played six different positions this season. He also crushes left-handed pitching, which is a real value on a market devoid of right-handed power.
At the same time, Steer may be something akin to the 18-point scorer on a bad basketball team. Somebody has to score those points at Great American Small Park, and Steer has taken advantage of his everyday role on what has largely been a below-average ballclub.
This is not to say Steer can’t provide value. It’s just tough to gauge what a team would trade for a player who has not eclipsed two wins in fWAR since his rookie season back in 2023. Steer plays a bunch of positions, but none of them well, so the versatility component may not be as much of a boon to his value as one would think.
40. Gavin Sheets, San Diego Padres
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control arbitration
Contract: $4.5 million (arb-2)
Since coming the Padres, Gavin Sheets has proven to be a nice innings-eater on a team without much depth, but his numbers still don’t scream impact bat for a contender. With that said, there aren’t many bats on the market, and Sheets is going to give you a good at-bat from the left-side, and you can stick him at either first base or in left field.
If the Padres decide to lean into a sale, they should cash in on Sheets for whatever they can.
41. Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control
Contract: $5.2 million (arb-2)
Yes, the Angels should have moved Adell last year when they had a chance. A free swinger with a lot of power is proving 2025 and the 37 home runs that came with it were a fluke. We all know teams often think they could fix players, and Adell’s tools offer enough for a team to roll the dice and have him as a platoon/fourth outfielder, but will that role match what the Angels think the cost to acquire will be? To me, Adell feels like a move a team who isn’t able to do much more on the trade market should explore.
42. Trevor Rogers, Baltimore Orioles
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $6.2 million
The moments when Rogers looks like an ace are tough to ignore. Last season was a 1.81 ERA and 2.82 FIP across 18 starts, but his 2026 is closer to the level of pitcher we have seen outside of his amazing stretches. A 4.48 ERA and 4.07 FIP are fine, but a concerning 6.87 K/9 and drop-off in his groundball rate to 38.1% are cause for concern. I’ve always struggled to know how to value Rogers, and that hasn’t changed after the season he’s had in Baltimore.
43. Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $25 million
I’m sure teams will value Robbie Ray as a veteran lefty to round out a rotation, but this is not the strikeout artist that led to a big deal years ago. Injuries seem to be past him, and last season was promising, pitching 182.1 innings at a 3.65 ERA. He’s trended in the wrong direction, seeing a major dip to 7.59 K/9 with his walks, which has always been an issue, trending up. Again, the Giants might need to pay down some of this deal if they want the return to be something of significance.
44. Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: 4.5 years of control
Contract: $25.166 million a year through 2030
If the Giants want to get off the Chapman contract, they will have to pay down a lot of the money. His power is not what it once was, and the defense is no longer falling into the elite category. At 33 with 4.5 years left with a hefty price tag, I don’t see this ending well for Chapman. Is a deal still worth it for the Giants if all they get back is a mid-to-low level prospect while also paying a chunk of the money? A weird position to be in.
45. Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $12.75 million
Singer started the season about as poorly as possible but has rebounded a bit as of late. His velocity is down along with his swing and miss, but as a four or five in the rotation, he’s a perfectly fine option. Before you say it, no, Great American Ballpark is not impacting his numbers. A 2.98 home ERA compared to a 6.75 road ERA should be noted. Singer feels like a good fit for teams that need more than one starter and decide to lean into adding a couple of back-end arms to strengthen rotation depth.
46. Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $20 million
Throughout his career, Flaherty has yo-yo’d between looking dominant and not being able to get out of the third inning. A rough start to the year has been followed by a strong rebound, and his 3.85 FIP tells a better story than his 4.48 ERA. Walks have been an issue once again, and at $20 million, I wonder if teams will offer anything that makes the Tigers value the return more than Flaherty helping them chase a playoff spot. An occasional six-inning, 3-hit, 6-strikeout outing pops up enough to make you believe.
