Upcoming MLB Trade Deadline: Key Players Likely to be Traded

As Major League Baseball's trade deadline approaches, notable transactions have already begun with players like Josh Naylor, Ryan McMahon, and Gregory Soto moving teams last week. The next 48 hours leading up to the trade deadline, set for Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, promise to intensify the trading environment. The question many are asking is, who could be the next player to be traded?
When assessing players most likely to be dealt, it's important to distinguish between desirability and trade viability. For instance, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Andrew Heaney is set to become a free agent and is viewed as both available and affordable at a $5.25 million salary. However, his sky-high 6.84 ERA since late May raises questions about his desirability. Conversely, Mitch Keller is a more appealing option given his performance, but with approximately $60 million remaining on his contract, the Pirates will likely demand significant return value, making his trade uncertain. Therefore, while the Pirates may hold onto either pitcher, the players identified as top trade candidates would indeed surprise if they remain with their respective teams past August 1.
Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals could have been a prime trade candidate until recently, when his production took a downturn. Initially boasting a 2.38 ERA and 18 saves, Finnegan's struggles over the past six weeks—including an 8.03 ERA—have diminished his stature. Even so, with his ability to deliver competent outings, he may still find himself on the move, though he now projects as more of a middle-relief option after a series of inconsistent performances.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' potential fire sale has led to speculation about the futures of several players, particularly Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Despite subpar offensive numbers, Kiner-Falefa's defensive versatility and baserunning prowess maintain his trade appeal. However, it remains to be seen if his diminished OPS will affect his trade value significantly.
In contrast to others who started the season strong but have since faltered, Josh Bell has experienced a renaissance over the past two months after struggling at the season's outset. His recent performance may make him one of the most sought-after switch hitters as the deadline approaches, supported by his history of impactful moves between franchises.
Charlie Morton of the Atlanta Braves presents another intriguing option with a season characterized by an up-and-down trajectory. While his year-to-date ERA of 5.48 is suboptimal, a recent uptick in performance—with a 3.53 ERA since mid-May and several quality starts—positions him as an attractive rental pitcher for teams aiming to bolster their rotations.
St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has openly indicated that he feels a trade is imminent. With a standout performance delivering a 2.03 ERA alongside 103 saves since 2022, Helsley's services are likely to be in high demand among teams seeking bullpen enhancements.
The Minnesota Twins' Danny Coulombe has established himself as a valuable left-handed reliever with a compelling track record over the last couple of seasons. His combination of affordability and high-level production makes him an appealing trade piece, ensuring that contender interest should be robust.
Ryan O'Hearn's name was previously at the forefront of the trade discussion—before a significant drop in production since early June. Still, with his potential left-handed bat continuing to attract interest, he remains a probable candidate to be traded as teams look to refortify their lineups.
Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks might not frequently receive the accolades he deserves, yet his reliable performance coupled with an outstanding 2.71 ERA over his last 20 starts could make him a significant asset during this trade deadline period.
The Chicago White Sox, sitting at the bottom of the American League standings, are likely to engage in some roster shuffling. Their best asset for trade may be Adrian Houser, who has remarkably turned his fortunes around after struggling earlier in his career. His excellent performance since joining the White Sox positions him as a desirable target for teams in need of pitching depth.
Eugenio Suárez has become the most sought-after rental player on the trade market. His recent surge in hitting and increased power production position him as a premier option as the trade deadline approaches, with many teams keenly interested in securing his talents.








