The MLB trade deadline is only a week away, but in many ways it’s still murky. This is a unique trade deadline with relatively few sellers and several teams that should be sellers contemplating either standing pat or buying, which, depending on their decisions, could really affect the type of player movement we see.
A week ago, many in the industry thought the Angels might trade Shohei Ohtani, but that has changed and it now appears the unicorn is staying put. Meanwhile, the Cubs could sell Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger, arguably the best starting pitcher and hitter who could be available, but have hung around long enough to make many believe they might not move them either. One thing we do know is that many contenders are trying to be creative and find common ground on buyer-to-buyer type trades before the Aug. 1 deadline.
I have been communicating with front-office decision makers from all 30 teams to gauge where they stand, as well as talking to other people throughout the game. Here is the latest I’m hearing and thinking on who’s buying, who’s selling and what players are being discussed and targeted in talks between teams.
First, this cheat sheet takes a high-level look at what to expect from each team. Then, I update my initial Big Board with a position-by-position rundown of more than 80 (mostly) major-league players who could be traded; these are the names I’m watching most closely.
Buyers and Sellers
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: Buyers — The Orioles have the best record in the American League (62-38) and are buyers this year at the deadline. They are focused on acquiring an impact starting pitcher and have been linked to all the best names who could be available, from Marcus Stroman to Lucas Giolito to Jack Flaherty, among others.
Tampa Bay Rays: Buyers — Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander has told me they have the financial resources and prospect capital for any type of transaction that improves their chances of winning a world championship. With a deep farm system and owner Stu Sternberg willing to take on significant salary at this year’s deadline, there is no telling what the Rays may attempt, including a potential blockbuster. They will be an interesting team to watch. The Rays’ biggest need is starting pitching after losing Drew Rasmussen, Shane Baz and Jeffrey Springs for the season because of injuries. They’ll also consider upgrades at second base and catcher, along with adding bullpen depth.
Toronto Blue Jays: Buyers — The Blue Jays will focus on adding pitching depth in both the rotation and bullpen as well as trying to add a complementary right-handed-hitting outfielder. What they really need is for righty Alek Manoah to start pitching like he did last year and for lefty Hyun Jin Ryu to give them a boost when he comes off the injured list in August.
Boston Red Sox: Buyers — During a conversation on my SiriusXM show on Sunday, Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told me that he’s looking for a starting pitcher at the deadline, even though they hope Chris Sale, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock will all return from the IL soon. Boston also would like to add a left-handed-hitting middle infielder to better balance its righty-heavy bench.
New York Yankees: Buyers — The Yankees are concentrating on adding a starting pitcher and a two-way left fielder who can help their lineup. They expect to have Aaron Judge back from the IL by this weekend, which will be a huge lift, and they need Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton to start carrying their weight. I think they could also use an upgrade at third base for the rest of the season. They match up well with the Nationals in a possible trade for third baseman Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Lane Thomas, or with the Cardinals in a potential deal for right-hander Jack Flaherty and outfielder Dylan Carlson.
AL Central
Minnesota Twins: Buyers — Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told me Sunday on my SiriusXM show that they’re looking for more bullpen depth and a complementary bat, preferably an outfielder. Lane Thomas would be a good fit for the latter. The Twins have won eight of their past 10 games and opened up a four-game lead over the Guardians in the division.
Cleveland Guardians: Buyers — Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti told me Sunday on my radio show that they are looking to add a starting pitcher after the injuries to Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie, but also would like to acquire a complementary bat.
Detroit Tigers: Sellers — The Tigers are only 7 games out of first place in the division standings but have to be realistic at the deadline because they actually have more trade chips to deal than most teams, including starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen and relievers such as Alex Lange and Jason Foley. If the Tigers take advantage of this market and sell well at the deadline, it could be a significant step in their rebuild.
Chicago White Sox: Sellers — The White Sox might end up being the headliners of this trade deadline as they could deal starting pitchers Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn and relievers like Kendall Graveman, Reynaldo López and Joe Kelly. They also could move on from shortstops Tim Anderson and Elvis Andrus, among others.
