The MLB trade deadline on August 3 is drawing near, and while trade discussions typically center around teams looking to bolster their rosters, some players on underperforming teams are in dire need of a new environment. A change of scenery can often reinvigorate a player’s career, allowing them to rediscover their form away from the pressures of their current situation. As we approach the deadline, here’s a closer look at five players who could greatly benefit from a trade.

Jarren Duran: The Need for a Fresh Start

Jarren Duran has long been linked with trade rumors, and as the Boston Red Sox continue to struggle this season, he stands out as someone who might need a fresh start. Despite a stellar 2024 season where he led Major League Baseball with 48 doubles, Duran has not been able to replicate that success. Currently batting just .214 with a .668 OPS, many feel he has more to offer than his current statistics suggest.

Having been a spark plug for the Red Sox in the past, Duran could be a valuable asset for contenders looking to strengthen their outfield. However, with the Red Sox holding on to him through the 2028 season, it remains uncertain if they will consider trading him this season. Boston may prefer to hold on and hope for a resurgence in the second half.

Jo Adell: Bursting with Potential

On the Los Angeles Angels, Jo Adell is another player at a crossroads. Despite flashes of brilliance, including an impressive performance earlier this season where he robbed three home runs in a single game, Adell's overall performance has been disappointing, with a .701 OPS this year. The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly shown interest in Adell, who is only 27 years old and has room to grow.

While the Angels seem committed to both Mike Trout and Adell, the latter's inconsistent production has raised questions about his future in Los Angeles. Trading him could yield significant interest from clubs looking for a potential impact player who just needs the right environment to thrive.

Sandy Alcantara: The Ace on the Move?

Sandy Alcantara has long been a pillar of the Miami Marlins’ pitching staff, famously leading the league with six complete games in his standout 2022 season en route to winning the NL Cy Young Award. However, Alcantara is not having the same success this year, posting a 4.18 ERA. If the Marlins remain in the wild-card mix, trading Alcantara seems unlikely, but if they fall out of contention, he could be a sought-after asset.

With an affordable club option for 2027, teams might see Alcantara as a prime candidate to reclaim his status as one of the league's best pitchers. Though he has struggled this year, his previous performance showcases the talent that teams would be eager to tap into.

Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland: A Rocky Situation

For the Colorado Rockies, long-time players Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland find themselves on opposite trajectories. Senzatela is enjoying a career season with a 2.29 ERA, making him an attractive target for contenders looking to bolster their bullpen. However, Freeland’s struggles tell a different story; with a dismal 7.98 ERA this year and a decline since his fourth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting, he may soon face a change in scenery via the DFA route or a minor league signing to revive his career.

The Rockies' president of baseball operations might take this opportunity to move Senzatela while his value is high, while also parting ways with Freeland as they look to rebuild and retool moving forward.

Bryan Abreu: A Chance for Redemption

Last, but certainly not least, we have Bryan Abreu from the Houston Astros. Experiencing a rough contract year with a 6.66 ERA, Abreu, who once shone as one of the league’s top setup men, is now a likely trade candidate as the Astros consider selling. At just 29, Abreu still has the potential to deliver high-level performances, and teams desperate for bullpen help might see him as a low-risk gamble that could pay off.

The Astros had high hopes at the start of the season, and while circumstances haven’t played out in their favor, they could flip Abreu for some value if teams can convince themselves that they can restore his effectiveness. A trade might not only help Abreu but also present an opportunity for another team to add much-needed depth to their roster.

As the August 3 trade deadline looms, these five players are among those who would likely benefit from a new chapter in their careers. Whether due to underperformance, a crowded talent landscape, or a simple need for change, trades can bring the fresh start these athletes need to excel once again.