As Major League Baseball's trade deadline approaches, activity has already intensified with players such as Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, and Gregory Soto changing teams. However, the most frenzied trading typically occurs in the 48 hours leading up to the deadline, set for Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. Speculation surrounds which players might follow suit. While desirability to contenders is a crucial factor in trade discussions, availability and affordability also play significant roles. For instance, Andrew Heaney, an impending free agent at a $5.25 million salary, presents a potential option for teams. His 6.84 ERA since late May, however, raises questions about his desirability. On the other hand, Mitch Keller offers appeal but comes with approximately $60 million remaining on his contract; hence, his trade prospects remain uncertain. It could be that neither player is moved, but speculation around the top ten players on the trade block suggests their current teams may look quite different come August 1.

Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals moved from a strong position to one fraught with uncertainty as the deadline approaches. Initially, he boasted an impressive 2.38 ERA with 18 saves through his first 23 appearances. However, his performance has waned, evidenced by an 8.03 ERA in the following six weeks. Despite some stellar outings during this stretch, including a hitless streak of 8.1 innings, the lack of leads to protect has hampered his situation. Additionally, the interest Finnegan garnered during the offseason was minimal after the Nationals non-tendered him, further complicating his trade value. He remains a candidate for movement, though teams may regard him more as a middle-relief option than as a closer.

Rumors surrounding a potential fire sale by the Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged for some time. After initially insisting that Paul Skenes would not be traded, it now seems likely the team may part with several players. Beyond Skenes, the Pirates appear resolute on retaining only a few key figures, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa stands out as a likely trade candidate. Nonetheless, his recent performance, with a sub-.500 OPS since June, may have diminished his trade value. Despite this, his versatility and base-running ability could appeal to several teams looking to bolster their rosters.

Josh Bell has emerged as a player gaining traction in trade talks after a slow start to the season. Following a dismal performance through May 9, he found himself among the worst in fWAR among qualified hitters. However, since May 10, Bell's performance has improved markedly, showcasing an OPS above .800. His history of trades, such as moving from Washington to San Diego in the Juan Soto blockbuster deal, and his recent success position him as one of the more sought-after switch hitters on the market.

Similar to Bell, Charlie Morton seeks to overcome a rough start in a season marked by a 5.48 ERA. However, since mid-May, he has significantly turned his performance around, achieving a 3.53 ERA and making five quality starts. His prior struggles appear anomalous compared to his established track record, making him an attractive rental option for contenders searching for pitching depth.

Ryan Helsley, the closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, has expressed skepticism about staying with the team past the trade deadline. With a 2.03 ERA and an impressive save record since 2022, Helsley stands out among potential closers available on the market as teams like the Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers, and Tigers may seek bullpen reinforcements.

Amid discussions regarding trade candidates from the Minnesota Twins, left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe appears to be a viable option. Not only does he represent an affordable and productive choice, but Coulombe's performance trajectory since 2023 demonstrates his effectiveness as a reliever with a 2.17 ERA over 112 innings. His consistent output may attract interest from various contenders.

Ryan O'Hearn once occupied a top-tier position among trade candidates earlier in the season. However, following a steep decline in performance, his trade value may have fluctuated. Teams like the Houston Astros could still benefit from acquiring him as a left-handed bat despite his recent struggles, particularly as the Orioles look to shed expiring assets.

Merrill Kelly remains an unsung name that may not receive the attention he deserves despite solid performance metrics. With a 3.40 ERA since the beginning of 2022 and a trend of improvement this season, he finds himself positioned as one of the more desirable rental starting pitchers available. His successful outings are particularly valuable for teams in search of effective starting pitching.

As the Chicago White Sox face a difficult season, significant roster changes loom on the horizon. Among potential departures, Adrian Houser has emerged as a surprisingly strong trade chip, following a remarkable turnaround after being released a year prior. With a 1.56 ERA entering the All-Star break, teams are likely to take notice of his recent form.