Kansas City Royals: Sellers — The Royals already dealt reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers, and their closer, Scott Barlow, is the most likely candidate to be traded next. Although I believe they should trade Salvador Perez, the face of their franchise, I’ve been told he’s staying put. Other players they could potentially trade include starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Brady Singer.
AL West
Texas Rangers: Buyers — The Rangers started their deadline shopping early, acquiring reliever Aroldis Chapman from the Royals in late June, and feel they have more to do. I hear they are actively looking to add a starting pitcher and another reliever and have also been linked to Cody Bellinger. The Rangers have a strong farm system and aren’t afraid to trade top prospects to land their targets and upgrade their roster, as they look to make the postseason for the first time since 2016 and give Bruce Bochy a chance for his fourth world championship as a manager.
Houston Astros: Buyers — The Astros are buying and their rookie GM, Dana Brown, is focused on adding a veteran starting pitcher and a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder. I imagine his dream trade would be to acquire Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger from the Cubs as the duo would address both of the Astros’ key needs in one swoop. Expect them to be active.
Los Angeles Angels: Buyers — The Angels should trade Shohei Ohtani, but are close enough now in the wild-card standings to keep him. They’ve gone on a little run, sweeping the Yankees and taking two of three from the Pirates (with a three-game series at Detroit next); however, their schedule from July 28 to August 23 will feature, in order, the Blue Jays, Braves, Mariners, Giants, Astros, Rangers, Rays and Reds. After that run I expect them to be so far back they wish they’d traded Ohtani; instead, they’ll be facing the reality that they might just get draft-pick compensation if he departs in free agency. Perhaps their situation changes at the deadline, but if the Angels stick with their current stance, expect them to be buying on the edges before Aug. 1, instead of selling, like they should.
Seattle Mariners: Buyers and Sellers — The Mariners are 5 1/2 games back in the wild-card standings and they’re expected to both buy and sell at the deadline, balancing this year with the future. However, when they buy, don’t expect them to make a big splash like they did last trade deadline when they landed Luis Castillo from the Reds. Instead, look for them to add players — in particular an outfielder, a designated hitter, or both — with an emphasis on improving their offense’s on-base percentage. They could match up well in trades with the Nationals (Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses), Rockies (Ryan McMahon, Jurickson Profar), A’s (Brent Rooker) and Cubs (Cody Bellinger), among others.
Oakland Athletics: Sellers — The A’s could deal closer Trevor May, the versatile Tony Kemp and/or outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker. Perhaps they could find new homes for outfielders Ramón Laureano and Seth Brown. Also, Ken Rosenthal reports that lefty reliever Sam Moll is drawing some interest.
NL East
Atlanta Braves: Buyers — The Braves wanted to add bullpen depth, and they accomplished that Monday when they acquired righty reliever Pierce Johnson from the Rockies and lefty Taylor Hearn from the Rangers. Now they’ll look to potentially add starting pitching depth and another bench player to protect them from injuries. They also could be opportunistic if another reliever they like becomes available at the right price.
Philadelphia Phillies: Buyers — The Phillies have moved Bryce Harper to first base, playing every other day, which allows them to move left fielder Kyle Schwarber to DH. That means they could use a left fielder at the trade deadline, with Lane Thomas, Tommy Pham, Cody Bellinger, Brent Rooker, Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, Starling Marte, Mark Canha and Jurickson Profar all possibilities. They’d also like to add a veteran starting pitcher after recommending Tommy John surgery for their top prospect, Andrew Painter, ending hopes he could contribute down the stretch.
Miami Marlins: Buyers — The Marlins have lost eight of nine games since the All-Star break and are 2-10 since they optioned their best pitcher, Eury Pérez, to the minors for workload management, a big blunder by their front office, which should have let the rookie right-hander pitch until he reached their innings max instead of stopping with a plan to start up later. They are still tied for the NL’s final wild-card spot, but a difficult August schedule awaits. They have been working since early June to upgrade their offense to no avail. They desperately need a bat or two, and Jeimer Candelario and Cody Bellinger would be perfect fits. They also could use an offensive upgrade at catcher if the right player, like Elias Díaz of the Rockies, becomes available.
