Major League Baseball's trade deadline is approaching, with significant player movements already having taken place, including Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, and Gregory Soto being traded last week. The next 48 hours leading up to the trade deadline, set for Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, are expected to see increased activity. Determining who may be next involves considering players that are not only desirable to contenders but also available and affordable. Taking the Pittsburgh Pirates as an example, impending free agent Andrew Heaney stands out with his manageable $5.25 million salary, yet his 6.84 ERA since late May raises questions about his desirability. Alternatively, Mitch Keller is attractive due to his skills but carries a price tag of roughly $60 million left on his contract, complicating a potential move. The likelihood that neither of these pitchers will be traded is plausible, but the top ten players on the trade radar are expected to change teams by August 1.

Kyle Finnegan's performance over the first ten weeks of the season made him a strong candidate to be traded, boasting a 2.38 ERA and 18 saves, among the highest in the majors. However, his performance subsequently deteriorated, posting an 8.03 ERA over the next six weeks, including three blown save opportunities within 13 appearances. Although ten of those were flawless, the Nationals' struggles to generate leads adversely affected his trade value. Given the minimal interest in him earlier this offseason, it seems probable that he might be viewed as a middle-relief option, rather than a reliable closer, impacting his likelihood of a trade.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been under scrutiny for potential trades, with Paul Skenes and several other players being labeled as untouchable only to have the tide shift. Among those viewed as likely to be traded is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, although his recent subpar performance may have diminished his value. Kiner-Falefa offers defensive versatility and baserunning skills but lacks offensive punch, resulting in uncertainty regarding what the Pirates may be able to secure for him in a deal.

On the other hand, Josh Bell's fortunes changed dramatically after a poor start to the season. His struggles earlier transformed into a robust performance post-May 10, making him one of the most sought-after switch hitters. Previous trading history, including notable moves from Washington to San Diego, and from Cleveland to Miami, adds to his credibility as a reliable trade candidate.

Similarly, Charlie Morton showcases a stark contrast between his unfortunate early season statistics and strong performances in recent starts. His resurgence to a 3.53 ERA since mid-May demonstrates his capability as a rental pitcher, further illustrating how his early struggles might skew perceptions among potential trade partners. Veteran pitchers like Morton carry the weight of experience, emphasizing the need for teams to evaluate underlying performance metrics beyond surface-level statistics.

Ryan Helsley, a closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, has expressed that the likelihood of him remaining with the team is slim. With several teams in search of a high-caliber closer, Helsley's impressive 2.03 ERA and abundance of saves since the start of the 2022 season deem him a significant asset. Addressing how many teams may pursue him will play a crucial role in defining his future, ensuring that contenders like the Phillies and Dodgers are well-informed candidates.

In the Twins' camp, Danny Coulombe is emerging as a reliable trade piece. His affordability and effectiveness as a left-handed reliever has increased interest surrounding potential trade talks. Coulombe's impressive overall production since the start of 2023 solidifies his desirability, providing teams looking for bullpen assistance an opportunity to strengthen their lineups.

Ryan O'Hearn, who stood out earlier in the season, saw his numbers drop significantly post-June 4, questioning his viability as a trade candidate. Despite his decline, he remains a potential asset given the demand for left-handed bats. The Orioles may view O'Hearn as expendable with his depreciation in value set against their overall performance in the wild-card race.

Lastly, Eugenio Suárez has emerged as a surprising focal point for teams seeking a rental bat for their lineup. His dramatic increase in power over the past weeks has made him a desirable option for teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. After solidifying his status as a trade piece, the challenge now lies in which contender can put forth the strongest proposition for him.