MLB Trade Deadline Big Board: Top 30 Players Likely to Change Teams

As June arrives, the anticipation surrounding the MLB trade deadline on July 31 begins to heighten. To commemorate this period, Moneyline has compiled a Trade Deadline Big Board featuring the top 30 players who are expected to be available in the upcoming weeks. Players were only eligible for selection if their team's playoff odds, as calculated by Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, averaged less than 25 percent, resulting in a list that includes 12 teams. However, not all of these teams are likely to make their players available. For instance, the Pittsburgh Pirates have firmly rejected interest in prospects Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The featured players on the list vary widely, including pending free agents and those with controllable contracts, each available for different reasons ranging from unfavorable contracts to optimal trade value. Each of the 30 players has been ranked based on their potential desirability leading up to the trade deadline on July 31.
30. SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 48 G, 178 PA, 1 HR, 8 SB, .303 AVG, .353 OBP, .388 SLG - Contract: Year 2 of 2-year, $15 million. Kiner-Falefa has consistently approached a .300 batting average early in the season for the second consecutive year. While this level of performance might not be sustainable, any interested team will recognize his value as a reliable bat-to-ball player capable of playing multiple positions, including shortstop and various roles off the bench.
29. 1B Nathaniel Lowe, Washington Nationals - 2025 Stats: 59 G, 250 PA, 8 HR, 1 SB, .230 AVG, .300 OBP, .381 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $10.3 million (2026 arb-eligible). Lowe's price point is considerable for a first baseman lacking in power and may be more suited for a platoon role. Nevertheless, any team acquiring him would benefit from his strong defense and a .745 OPS against right-handers, effectively making him a modern-day Mitch Moreland.
28. LF/RF Ramón Laureano, Baltimore Orioles - 2025 Stats: 36 G, 103 PA, 6 HR, 2 SB, .266 AVG, .320 OBP, .532 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $4 million (2026 club option). After being released by the Guardians last May, Laureano has staged a comeback, averaging .287 with an .838 OPS and 16 home runs over 103 games. He is likely best utilized in a part-time role rather than as an everyday player but can effectively cover all three outfield positions.
27. LF Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels - 2025 Stats: 58 G, 247 PA, 16 HR, 1 SB, .218 AVG, .271 OBP, .489 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $7.3 million (2026 arb-eligible). Ward has long been among the players frequently discussed in trade talks, but the Angels must consider moving him this season. While he does have another year of arbitration eligibility, his age (31) may suggest that his value could decrease. His notable power output, evident from a career-high barrel rate of 16.3 percent, adds to his trade appeal.
26. RHP Lucas Giolito, Boston Red Sox - 2025 Stats: 6 GS, 32.0 IP, 36 H (5 HR), 26 K, 10 BB, 4.78 ERA - Contract: Year 2 of 2-year, $38.5 million (2026 mutual option). Giolito is not the same pitcher he was from 2019 to 2021 when he was an All-Star and Cy Young contender, especially in terms of velocity and strikeouts. However, he has shown improved command this season, with a dominant changeup holding hitters to a .179 average. He is a reliable innings eater, and Boston may entertain offers that would allow them to offload part of his $19 million salary.
25. RHP Tomoyuki Sugano, Baltimore Orioles - 2025 Stats: 11 GS, 64.0 IP, 58 H (11 HR), 35 K, 10 BB, 3.23 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $13 million. While the Orioles' starting rotation has struggled, Sugano has performed adequately, with commendable control despite a low strikeout rate typically characteristic of a back-end starter. His effective use of a splitter and sweeper enables him to minimize damage, making him a valuable asset.
24. RHP Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Angels - 2025 Stats: 20 G, 18.1 IP, 19 H (4 HR), 17 K, 7 BB, 4.91 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $10 million. Although Jansen’s reputation may exceed his current trade value, it is essential to consider that a significant portion of his earned runs stemmed from a single outing. At the same time, Jansen has experienced a decrease in his strikeout rate, but his cutter remains a potent weapon. His velocity may vary, yet he still possesses the ability to contribute effectively.