New York Mets: Undecided — The Mets haven’t decided if they’re going to buy or sell, but keep in mind they are 18 1/2 games behind the Braves in the NL East and 7 games out in the wild card — and would have to jump five teams to make the playoffs, which is unlikely. If they do sell, they could try to move veteran starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, if either future Hall of Famer will waive his no-trade protection. In addition, they could move closer Dave Robertson and outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, among others listed below.
Washington Nationals: Sellers — The Nationals are sellers and have three position players of value to deal: right fielder Lane Thomas, third baseman Jeimer Candelario and designated hitter Joey Meneses. Of their pitchers, the Nationals could dangle relievers such as Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey (currently on the IL) and starting pitchers Trevor Williams and Patrick Corbin, though they’d have to eat a lot of the latter’s remaining contract.
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers: Buyers — I don’t expect the Brewers to be too active at the deadline because Christian Yelich is suddenly having a comeback season, rookie outfielder Sal Frelick is making a good first impression, and they expect to get players off the IL soon. The Brewers win with pitching and defense, and that isn’t going to change. However, they’ll be open-minded about acquisitions and if they find a bat that could help them, they won’t be shy. But in all likelihood, this team will improve more from minor-league promotions and injured players returning than from possible deals.
Cincinnati Reds: Buyers — The Reds have prioritized landing a starting pitcher at the trade deadline and have a deep farm system to deal from, so they shouldn’t need to move any of their top prospects. They expect to get two of their starters back in the second half, as Hunter Greene (hip injury) could return by mid-August and Nick Lodolo (stress reaction in his left tibia) by the beginning of September. The Reds hope both can regain their form and make an impact for them down the stretch. Adding the right veteran starter could be the difference between whether they make or miss the postseason this year.
Chicago Cubs: Undecided — The Cubs are 7 games back in the NL Central and 5 back in the wild-card race — on the border of buying or selling. If they do sell, they could end up being the story of the trade deadline because Marcus Stroman could be the best starting pitcher traded and Cody Bellinger could be the best hitter traded. Both players are expected to be free agents after this season and both are open to returning to Chicago. But if I were the Cubs, I would trade both to improve the overall organization, then try to re-sign them in the offseason. This is a team to watch at the deadline.
St. Louis Cardinals: Sellers — Cardinals president John Mozeliak has said they will be sellers at the deadline, with pitchers Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery expected to be traded by Aug. 1. They’ve also been shopping their many outfielders, with the exception of rookie Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar. The Cardinals are seeking young controllable pitchers and pitching prospects in return.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Sellers — The Pirates have made progress building their major-league club and have established a strong core of young players, but they are still 11 1/2 games back in the division and should be sellers at the deadline. They could move any of their veterans, from fan-favorite Andrew McCutchen to Carlos Santana to Ji Man Choi. They also have veteran lefty Rich Hill to dangle, and if someone wants to overpay, they could even trade their closer, David Bednar, or their ace, Mitch Keller.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers: Buyers — The Dodgers have a four-game lead in the division but need a starting pitcher, multiple bullpen arms, a short-term upgrade at shortstop and a long-term answer in the outfield. They are prioritizing pitching in their trade discussions and have been linked to almost every available starter and reliever on the market. The Dodgers will be conscious of the luxury tax thresholds when making deals but at the same time know they need to add pitching if they want to hold off the Giants, Diamondbacks and Padres in the NL West.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Buyers — The Diamondbacks are in wild-card position but also are building for the long term so they won’t trade top prospects for rentals at the deadline. However, if they can add a veteran starting pitcher and/or bullpen depth at a reasonable trade price, they’ll do it, as long as it doesn’t detract from their long-term plan. They’d rather develop their young pitchers for future years and add a veteran who won’t stifle their growth.
San Francisco Giants: Buyers — The Giants are looking to make a splash at the trade deadline and are in the mix on all the top available starting pitchers. They’d also like to upgrade at shortstop. Expect them to be active.