47. Tyler Mahle, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $10 million
In a market where there are more teams looking for starting pitching than teams are selling starting pitching, Tyler Mahle is the type of player that moves at the deadline. Health as been the big issue for Mahle over the last few years, but right now he is making his starts and as a rental, there is very little down-side in that regard.
The only hiccup is that Mahle has not been pitching well this season, sporting a 5.31 ERA across 15 starts in a Giants’ uniform. This will obviously limit his value, but the Giants can get something for him, and as a clear seller, they are motivated to deal all of their rentals.
48. Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control + vesting option for 2028
Contract: $24.15 million in 2026 and 2027, $25 million vesting option for 2028 (vests with 180 IP in 2027)
One of the more intriguing stories heading into the deadline is what the Mariners will do with their rotation.
A legit six deep has forced a more negative than deserved spotlight on Castillo, who is still a fine pitcher, but not shining as bright as the rest. He’s been a workhorse in years prior, and many of his numbers are consistent with the season before, but will the Mariners find a major leaguer for a major leaguer swap that makes sense?
49. Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control + conditional option for 2028
Contract: $21.5 million in 2026 and 2027, $17 million club option for 2028 ($3 million buyout); club option is guaranteed if Lugo pitched 335 combined innings 2026-2027 or 190 IP in 2027
The Royals have been rumored to want to hold Lugo and Wacha through the deadline. To me, that’s a bad idea. Aging arms with value need to be moved considering where the team is in their roster lifecycle.
Lugo is 36 and not cheap, but does provide consistency you can plug into the back of your rotation.
A wizard with a plethora of pitches that has always been a fun watch, but becoming less fun as he continues to age. In many ways, I think acquiring Lugo could be risky, which is part of the reason Kansas City should look to move him.
If Lugo were a rental, he would have more value on the market. A guaranteed $21.5 million in 2027, plus a club option that likely becomes a player option if the durable Lugo keeps making his starts every fifth day. Wacha’s contract holds far more value on the trade market if the Royals decide to move one.
50. Luis Robert Jr., New York Mets
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $20 million
What do we even make of Luis Robert at this point? I was high on him for what seems like a decade and convinced myself a change of scenery is what he needed. Yet, here we are watching the same movie that has been playing for three years. The price tag and injury history are long, and the production is small. What once was seen as a blockbuster film has turned into a hipster indie flick.
With all of that said, the Mets are likely to eat most of Robert’s salary to move him and open up everyday playing time in center field for rookie standout A.J. Ewing. Some team will talk themselves into Robert in a barren market. Maybe he gets hot at the right time.
Honorable Mentions – Two Bats and Seven More Relievers
Leody Taveras, Baltimore Orioles
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $2 million (arb-2)
Taveras’ tools have always helped the idea of what he could become carry a bigger value than what he has been. A switch-hitting bench bat that creeps towards a 100 wRC+ when he’s at his best and falls to a DFA-worthy candidate at other times and is in the “sure, why not” category for me. If other plans fall through, trading for Tavares to fill a bench role is perfectly fine.
Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $6.8 million
Tyler Stephenson has added value, surprisingly, through the implementation of the ABS system. He’s never been viewed as a good defender, and a lack of lifting the ball with consistency hasn’t allowed him to tap into more power. A middle-of-the-road catcher that can help a team who has suffered an injury or sure up their backup spot. Considering the Reds’ dire need for catching moving forward, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to keep him around.
Daniel Lynch IV, Kansas City Royals
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $1.025 million in 2026 (arb-1)
Lynch’s move to the bullpen in 2024 has come with good results. A lefty that even mixes his pitches, with control, and a tick up in his swing and miss while still holding a 50% groundball rate is useful. I’m sure teams will value the control and ability to go multiple innings if need be. Kansas City might lean towards keeping Lynch, but at some point they need to find pieces to sell, and Lynch could be the tipping point.