23. RHP Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals - 2025 Stats: 21 G, 20.2 IP, 19 H (0 HR), 18 K, 8 BB, 2.61 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $5.4 million. Finnegan's journey has seen him oscillate from an All-Star performance to being non-tendered, but he has rebounded in 2025. While his strikeouts per game could improve, his ground-ball ability and effectiveness against left-handed batters add value to his skill set.
22. LHP Andrew Heaney, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 66.1 IP, 55 H (8 HR), 47 K, 24 BB, 3.39 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $5.3 million. Heaney's current ERA may be misleading, as various statistical measures suggest that sustaining his current run prevention will be challenging. Nonetheless, Heaney provides depth as a back-end starter and has prior experience in a relief role, offering versatility in a playoff context.
21. RHP Nick Martinez, Cincinnati Reds - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 69.1 IP, 66 H (6 HR), 47 K, 15 BB, 3.89 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $21.1 million. Despite the significant salary from accepting a qualifying offer, Martinez's reliability as an innings-eater is enticing for potential trade partners. He has managed to maintain an impressive ERA in Cincinnati, partly attributed to his avoidance of walks and minimized loud contact.
20. LHP Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 65.1 IP, 57 H (11 HR), 51 K, 26 BB, 3.86 ERA - Contract: Year 3 of 3-year, $39 million. Anderson has been an All-Star in multiple seasons and continues to be a dependable pitcher in 2025, despite facing base traffic. His ability to limit hard contact, aided by his effective changeup, makes him a solid option for teams needing a starting pitcher who can go deep into games.
19. RHP Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds - 2025 Stats: 26 G, 25.2 IP, 16 H (5 HR), 30 K, 7 BB, 3.86 ERA - Contract: Year 2 of 2-year, $16 million. Pagán has demonstrated resilience this season, nearing a personal best in saves while maintaining solid performance across his pitches. Concerns regarding home runs may be alleviated by moving him away from the Great American Ball Park, making him a potentially undervalued asset.
18. LHP Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox - 2025 Stats: 26 G, 24.0 IP, 15 H (2 HR), 32 K, 9 BB, 1.88 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $10.8 million. Chapman's presence in trade speculation reflects his ongoing ability to deliver overpowering fastballs, even at 37 years old. His control has been inconsistent, but he remains an asset who can contribute significantly to the bullpen during stretch runs.
17. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 56 G, 228 PA, 1 HR, 6 SB, .224 AVG, .282 OBP, .276 SLG - Contract: Year 4 of 8-year, $70 million (2030 club option). Hayes has consistently been a superior defender, with his offensive production fluctuating throughout his career. At just 28 years old, a change of scenery could reinvigorate his bat, even as his defensive prowess justifies his average salary.
16. 3B Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies - 2025 Stats: 58 G, 237 PA, 6 HR, 1 SB, .208 AVG, .321 OBP, .351 SLG - Contract: Year 4 of 6-year, $70 million. McMahon’s lackluster performance may have prompted regret in the Rockies for not trading him sooner. Nevertheless, his impressive defensive metrics coupled with potential offensive upside represent an intriguing opportunity if he were moved to a more favorable hitting environment.
15. CF Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox - 2025 Stats: 55 G, 221 PA, 5 HR, 21 SB, .177 AVG, .266 OBP, .286 SLG - Contract: Year 6 of 6-year, $50 million (2026-27 club options). Robert's decline in performance can be attributed to a disappointing 2024 season. However, at 27 years of age, his innate talent remains evident, providing hope that a fresh start could lead to a revival of his earlier excellence as a power hitter.
14. RHP David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 22 G, 18.2 IP, 20 H (2 HR), 25 K, 5 BB, 4.34 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $5.9 million (2026 arb-eligible). After a dismal 2024 campaign, Bednar's minor league stint helped restore his effectiveness. His revived strikeout ability and controlling nature should attract interest as either a setup man or a closer.
13. RHP Jake Bird, Colorado Rockies - 2025 Stats: 25 G, 34.2 IP, 25 H (1 HR), 42 K, 15 BB, 1.56 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $770,000 (2028 arb-eligible). Bird has emerged as a leading performer for the Rockies, boasting impressive strikeout statistics. While the Rockies often prefer to retain their players, contenders may inquire about Bird amidst the team's underwhelming season.