San Diego Padres: Buyers — The Padres are 10 games back in the division and 6 back in the wild-card standings, and while they’re expected to be buyers, they’ll likely look to add around the edges rather than try to acquire more star power. They are arguably the most disappointing expected contender in baseball but are showing signs of starting to play better. They need a set-up reliever and another bat for the bottom third of their lineup.
Colorado Rockies: Sellers — The Rockies are telling teams they are ready to be active at the trade deadline and could make many of their veterans available, with few untouchables. It will be interesting to see if they actually follow through and trade many players because in recent years, they’ve been relatively passive at the deadline. On Monday, they traded reliever Pierce Johnson to the Braves for minor-league pitchers Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon.
Big Board 2.0: Players who could be traded
(Listed in alphabetical order by position)
Starting pitchers
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Mets — He’s 36 years old and has a 5.82 ERA in 14 starts. If they can even find a taker, the Mets would have to pay down his $14 million salary.
Dylan Cease, RHP, White Sox — He’s under team control through 2025 so the White Sox would prefer to trade Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn instead, but will listen to all offers, as they should.
Patrick Corbin, LHP, Nationals — The Nationals would have to pick up most of Corbin’s remaining contract, which is approximately $50 million through 2024.
Jack Flaherty, RHP, Cardinals — Flaherty has made 19 starts, his most since 2019. He has a 4.39 ERA and is a competitor. He could handle a big market, pitching for the Yankees or Dodgers, or make sense for an up-and-coming team like the Reds, Orioles or Diamondbacks. He will be a free agent after this season.
Lucas Giolito, RHP, White Sox — An impending free agent, Giolito is 6-6 with a 3.79 ERA in 21 starts. He’s the most likely starter to be dealt at the trade deadline.
Zack Greinke, RHP, Royals — I don’t know if Greinke wants to finish his Hall of Fame career with the Royals or in a pennant race, but if it’s the latter, he could be on the move.
Mitch Keller, RHP, Pirates — Keller made the All-Star team and is 9-6 with a 4.01 ERA in 21 starts, but he’s 0-2 with an 11.45 ERA since the break. He’s under team control through 2025 and the Pirates are not looking to trade him, but as with any player, they will listen to offers.
Kyle Hendricks, RHP, Cubs — If the Cubs decide to sell, Hendricks’ experience and command and control would make him a solid No. 4 type starter for a contender.
Rich Hill, LHP, Pirates — The 43-year-old lefty thinks he’s Tom Brady, a fellow Michigan alum. Hill is 7-9 with a 4.84 ERA in 20 starts. He could help a contender as a depth starter or a reliever.
Michael Lorenzen, RHP, Tigers — Lorenzen made the AL All-Star team and has posted a 3.49 ERA in 17 starts. He will be a free agent after this season.
Lance Lynn, RHP, White Sox — He’s 6-9 with a 6.18 ERA and has allowed 28 home runs but can still give you five or six innings per start. Ken Rosenthal reports Lynn would be willing to waive his no-trade protection to go to certain contenders on his 10-team list.
Bryce Miller, RHP, Mariners — The Mariners are not shopping Miller, a rookie righty with a 3.50 ERA in 13 starts, but a buyer-to-buyer type trade for Reds second baseman Jonathan India is possible.
Jordan Montgomery, LHP, Cardinals — Montgomery has posted a 3.37 ERA in 20 starts and has been worth 2.1 bWAR. He’s getting traded.
Shohei Ohtani, RHP, Angels — If he’s dealt, Ohtani would be the greatest trade rental of all time. However, all signs point to him staying put with the Angels at the deadline.
Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Tigers — Rodriguez is 6-5 with a 2.69 ERA in 14 starts and if healthy is expected to opt out of his contract after this season, which is why the Tigers will deal him. They should be able to command a package of three top-30 prospects for the veteran lefty.
Max Scherzer, RHP, Mets — The future Hall of Famer has struggled this season and is no longer a top-of-the-rotation caliber pitcher, but he’s posted a 4.20 ERA in 18 starts. The Mets would have to decide to sell and Scherzer would have to waive his no-trade clause, but if swapped to a contender, he still has the potential to finish strong despite the apparent loss of velocity and command of all his pitches.
