As Major League Baseball approaches the trade deadline, teams are actively assessing their rosters with notable trades already completed, including players such as Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, and Gregory Soto. The final 48 hours leading up to the deadline, which is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, often witness a flurry of activity as teams seek to bolster their rosters. Identifying the players most likely to be traded is intricate, as desirability to a contender, availability, and affordability are critical factors in any trade scenario.

Considering the Pittsburgh Pirates, impending free agent Andrew Heaney stands out as available and affordable with a $5.25 million salary. However, his performance, reflected by a 6.84 ERA since late May, raises questions about his desirability. On the other hand, Mitch Keller presents a more attractive option, being desirable and available but at a price, with approximately $60 million remaining on his contract. It remains uncertain whether Pittsburgh will move either pitcher, but it would be surprising if certain key players still remained with their current teams after August 1.

Kyle Finnegan, who had a standout start to the season with a 2.38 ERA and 18 saves in his initial 23 appearances, has faced challenges over the past few weeks, culminating in an 8.03 ERA over a stretch where he blew three save opportunities. Notably, despite ten of his appearances being nearly flawless, the Nationals’ limited leads have hindered his trade value. Another potential trade candidate is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, whose poor performance since June 4 has diminished his value. While Kiner-Falefa offers versatility and strong baserunning, the Pirates may struggle to secure a favorable deal for him.

Josh Bell's trade potential has taken a different trajectory, as he has rebounded from a poor start to become one of the most coveted switch hitters. After a rough first quarter of the season, Bell has excelled since May 10, increasing his OPS significantly. His history of trades, including moves from Washington to San Diego and from Cleveland to Miami, positions him as a likely candidate to switch teams once again.

Charlie Morton represents another intriguing option, showcasing significant improvement since early season struggles. His 5.48 ERA over the year masks a more favorable 3.53 ERA since May 10. Morton has demonstrated a turnaround, reducing his walk rates, which could make him an appealing target for teams in need of a reliable rental starter.

Ryan Helsley, the closer for St. Louis, has openly stated the likelihood of his departure as trade talks heat up. His 2.03 ERA and 103 saves since 2022 make him a prime target for teams looking to strengthen their bullpens. The interest from teams like the Phillies and Dodgers underscores his value as a top-tier reliever.

Contenders are also eyeing Minnesota’s Danny Coulombe. At 35 years old, he has demonstrated effectiveness as a left-handed reliever. Since the start of 2023, he has logged impressive numbers, suggesting he could be a valuable addition to any playoff-contending team. The Twins might hold on to their star younger pitchers, but Coulombe seems destined for a new destination this season.

Ryan O'Hearn, who started the season strong with remarkable OPS stats, has seen a decline in performance over the last two months, making his trading prospects uncertain. Nevertheless, he remains an attractive left-handed bat for many teams seeking to enhance their rosters at the deadline.

Merrill Kelly’s consistent performance has made him a prime rental candidate as well. He has maintained a solid ERA over his career and has only improved this season, showcasing strong performances that compete with some of the league's top pitchers. His value could surpass that of other rental options available soon.

The Chicago White Sox are expected to engage in significant trades as they look to the future. Various players on their roster, particularly rentals and those with lingering contracts, are expected to be made available, possibly reshaping the team’s dynamics ahead of the deadline. With these developments, the MLB trade deadline promises to be an exciting time for teams looking to acquire key talents and make pushes for postseason contention.