MLB Trade Deadline Big Board: The top 50 players who could be dealt - The Athletic
Here is The Athletic’s Trade Deadline Big Board — 50 players who may change teams in the next week-plus and change destinies come October.
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are gearing up to make some big moves. The Athletic has put together a list of 50 players who could be changing teams in the coming weeks, with a mix of big names and underrated talents. Here's a rewritten version of their rankings, with a focus on providing a clear and concise summary of each player's situation:
1. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Tigers: The 27-year-old left-hander has emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball, with a dominant ERA and strikeout rate. The Tigers could be tempted to trade him for a massive haul, but he's the type of player teams should build around.
2. Garrett Crochet, LHP, White Sox: Crochet has been a bright spot for the White Sox, becoming one of the AL's best left-handed pitchers. Despite his inexperience, he could be a prime trade candidate for a team looking to rebuild.
3. Isaac Paredes, 3B/1B, Rays: The 25-year-old All-Star is under team control through 2027 and has a combination of present value and future upside. The Rays are always open for business, but it would take a significant prospect package to acquire Paredes.
4. Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays: Bichette has had a poor first half, but he has an established track record of star-caliber play. The Blue Jays could be open to trading him if they receive a huge return, especially if a team is interested in a long-term extension.
5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays: Guerrero Jr. is a four-time All-Star at just 25 years old. While the Blue Jays could hold onto him, they could also choose to rebuild and land a haul of prospects in return.
6. Luis Robert Jr., CF, White Sox: Robert Jr. has been one of the best all-around center fielders when healthy, but he has missed a significant number of games. He has two more years of team control, and any team acquiring him would need to view him as a potential star.
7. Mason Miller, RHP, Athletics: Miller is a 25-year-old All-Star pitcher under team control through 2029. The Athletics are in a unique situation and could be tempted to trade him to stockpile assets, despite his spectacular talent.
8. Randy Arozarena, LF, Rays: Arozarena has been a consistent performer for the Rays, with 20-homer power and 20-steal speed. He also has a strong track record in the playoffs. The Rays could look to move on as his salary increases.
9. Max Scherzer, RHP, Rangers: The future Hall of Famer recently returned from an injury and is still pitching at a high level. Trading for Scherzer comes with risk and reward, and there are obstacles to a potential deal, including a no-trade clause.
10. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets: Alonso was on track to be a big name at the deadline, but the Mets' resurgence has changed that. However, if things go south, he could still fetch a nice return as an impending free agent.
11. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Rangers: Eovaldi has aged remarkably well and has an extensive playoff track record. The Rangers may be hesitant to trade him as they defend their title, but his contract situation adds complexity.
12. Jack Flaherty, RHP, Tigers: The Tigers have a straightforward decision to make with Flaherty. They can either trade him and receive a solid return or let him walk as a free agent and receive draft pick compensation.
13. Yandy Díaz, 1B, Rays: Díaz is an underrated player who produces solid offense and can play both first and third base. His salary increases in 2025, so the Rays could look to move him.
14. Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Marlins: Luzardo has top-of-the-rotation stuff but has had a disappointing year with injuries. He's still just 26 and under team control for two more seasons, making him an attractive trade target.
15. Christian Walker, 1B, Diamondbacks: Walker is one of the most overlooked players in the league, ranking fourth in WAR at first base since 2020. He brings power and a slick glove, and could be a valuable addition to a contender.
16. Jazz Chisholm Jr., CF/2B, Marlins: Chisholm Jr. has positional versatility and is just 26 years old. While he hasn't replicated his breakout 2022 season, he could still be an appealing target for teams looking to upgrade their infield or outfield.
17. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Blue Jays: Kikuchi has been good rather than great for the Blue Jays, with dominant stretches and struggles. He has a high strikeout rate and could be a sought-after rental starter for contending teams.
18. Cody Bellinger, CF/1B/RF, Cubs: Bellinger is a tough evaluation due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Trading for him comes with risk, and the Cubs' playoff chances complicate a potential deal.
19. Brent Rooker, DH/OF, Athletics: Rooker has finally gotten an extended opportunity in Oakland and has performed at an All-Star level for two seasons. He has 30-homer power and is under team control for three more seasons, making him an underrated trade target.
20. Tanner Scott, LHP, Marlins: Scott has been one of the best relievers in baseball since the start of the 2023 season. While he has struggled with walks, his strikeout rate and ERA make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
21. Erick Fedde, RHP, White Sox: Fedde reinvented himself in South Korea and returned to MLB with a solid performance. He's a mid-rotation starter with a bargain salary for next season, making him a valuable trade piece for the White Sox.
22. Paul Sewald, RHP, Diamondbacks: Sewald was a stalwart in the Diamondbacks' bullpen last season, but his performance has been more pedestrian this year. His decreased strikeout rate and increased home run rate could make teams hesitant.
23. Ryan McMahon, 3B, Rockies: McMahon is in the midst of his finest MLB season, earning his first All-Star nod. He provides above-average offense and sparkling defense at third base, but his high strikeout rate could be a concern.
24. Jason Adam, RHP, Rays: Adam is the latest journeyman pitcher to find success in the Rays' bullpen. He's throwing harder than ever, and his ERA is under 2.00 for the second time in three years, making him a trade candidate as he gets more costly.
25. Luis Rengifo, 3B/2B, Angels: Rengifo is a switch-hitter who can play anywhere in the infield and has batted above league average since 2022. He would be a quality regular or an exceptional utility player, and he's under team control in 2025.