Drew Smyly, LHP, Cubs — If the Cubs decide to sell, Smyly will get dealt. He’s 7-7 with a 4.69 ERA.
Blake Snell, LHP, Padres — If the Padres sell, Snell could become the most sought-after starter on the market. After a subpar start to the season, he’s impressed, and has lowered his ERA to 2.67 and recorded 10 or more strikeouts in five of his past nine starts. He will be a free agent after the season.
Marcus Stroman, RHP, Cubs — If the Cubs sell, Stroman could be the best pitcher traded at the deadline. He’s logged a 3.09 ERA in 21 starts and if healthy is expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract after the season.
Justin Verlander, RHP, Mets — The future Hall of Famer has a full no-trade clause and it’s unclear if he’d be willing to waive it. He seems content in New York despite the disappointing season for himself (4-5, 3.47 ERA) and the team. However, contenders like the Giants, Dodgers, Rays and Yankees will be lining up if the Mets move him. Ultimately, he’d decide where he goes if he’s traded.
Trevor Williams, RHP, Nationals — He’s a fifth or sixth-type starter for a team looking for a starting pitcher. A great clubhouse presence, Williams is signed for $7 million next year.
Bryan Woo, RHP, Mariners — The rookie has made nine starts and pitched to a 4.91 ERA. The Mariners are not shopping him, but a buyer-to-buyer type trade for Reds second baseman Jonathan India is possible.
Relief pitchers
Scott Barlow, RHP, Royals — Barlow has averaged 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings and 5.2 walks per nine. His season ERA is up to 5.15, but he has 55 career saves and another year of team control.
Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies — The 38-year-old has a 2.02 ERA and 1.318 WHIP in 34 appearances. He signed a two-year, $19 million deal at last year’s deadline.
David Bednar, RHP, Pirates — He’s a two-time All-Star with a 2.02 ERA and 32 saves plus three more years of team control. He’s from the Pittsburgh area and the Pirates prefer not to trade him, but if the right deal presents itself, they’d have little choice. He’d be a perfect fit for the Dodgers or Twins.
Kyle Finnegan, RHP, Nationals — Finnegan has posted a 3.24 ERA in 39 appearances with 13 saves in 20 opportunities. He’s under team control through 2025.
Jason Foley, RHP, Tigers — Foley, 27, is having a career-best season (2.03 ERA, 1.060 WHIP, 44 appearances, 1.7 bWAR). He is under team control for four more years.
Kendall Graveman, RHP, White Sox — The veteran righty has a 3.56 ERA in 44 appearances and is 8-for-8 in save opportunities. He is signed through next year ($8 million in 2024).
Josh Hader, LHP, Padres — If the Padres surprise the industry and sell, Hader would become the best reliever available. The soon-to-be-free agent has posted a 0.97 ERA in 39 appearances with 24 saves in 28 opportunities.
Brad Hand, LHP, Rockies – He’s posted a 4.54 ERA this season but is an experienced lefty reliever. He’s struck out 39 in 32 2/3 innings.
Hunter Harvey, RHP, Nationals — He has logged a 3.12 ERA and 0.992 WHIP and is under team control through 2025, but is on the IL with a right elbow strain.
Joe Kelly, RHP, White Sox — He has a 4.66 ERA in 30 appearances but also the experience of pitching in high-leverage spots in playoff games.
Alex Lange, RHP, Tigers — He has a 3.98 ERA, 17 saves in 20 opportunities, and 52 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings. He ranks in the 99th percentile in Whiff% and is under team control through 2027.
Justin Lawrence, RHP, Rockies — Lawrence has posted a 2.47 ERA in 43 games with seven saves in eight opportunities. Batters are hitting .103 against his sweeper, which he throws almost 50 percent of the time. The 28-year-old is under team control through 2028.
Reynaldo López, RHP, White Sox — An impending free agent, López has a 4.29 ERA, four saves, and 52 strikeouts in 42 innings.
