
In the world of Major League Baseball, the trade deadline brings heightened discussions about which players will be moved. However, for some players, their organizations are not willing to even entertain trade offers. In this piece, we examine the major leaguers across MLB teams that are most likely to remain untouchable in trade conversations this season.
Baltimore Orioles: Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson has solidified his place as a long-term asset for the Baltimore Orioles, despite the team struggling with a 75-87 record last season and a rocky start to the current season. As an arbitration-eligible player until 2028, Henderson’s impressive capabilities and potential make him a pillar the Orioles are unlikely to trade in the upcoming retooling.
Boston Red Sox: Payton Tolle
In the Boston Red Sox organization, Payton Tolle emerges as a star to watch. This left-handed pitcher has captivated fans with a remarkable 2.05 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 30.2 innings pitched this season. Tolle’s success as a prospect promotes him as Boston's potential homegrown ace, making him an asset they won’t part with easily.
New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler
For the New York Yankees, right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler stands out as an integral part of their roster. At just 25 years old and with five years of club control left, Schlittler’s current 1.35 ERA and 0.78 WHIP has cemented his status as a critical component of any future Yankees squads and a near-untouchable player for trade talks.
Tampa Bay Rays: Junior Caminero
While the Tampa Bay Rays are known for their shrewd trades, Junior Caminero appears to be their next franchise cornerstone. Coming off a standout season with 45 home runs and 110 RBIs, Caminero is on the path to following in the footsteps of past franchise icons. His position as a rising superstar makes him a valuable and untouchable asset.
Toronto Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage
Trey Yesavage has emerged as a formidable pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing his talent in the postseason last year with a 3.58 ERA over 27.2 innings. In a rotation that may see changes as free agency looms for Kevin Gausman, Yesavage’s continued development positions him as an indispensable member of the Blue Jays lineup.
Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery
For the Chicago White Sox, Colson Montgomery provides the organization with a bright future. Having displayed impressive hitting with 13 home runs in just 45 games this season, Montgomery's developing talents make him a player the White Sox should consider untouchable, especially with Munetaka Murakami's shorter contract.
Cleveland Guardians: Gavin Williams
As the Cleveland Guardians aim to build around young talent, Gavin Williams represents a significant piece of their future. Following a solid 2.18 ERA over 12 starts last season, the 26-year-old is proving his mettle as the clear ace of the Guardians’ rotation, making him a trade candidate that the organization will keep close.
Detroit Tigers: Riley Greene
Riley Greene has established himself as a potent force in the Detroit Tigers lineup, hitting .320 with 149 OPS+ this season after a successful previous year. Considering his importance as a run producer and his youth, Greene is a player the Tigers are not likely to relinquish in any trades.
Kansas City Royals: Jac Caglianone
Jac Caglianone's improvements this season position him as a promising star for the Kansas City Royals. With a 109 OPS+ and strong offensive potential, his status as the top offensive talent in the organization outside of Bobby Witt Jr. makes Caglianone a player the Royals are unlikely to trade.
Minneapolis Twins: A Lack of Untouchables
Interestingly, the Minnesota Twins find themselves in a unique position without a clear untouchable player to trade. Both Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan are valuable assets, yet the organization's uncertain direction makes them more enticing as trade chips than unmovable stars.
Oakland Athletics: Shea Langeliers
Shea Langeliers has emerged as a standout catcher for the Oakland Athletics, leading the league with 57 hits this season and boasting an impressive batting line. Given the A's past trade strategies, it's clear that Langeliers will not be a part of any trade discussions as he emerges as a core piece of the team.
Houston Astros: Hunter Brown
As the Houston Astros consider their future, Hunter Brown's potential as the next staff ace alongside veterans makes him a highly coveted asset. In rebuilding discussions, Brown is likely to be marked as untouchable, especially as he still fits within their competitive window.
Los Angeles Angels: Zach Neto
Zach Neto holds a highly regarded position within the Angels organization as consistent performer at shortstop. Despite some fluctuations in performance, his overall track record positions him as an untouchable player—especially when balanced against the risks of trading away a pitcher like José Soriano.
Seattle Mariners: Bryan Woo
With a solid track record in their starting rotation, Bryan Woo stands out as a key figure for the Seattle Mariners. He is the youngest member among the top arms and has shown the potential for greatness, making him someone the Mariners value immensely.
Texas Rangers: Wyatt Langford
After establishing himself as a significant asset in the Rangers’ lineup, Wyatt Langford is expected to stay put despite recent injury issues. With his impressive track record, the Rangers are unwilling to dismiss any notion of trading him away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as MLB teams prepare for the critical trade conversations leading into the midseason, the evaluation of players as untouchable provides insight into the strategic direction each franchise is taking. The players highlighted here represent the future and key pillars of their respective clubs, making them invaluable during this trade period.

