When evaluating a Major League Baseball (MLB) player's trade value, one critical consideration is whether the player serves merely as a short-term rental or possesses extended club control beyond the current season. Rental players often stand out as the most evident trade assets, yet it is the controllable non-rental players who yield significant returns for rebuilding teams aiming to enhance their pipeline of young prospects. This analysis concentrates on the top 25 non-rental players expected to feature prominently on the 2025 MLB trade market, based on their current performance metrics, projected impact, tenure of club control, and probability of being traded.

To begin, several players frequently speculated in trade discussions appear unlikely to be moved. The following players have surfaced in various trade rumors this season but are expected to remain with their respective teams, though this does not entirely preclude the possibility of offseason transactions: Pitcher 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), alongside hitters 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 (Texas Rangers), OF Bryan Reynolds (Pittsburgh Pirates), OF Jesus Sanchez (Miami Marlins), and OF Kyle Stowers (Miami Marlins).

Among non-rental candidates, notable mentions begin with OF Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox. He holds a contract worth $17.1 million in 2026 and $15.1 million in 2027. The White Sox may be inclined to reduce Benintendi's salary to facilitate a trade, potentially absorbing a significant portion of the $32.2 million owed across the next two seasons. Given his experience as a veteran producing a 103 OPS+ with 11 home runs, he could attract interest in a market currently lacking offensive talent. RP Pierce Johnson, from the Atlanta Braves, presents another noteworthy option with a $7 million club option in 2026 and a modest $250,000 buyout. He has established himself as a mid-range bullpen choice, boasting a 2.80 ERA and 10.7 K/9 over 120 appearances. Additionally, SP JP Sears of the Athletics, who is arbitration-eligible through 2028, has shown his utility as an innings eater, ranking 17th among pitchers with 454.2 innings pitched since the start of the 2023 season. With a 4.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, Sears provides a similar value to Marco Gonzales during his time with the Seattle Mariners. RP Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, arbitration-eligible through 2028, has emerged as an effective pitcher on a struggling staff. With a 4.01 ERA and 10.6 K/9 in 51.2 innings, Bird could attract attention. OF Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals, although sidelined due to injury, remains arbitration-eligible through 2027. He currently faces challenging statistics but might be traded if the Cardinals position aligns favorably. Furthermore, look for RP Ronny Henriquez of the Miami Marlins, who has delivered a solid performance with a 2.68 ERA and impressive strikeout rates in his first full season. Players like SP Edward Cabrera, RP Griffin Jax, and SP Mitch Keller further underscore this summer's trade landscape, with each possessing significant value to potential contenders.

The trade landscape remains dynamic as teams navigate through injury reports, player performance, and organizational strategies. As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, the value of these non-rental players will be increasingly scrutinized as clubs examine opportunities to strengthen their rosters for the present and future.