Trevor May, RHP, A’s — He has a 4.73 ERA in 29 appearances and nine saves in 11 opportunities.
Keynan Middleton, RHP, White Sox — Middleton has put up a 3.41 ERA in 37 appearances and is under team control for one more year. He ranks in the 89th percentile in K% and in the 97th percentile in Whiff%.
Adam Ottavino, RHP, Mets — The veteran righty has a 3.57 ERA, a 1.190 WHIP and six saves in 43 appearances. He has a $7.25 million player option for 2024.
Brooks Raley, LHP, Mets — Everyone is looking for a left-handed reliever, and his 2.08 ERA is impressive. He is under team control through 2025.
David Robertson, RHP, Mets — An impending free agent, Robertson has logged a 2.08 ERA in 39 appearances and converted 14 of 17 save opportunities.
Chasen Shreve, LHP, Tigers — The 33-year-old lefty has a 4.46 ERA in 41 appearances.
Brent Suter, LHP, Rockies — Suter provides such a different look and would be valuable in any team’s bullpen. He’s posted a 2.62 ERA in 33 appearances and ranks in the 99th percentile in hard-hit rate.
First basemen
C.J. Cron, Rockies — An impending free agent, Cron is batting .255/.299/.480 with 11 home runs in 196 at-bats.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Cardinals — The Cardinals say they’re not trading the seven-time All-Star, but he’s 35 years old and will be a free agent after next season. He’s still performing at a high level and could be a difference-maker for a contending team that wants to overpay to land him.
Dominic Smith, 1B, Nationals — He’s a left-handed bench player who can play first base and left field.
Second basemen
Brendan Donovan, 2B/OF, Cardinals — Donovan is a valuable trade asset because of his positional versatility, high OBP (.371) and surprising pop (11 homers). The Cardinals prefer not to trade Donovan, who is under team control through 2027.
Jonathan India, 2B, Reds — India has 14 homers, 12 stolen bases and 51 RBIs, but the Reds would trade him for a controllable major-league starter, with the Mariners as the most logical fit.
Tony Kemp, INF/OF, A’s — Kemp can play second base and the outfield and provide a spark off the bench.
Shortstops
Tim Anderson, 2B/SS, White Sox — Among the middle infielders here, Anderson is the most likely to be traded. He has a $14 million team option ($1 million buyout) for 2024. He’s had a down year (-1.1 bWAR) but has picked it up in July, hitting .292. He would be a solid fit for the Giants, Dodgers and Mariners.
Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/CF, Cardinals — Edman’s ability to play above-average defense at three prime positions up the middle makes him a sought-after player. The Cardinals need starting pitching back if they deal Edman, who is under team control through 2025.
Javier Báez, SS, Tigers — His expensive contract and subpar season make him untradable, but … he’s available.
Third basemen
Nolan Arenado, Cardinals — The Cardinals say they won’t trade him, and they shouldn’t. But what if they get overwhelmed with a package of pitching prospects? Arenado, 32, is signed through 2027.
Jeimer Candelario, Nationals — The soon-to-be-free agent is the most likely third baseman to be traded. Candelario has hit 28 doubles and 16 homers. Several contenders with needs at third or first base have some interest.
Ryan McMahon, Rockies — The Rockies have received significant trade interest in McMahon, who is batting .252/.336/.453 with 15 homers and is signed through 2027. They are not looking to trade him, but they’re actively engaging at the deadline and everything is on the table.
Nick Senzel, Reds — The Reds could include Senzel in a trade for a veteran starting pitcher.
Jose Miranda, Twins — A change of scenery could help Miranda, who has found things more difficult at the plate in his second major-league season. He’s currently on the IL with a right shoulder impingement.
Outfielders
Cody Bellinger, CF, Cubs — Bellinger has slashed .452/.475/.795 this month and owns a .918 OPS for the season. He’s a plus defender at first base and all three outfield positions. Teams are lining up for the two-time All-Star, but will the Cubs trade him?