Caleb Ferguson, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $4.5 million
A sneaky good pickup for the Reds this offseason that started the year on the IL and has come back pitching to a 2.41 ERA and 3.10 FIP. Ferguson has been a quality lefty for some time now and does not come with much of a price tag or cost to acquire. The exact type of bullpen lefty we always see flipped at the deadline for a flier prospect. Cincinnati might want to try to extend the Ohio native, but Ferguson could have other thoughts.
Tejay Antone, Cincinnati Reds
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $850K (arb-2)
What a story. Antone is back and healthy after having his third elbow surgery and pitching well. He’s been with the Reds since the 2014 draft, and they have had many opportunities to move on and haven’t. Talent has never been the issue, but how much would a team trade for a guy who is often injured? They probably should trade him, but every year the idea of Antone becoming a lifer in Cincinnati becomes more real.
Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
Years of Control: Likely a Rental
Contract: $12 million in 2026, $14 million club option in 2027 (no buyout)
Senzatela looked like an overpriced, low-quality starter the past six seasons before the team finally placed him in the bullpen. Boom, the velo shot up, and suddenly he was a productive arm and tracking towards a big-time trade piece. His pace has slowed, but a 3.31 ERA and 3.22 FIP is good enough for teams to be calling and Colorado absolutely has to move him.
Brennan Bernardino
Years of Control: 3.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $925K in 2026 (arb-1), Super Two (arb through 2029)
Another lefty on the list that has been a quality pitcher without an ability to truly find a home. A soft-tossing specialist that won’t excite fans but does serve a role in the bullpen that teams always need. Years of control and cost aren’t likely to carry much weight for Bernardino, but does help slightly. We rarely see this level of specialist lefty bring back much more than a back-end top 30 prospect or rookie ball flier.
Kevin Ginkel, Arizona Diamondbacks
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $2.725 million
Ginkel was a name that always had been thrown around in potential closer roles for Arizona but never really found himself taking the highest-leverage innings. I do view Ginkel as a valuable seventh-inning type, even a set-up man, and I’m sure a number of teams will be interested. I wouldn’t be shocked if Arizona wants to keep him around for the future, but trading him makes the most sense.
Colin Holderman, Cleveland Guardians
Years of Control: 2.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $1.5 million (arb-1)
A groundball reliever who’s bounced around quite a bit and, of course, found better results since joining the Guardians. We all know the type of profile – a quality arm with control problems that filters in and out of organizations. Not quite good enough to prevent you from moving on from. If his improvements in Cleveland, and better health, are real, will the Guardians move him? Enough of a chance to land him on the list.
JT Brubaker, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: Rental
Contract: $1.82 million
When he was in Pittsburgh, the idea of JT Brubaker was always better than the player himself. Injury derailed his career, but he returned as a reliever in 2025 and has established himself in 2026. There’s nothing special here, but teams are often looking for cheap arms to get through a season and you can do worse than Brubaker. Send a rookie ball prospect back to the Giants who are in a mess of their own.
Sam Hentges, San Francisco Giants
Years of Control: 1.5 years of control through arbitration
Contract: $1.4 million (arb-2)
The more intriguing Giants arm, to me, is Hentges. You probably remember him from his days in Cleveland before injury caused them to move in a different direction. His control was always a selling point early in his career, but he’s carrying a 7.64 BB/9 in 23 games this season as a specialist, which makes his 2.04 ERA look like it could be in trouble. A cheap lefty that should cost little to nothing to help get through the season.
Players with No-Trade Clauses Unlikely to Move
Byron Buxton, Ketel Marte, Willson Contreras
You will see names like Buxton, Marte, and Contreras continue to come up mostly because they drive engagement for people behind a microphone or keyboard. However, each of these players or teams have said they do not plan on moving these names on more than one occasion.
Buxton has been rather vocal about wanting to stay in Minnesota. In a world where so many athletes try to force trades only to certain teams, I have a lot of respect for someone who values wanting to stick to their commitment and avoid moving their family around the country. Contreras seems happy in Boston and the team is starting to piece wins together. Marte, if moved, will likely be during the offseason.
