In Major League Baseball (MLB), a key factor in determining a player's trade value is evaluating whether they are merely a two-month rental for a postseason push or if they are under club control beyond the current season. While rental players are typically more straightforward trade assets, it is the controllable non-rentals that yield significant returns for teams undergoing a rebuilding phase and seeking to acquire young prospects. This analysis will focus exclusively on non-rental players, with rentals to be discussed in a follow-up piece. Here, we rank the top 25 non-rental players on the 2025 trade market, considering their current performance, potential impact, remaining club control, and the likelihood of being traded.

To begin, several players have surfaced in trade speculation yet are likely to remain with their current teams for now. These include a mix of pitchers and hitters who have drawn interest but are seen as integral parts of their respective franchises: RP Félix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles), RP Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), RP Carlos Estévez (Kansas City Royals), SP Kyle Freeland (Colorado Rockies), SP MacKenzie Gore (Washington Nationals), RP Mason Miller (Athletics), SP Luis Severino (Athletics), RP Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians), as well as hitters such as 2B Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves), 3B Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals), 1B Yandy Díaz (Tampa Bay Rays), 3B Maikel García (Kansas City Royals), 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pittsburgh Pirates), OF Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians), 1B Nathaniel Lowe (Washington Nationals), OF Bryan Reynolds (Pittsburgh Pirates), OF Jesus Sanchez (Miami Marlins), and OF Kyle Stowers (Miami Marlins).

Now, let’s explore the ranked players starting from number 25. OF Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox, with a contract valued at $17.1 million in 2026 and $15.1 million in 2027, is reportedly on the trading block, as the White Sox may opt to subsidize his salary to facilitate a deal. Despite this, his 103 OPS+ and his 11 home runs could attract several suitors, given the scarcity of strong bats on the market. Next is RP Pierce Johnson from the Atlanta Braves, who has a modest $7 million club option for 2026 with a buyout of only $250,000. Johnson has proven to be effective in the bullpen, maintaining a 2.80 ERA and 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 120 appearances.

Following Johnson is SP JP Sears of the Athletics, who is arbitration-eligible through 2028. Since the start of the 2023 season, he ranks 17th among pitchers in innings pitched (454.2) while posting a 4.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. He is not a prime playoff starter but provides depth with valuable innings. RP Jake Bird of the Colorado Rockies, with arbitration eligibility through 2028, has also been a key contributor, holding a 4.01 ERA and registering 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 51.2 innings this season. His left-handed status and control until 2028 enhance his market appeal.

Next on the list is OF Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals, currently sidelined with a costochondral sprain. Although he boasts a career 116 OPS+, his 100 OPS+ in 2025 may lower his trade value. If the Cardinals decide to trade him, they could aim to sell high based on past performance. Look out for RP Ronny Henriquez of the Miami Marlins, who has emerged as a sleeper trade candidate with 2.68 ERA and impressive stuff, including an average fastball velocity of 96.4 mph and a whiff rate of 45.1% on his sweeper.

Jeffrey Springs, another pitcher from the Athletics, has a contract worth $10.5 million for 2026 and a $15 million option for 2027. After a decent 4.18 ERA across numerous innings, there may be calls for his value on the market following reports of the Athletics being open to offers. RP Dennis Santana of the Pirates is also on the radar, demonstrating a stellar 1.49 ERA in the current season after a solid performance in 2024, making him an attractive option as he approaches arbitration eligibility.

Also worth mentioning is OF Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels, with arbitration eligibility through 2026. Despite facing some challenges, including a .305 on-base percentage, Ward's power potential makes him a compelling trade piece. Following Ward, RP Reid Detmers (Los Angeles Angels) places at number 16 after putting together an impressive ERA late in the season, making him an intriguing target. At number 15, OF Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox, despite a challenging year with a .206 average, still presents undeniable upside as a power-speed threat.

Tampa Bay's RP Pete Fairbanks, who has a club option for $7 million in 2026, is next. He has recorded an impressive save mark while his option might make him a target for contenders. Then comes 3B Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, who after struggling early, has shown impressive batted-ball metrics that could warrant interest in trade discussions. Pirates' RP David Bednar finds himself next in line, having posted a solid season with a 2.38 ERA, suggesting that a trade is possible, given his expiring control.

Discovering further down the list is SP Trevor Rogers from the Baltimore Orioles. After a stellar rookie year in 2021, Rogers struggled but made a noteworthy recovery in 2025 and could entice teams looking for a comeback story. The same goes for 2B Brandon Lowe of the Rays, another potential source of power who is attracting attention with his All-Star performances.

Classified next is SP Edward Cabrera from the Marlins, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his 27-year-old season. His improving walk rate makes him a likely candidate to stay due to his substantial value. The focus shifts to SP Taj Bradley of the Rays, who is drawing interest as Tampa Bay considers trades from its pitching depth. Bradley's performance this season indicates he can be a valuable asset for teams needing reliable starting pitching.

Moving into the top tiers of players, RP Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins has demonstrated dominance in setup pitching, which should draw significant interest. Meanwhile, his teammate Jhoan Durán presents a compelling case for a trade given his record-breaking fastball velocity and overall effectiveness this season. How teams respond to the availability of pitching options such as Durán could significantly affect their post-season fates.

The horizon reveals Sandy Alcántara from the Marlins as a high-stakes trade candidate despite his rough recovery from Tommy John surgery. Though his ERA suggests struggles, his underlying metrics provide optimism about his ability to contribute. Not far behind is Sean Murphy of the Braves, whose strong performance as a catcher could lead to a trade, particularly if it benefits the Braves’ rotation needs.

As the summer progresses, teams must weigh the value of players like Kris Bubic from the Royals, who's enjoying a breakout season and could command significant return if he leaves Kansas City. Though the Red Sox do not appear to be sellers, Jarren Duran's case as a potential trade piece is noteworthy, given the emergence of younger outfield talent. Finally, Mitch Keller from the Pirates, as one of the franchise's most reliable pitchers, could attract considerable interest as he enters the trade conversations, suggesting a variety of impactful moves could occur in the coming weeks.