Seth Brown, RF, A’s — Brown can provide left-handed power off the bench. He’s hitting .196 but has 10 homers in 184 at-bats.
Alec Burleson, LF, Cardinals — The Cardinals will dangle Burleson and make a move for the right pitcher in return. He’s not arbitration-eligible until 2026.
Mark Canha, LF, Mets — He’s always been a good OBP player (.338 this season, .348 for his career) and can play first base and the outfield. He has an $11.5 million team option for 2024 with a $2 million buyout.
Dylan Carlson, LF, Cardinals — He’s only 24 years old and gets on base at a 34 percent clip. The Yankees and Phillies have interest.
Adam Duvall, CF, Red Sox — Duvall has won a Gold Glove Award and an RBI title and hit 38 homers in a season two years ago, but it’s unlikely he’s traded unless the Red Sox put him in a package to land a much-needed starting pitcher. He will be a free agent after this season.
Randal Grichuk, OF, Rockies — He’s a solid fourth outfielder type.
Teoscar Hernández, RF, Mariners — If the Mariners surprise me and sell, Hernández, an impending free agent, will be the headliner because of his right-handed power.
Ramón Laureano, OF, A’s — He’s an extra outfielder with power and speed and baggage.
Starling Marte, RF, Mets — If Marte, 34, can get healthy — he’s currently on the IL due to migraines — he could help a contender, but his skills have deteriorated. His OPS+ has dropped from 133 last year to 79 this year, though he does have 24 steals. He’s still owed $41.5 million over the next two seasons.
Tyler O’Neill, LF, Cardinals — He’s won two Gold Glove awards and has legitimate power, but can he stay healthy?
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Jurickson Profar, LF, Rockies — He’s a role player on a contending team and will be a free agent after this season.
Lane Thomas, RF, Nationals — Thomas is batting .293 with 16 homers, 12 stolen bases and a 130 OPS+. He’s under team control through 2025.
Catchers
Joey Bart, Giants — The Giants are ready to move on from Bart, the second overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. He has posted a .678 OPS since being demoted to Triple A in May.
Elias Díaz, Rockies — Díaz was the surprise All-Star Game MVP after homering in the midsummer classic. He is batting .264/.322/.417 with 10 homers and will play under a $6 million contract next year.
Yan Gomes, Cubs — A 12-year veteran, Gomes is one of the best backup or platoon catchers in the league.
Yasmani Grandal, White Sox — He’s batting .255/.323/.392 with eight home runs and a 0.1 bWAR. An impending free agent, Grandal is making $18.25 million this year.
Austin Hedges, Pirates — The light-hitting Hedges has thrown out 15 percent of base stealers under the new rules this year, down from 20 percent in 2022 and 31 percent in 2021.
Omar Narváez, Mets – A left-handed hitting catcher. Narváez has a $7 million player option for 2024.
Salvador Perez, Royals — The Royals say they’re not trading him, period. I’m only keeping the eight-time All-Star on this list because they should trade him to a catching-poor contender such as the Rays, Padres or Marlins so they can stockpile prospects for the future. He’s 33 years old, the face of the franchise and plays an important role in the development of the Royals’ young pitchers. However, he’ll never have more trade value than now and this team has so much work to do before it can become a contender. Trading Perez, as painful as it might be, would get the Royals there sooner.
Designated hitters
Joey Meneses, Nationals — He’s batting .275 with six homers and 50 RBIs and is under team control through 2028.
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates — Cutch, 36, is batting .268 with 10 homers, 10 steals and a .384 OBP. He prefers to finish his career in Pittsburgh and not be traded again.
Shohei Ohtani, Angels — The Angels should trade Ohtani, but at this point it appears they’ve decided to keep him and try to make the playoffs, thinking if they are successful, they’ll improve their chances of re-signing him in free agency.
Brent Rooker, A’s — Rooker has hit 16 homers and posted a 127 OPS+. He represented the A’s in the All-Star game.
(Top image: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; Photos: G Fiume, Quinn Harris and Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
MLB trade deadline cheat sheet: What to watch for all 30 teams and top targets by position - The Athletic
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