Assessing a Major League Baseball (MLB) player's trade value often hinges on whether the player is merely a short-term rental for the postseason or if he remains under club control beyond the current season. Typically, rental players serve as clear trade assets, particularly for teams aiming to enhance their rosters for a playoff push. However, it is the controllable players — those under club control past the season — who yield substantial returns for rebuilding teams in search of young talent. This analysis will center on non-rental players, with a discussion on rental candidates scheduled for later.

Beginning with those players who have been mentioned in trade discussions but are unlikely to be dealt, the following individuals have been involved in rumors this season but are expected to remain with their respective clubs. This does not eliminate the possibility of offseason transactions: Pitchers 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 (Oakland Athletics), SP Luis Severino (New York Yankees), 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).

Ranking 25th is OF Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox, with a contract worth $17.1 million in 2026 and $15.1 million in 2027. Reports indicate that the White Sox may be willing to negotiate his salary to facilitate a trade. Given his proven experience with a 103 OPS+ and 11 home runs, he could attract interested parties in a market that lacks strong offensive options. At 24th, RP Pierce Johnson of the Atlanta Braves enters with a $7 million club option for 2026, complemented by a modest buyout that adds to his trade appeal. Johnson has thrived in his role, boasting a 2.80 ERA and positive strikeout metrics.