Top Players Who Require Too Much of a Return to Be Moved
Jeremy Peña, Hunter Greene, Hunter Goodman, CJ Abrams
Peña is set to hit free agency after the 2027 season, and the Astros are showing no signs of moving him. In fact, somehow, the Astros want to be buyers this year despite having a farm system that lacks major assets. We have seen Houston let starters walk before, but we also saw them flip Kyle Tucker with a year of control. If a move is to be made, I expect it will come over the winter.
Abrams is a name that has been in trade rumors for some time now. Washington is finally trending in the right direction, and with two more years of control, they should be in no rush to move him. I’m not sure if Washington will be able to sign him to a long-term deal, but they have more time to decide on the direction they want to take with Abrams.
The Rockies will be focused on moving a number of smaller pieces at the deadline and should not consider a Goodman trade. Far too much control to move your best players and find the appropriate value for a move to make sense.
A classic case of other teams’ fans going to the Rockies, picking their best player, and assuming they can be had no matter what.
Sell-Low Players Unlikely to Be Moved
Steven Kwan, Bryan Abreu, Jarren Duran
Each of these teams had opportunities to sell these players at their highest values and chose not to. I’ve said throughout this article, “no, don’t trade him; there’s too much value and control”. Well, here are a few examples where I can very much be wrong.
Kwan’s high mark of a 131 wRC+ and 14 home runs in 2024 is looking like an outlier. He’s yet to breach a 100 wRC+ in the two seasons since, and 2026 is by far his worst season. I do think the Guardians could trade him simply because of his $7.72 million salary going up, but selling this low feels irresponsible.
Duran’s falloff has been bizarre and significant, and even with a surplus of outfielders in Boston going forward, selling this low would be another black eye on a front office that cannot afford one. Houston wants to remain in the playoff picture, and moving off a piece who has historically been reliable due to an awful 31-inning sample doesn’t fit what they usually do.
Teams Who Would Have to Fall Off to Sell
Astros: Josh Hader, Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker, Steven Okert
If the Astros do move one player in a major leaguer for major leaguer swap, it could be Paredes. He’s set to hit free agency and could net the type of pitcher the Astros need to bolster their rotation. Luis Castillo in Seattle would be a fun fit, but I doubt the AL West foes would be that bold. More likely than not, the Astros will not trade away one of their better bats.
Pirates: Brandon Lowe, Mitch Keller, Dennis Santana, Carmen Mlodzinski
Pittsburgh is pushing forward and should be buying for their bullpen. Mlodzinski deserves to be in a rotation elsewhere would could turn him into an intriguing trade chip, but I think the Pirates won’t be selling Lowe.
Cardinals: Lars Nootbar, Dustin May, JoJo Romero, Riley O’Brien
Getting a feel for what the Cardinals will do is difficult. They have been better than we all expected but not quite good enough to change course and lean heavily into buying. I think we are looking at a stay-pat team without much buzz come deadline time.
Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Daulton Varsho
Going from the World Series to trading off key pieces would be a tough pill to swallow, no matter the contract situations. Is it possible? Absolutely. But I wouldn’t say it is likely.
Red Sox: Arolids Chapman, Sonny Gray, Garrett Whitlock
I don’t know, man. Craig Breslow operates like a function in an Excel document, and I’m sure trading these players, perhaps others, is very possible. Jokes aside, I can see where it would make sense, but the fanbase would not be able to stomach a light sell after the oddities he’s put them through.
Rangers: Corey Seager, Joc Pederson, Jake Burger, Ezequiel Duran, Kyle Higashioka, Elias Díaz, Tyler Alexander
Texas has not been afraid of a bold move. Corey Seager’s name has started to surface amongst trade rumors, but his age and contract will cause a number of small- to mid-market teams to shy away. Is there a large market team willing to take him on and pay the prospect cost? I usually don’t agree with Yankees fans’ trade target possibilities, but this one would be fun.
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