MLB Trade Deadline: Key Names in the Crosshairs
The MLB trade deadline is here! General managers have been on high alert, and key transactions could define many teams’ seasons. Here are the biggest names that could change teams before the market closes.
Although some intriguing players could be traded, this list focuses on those most likely to be moved. It is important to note that some high-profile names, such as Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Mitch Keller, Dylan Cease, Robert Suarez, Jarren Duran, Brandon Lowe, Steven Kwan, MacKenzie Gore, Joe Ryan, Brent Rooker, and Edward Cabrera, are not included due to different factors such as long-term agreements or uncertainty surrounding their current situation.
Here are the 10 most prominent names to watch closely:
- Merrill Kelly, Right-Handed Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
Possible destinations: Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers.
Kelly, with an ERA of 3.22, could be a valuable asset to any contending team. His performance in the 2023 postseason (2.25 ERA in four starts) makes him an attractive target.
- Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF, Baltimore Orioles
Possible destinations: Texas Rangers, Astros, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Red Sox.
O’Hearn’s versatility to play at first base or in the outfield makes him interesting. The Rangers, with problems at the designated hitter position, could be a good fit, and the Astros are looking for a left-handed hitter.
- David Bednar/Dennis Santana, Right-Handed Pitchers, Pittsburgh Pirates
Possible destinations: Tigers, Rangers, Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Cubs.
Bednar is having a comeback season, and Santana has a low ERA. Several teams need bullpen help, and these pitchers could be key pieces.
- Griffin Jax, Right-Handed Pitcher, Minnesota Twins
Possible destinations: Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, Tigers, Blue Jays.
Jax is a high-caliber reliever with good control, and his value could be high on the trade market.
- Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves
Possible destinations: Rangers, San Diego Padres, Giants, Reds.
Ozuna, strictly a designated hitter, could be an option for the Rangers and Padres, teams with problems in that position.
- Charlie Morton, Right-Handed Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
Possible destinations: Blue Jays, Cubs, Astros, Tigers, Red Sox, Padres, New York Mets.
After a difficult start, Morton has improved his performance and could be a valuable reinforcement for the rotation of a contending team. His postseason experience is a plus.
- Cedric Mullins, CF, Baltimore Orioles
Possible destinations: Philadelphia Phillies, Mets, Astros, Padres.
Mullins, another Orioles player in his final year of contract, could be an option for teams needing a center fielder, although his defensive performance is mixed according to the metrics.
- Adrian Houser, Right-Handed Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
Possible destinations: Any contender.
Houser has performed well and could be a valuable addition to a playoff team’s rotation or bullpen.
- Mike Tauchman, OF, Chicago White Sox
Possible destinations: Phillies, Astros, Reds, Padres, Rangers, Blue Jays.
Tauchman, with better offensive performance than other White Sox players, could be an option for teams looking for a hitter with a good OPS.
- Ramon Laureano, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Possible destinations: Phillies, Padres, Mariners, Dodgers, Rangers.
Laureano, with a club option for a reasonable value for 2026, could be an option for teams looking for a right-handed hitter.