12. RHP Walker Buehler, Boston Red Sox - 2025 Stats: 9 GS, 46.2 IP, 46 H (8 HR), 42 K, 15 BB, 4.44 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $21.1 million (2026 mutual option). Buehler's fastball velocity may have dipped, but he compensates with a diverse pitch arsenal. His performance in high-stakes situations makes him a valuable addition to any playoff rotation.
11. RHP Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles - 2025 Stats: 7 GS, 40.1 IP, 38 H (9 HR), 24 K, 6 BB, 4.46 ERA - Contract: Year 3 of 3-year, $40 million. Eflin's ERA appears inflated, yet he has performed mostly within expectations. His ability to maintain strike throw and effectiveness alongside a six-pitch mix enhances his value for teams needing starting depth.
10. RHP Tyler Mahle, Texas Rangers - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 66.0 IP, 45 H (2 HR), 48 K, 24 BB, 1.64 ERA - Contract: Year 2 of 2-year, $22 million. Mahle's exceptional ERA presents questions regarding sustainability given the high walk count and lower strikeout numbers. However, his ability to limit hard hits marks him as a reliable middle-rotation starter.
9. RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 70.0 IP, 69 H (4 HR), 56 K, 19 BB, 3.73 ERA - Contract: Year 2 of 5-year, $77 million. Keller's value may increase prospectively, as he has consistently performed as an average to above-average starter. His effective command enables him to secure roles in postseason rotations.
8. RF Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates - 2025 Stats: 57 G, 254 PA, 7 HR, 3 SB, .238 AVG, .307 OBP, .379 SLG - Contract: Year 3 of 8-year, $106.8 million (2031 club option). Reynolds may be considered for trade due to his underwhelming performance against his lucrative contract. Nevertheless, his offensive potential persists, positioning him as a valuable target for teams seeking offensive upgrades.
7. 1B/RF/DH Ryan O'Hearn, Baltimore Orioles - 2025 Stats: 49 G, 197 PA, 9 HR, 3 SB, .329 AVG, .416 OBP, .535 SLG - Contract: Year 2 of 2-year, $11.5 million. Although O'Hearn operates best as a platoon player, his success against right-handed pitchers highlights his high value as an impactful hitter.
6. 3B Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks - 2025 Stats: 59 G, 241 PA, 16 HR, 1 SB, .231 AVG, .311 OBP, .509 SLG - Contract: Year 8 of 8-year, $79 million. Suárez is known for his penchant for strikeouts but maintains his value through power production. His recent achievements, including significant home runs, showcase his potential impact.
5. 1B Josh Naylor, Arizona Diamondbacks - 2025 Stats: 58 G, 246 PA, 7 HR, 9 SB, .297 AVG, .355 OBP, .464 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $10.9 million. Naylor remains an underrated hitter, displaying consistent offensive production and the potential for a significant power resurgence.
4. CF Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Orioles - 2025 Stats: 50 G, 207 PA, 10 HR, 8 SB, .232 AVG, .324 OBP, .448 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $8.7 million. Mullins is on the injured list but expected to return shortly, adding tremendous value as a dual-threat center fielder.
3. RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins - 2025 Stats: 11 GS, 51.0 IP, 56 H (8 HR), 40 K, 29 BB, 8.47 ERA - Contract: Year 4 of 5-year, $56 million (2027 club option). Despite a challenging season, the Marlins may regret not trading Alcantara earlier. His potential is apparent, contingent upon his recovery from prior injuries.
2. RHP Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks - 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 66.2 IP, 61 H (10 HR), 66 K, 32 BB, 5.54 ERA - Contract: 1 year, $13.5 million. Gallen's previous success faces scrutiny amid a challenging season, but his capacity to perform effectively makes him an appealing candidate for teams in need of strong rotation support.
1. LF Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox - 2025 Stats: 61 G, 287 PA, 4 HR, 13 SB, .271 AVG, .317 OBP, .417 SLG - Contract: 1 year, $3.85 million (2026 club option, 2027-28 arb-eligible). Duran is already garnering interest from various teams, and while Boston may not feel pressured to trade him, there are strategic benefits to doing so to address deficiencies within the roster.