26. Zach Eflin, RHP, Rays: Eflin is a solid, strike-throwing mid-rotation starter with a market-rate contract. The Rays could look to trade him before his salary increases in 2025, as they have done with similar players in the past.
27. Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Rays: Fairbanks has served as the Rays' primary closer for the past two seasons, but his strikeout rate and velocity have declined this year. Despite this, his contract is still attractive, with a team option for 2026.
28. Danny Jansen, C, Blue Jays: Jansen is the clear-cut best catcher available at the deadline, with solid pitch-framing skills and an average-or-better OPS in four straight seasons. He could be a hot commodity for teams looking to upgrade behind the plate.
29. J.D. Martinez, DH, Mets: Martinez is a valuable presence in the Mets' lineup and brings a lot to the table in terms of hitter preparation. He would only be traded if the Mets' performance declines significantly before the deadline.
30. Chris Bassitt, RHP, Blue Jays: Bassitt is having another solid season with a sub-3.85 ERA, and he has a limited no-trade clause. The Blue Jays could look to cash in on him as they decide whether to buy or sell at the deadline.
31. Carlos Estévez, RHP, Angels: Estévez is a reliable late-inning reliever who is a safe bet to be moved at the deadline. He would fit well as a setup man on a contender, and his ability to get outs against both righties and lefties is valuable.
32. Joc Pederson, DH, Diamondbacks: Pederson is having a strong season, but he is best suited as a platoon player and designated hitter. He could be a good fit for a team looking to add power to their lineup.
33. Blake Snell, LHP, Giants: Snell had a disappointing first half, but he has a track record of pitching better after the All-Star break. Creative teams could be tempted to take a chance on him despite his contract.
34. Frankie Montas, RHP, Reds: Montas has been a serviceable arm for the Reds, but he hasn't returned to his dominant form with the Athletics. He could help stabilize a contender's rotation and is under contract through 2024.
35. Luis
1. Tarik Skubal, LHP, Tigers: The 27-year-old left-hander has emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball, with a dominant ERA and strikeout rate. The Tigers could be tempted to trade him for a massive haul, but he's the type of player teams should build around.
2. Garrett Crochet, LHP, White Sox: Crochet has been a bright spot for the White Sox, becoming one of the AL's best left-handed pitchers. Despite his inexperience, he could be a prime trade candidate for a team looking to rebuild.
3. Isaac Paredes, 3B/1B, Rays: The 25-year-old All-Star is under team control through 2027 and has a combination of present value and future upside. The Rays are always open for business, but it would take a significant prospect package to acquire Paredes.
4. Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays: Bichette has had a poor first half, but he has an established track record of star-caliber play. The Blue Jays could be open to trading him if they receive a huge return, especially if a team is interested in a long-term extension.
5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays: Guerrero Jr. is a four-time All-Star at just 25 years old. While the Blue Jays could hold onto him, they could also choose to rebuild and land a haul of prospects in return.
6. Luis Robert Jr., CF, White Sox: Robert Jr. has been one of the best all-around center fielders when healthy, but he has missed a significant number of games. He has two more years of team control, and any team acquiring him would need to view him as a potential star.
7. Mason Miller, RHP, Athletics: Miller is a 25-year-old All-Star pitcher under team control through 2029. The Athletics are in a unique situation and could be tempted to trade him to stockpile assets, despite his spectacular talent.
8. Randy Arozarena, LF, Rays: Arozarena has been a consistent performer for the Rays, with 20-homer power and 20-steal speed. He also has a strong track record in the playoffs. The Rays could look to move on as his salary increases.
9. Max Scherzer, RHP, Rangers: The future Hall of Famer recently returned from an injury and is still pitching at a high level. Trading for Scherzer comes with risk and reward, and there are obstacles to a potential deal, including a no-trade clause.
10. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets: Alonso was on track to be a big name at the deadline, but the Mets' resurgence has changed that. However, if things go south, he could still fetch a nice return as an impending free agent.
11. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Rangers: Eovaldi has aged remarkably well and has an extensive playoff track record. The Rangers may be hesitant to trade him as they defend their title, but his contract situation adds complexity.
12. Jack Flaherty, RHP, Tigers: The Tigers have a straightforward decision to make with Flaherty. They can either trade him and receive a solid return or let him walk as a free agent and receive draft pick compensation.
13. Yandy Díaz, 1B, Rays: Díaz is an underrated player who produces solid offense and can play both first and third base. His salary increases in 2025, so the Rays could look to move him.
14. Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Marlins: Luzardo has top-of-the-rotation stuff but has had a disappointing year with injuries. He's still just 26 and under team control for two more seasons, making him an attractive trade target.
15. Christian Walker, 1B, Diamondbacks: Walker is one of the most overlooked players in the league, ranking fourth in WAR at first base since 2020. He brings power and a slick glove, and could be a valuable addition to a contender.
16. Jazz Chisholm Jr., CF/2B, Marlins: Chisholm Jr. has positional versatility and is just 26 years old. While he hasn't replicated his breakout 2022 season, he could still be an appealing target for teams looking to upgrade their infield or outfield.
17. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Blue Jays: Kikuchi has been good rather than great for the Blue Jays, with dominant stretches and struggles. He has a high strikeout rate and could be a sought-after rental starter for contending teams.
18. Cody Bellinger, CF/1B/RF, Cubs: Bellinger is a tough evaluation due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Trading for him comes with risk, and the Cubs' playoff chances complicate a potential deal.
19. Brent Rooker, DH/OF, Athletics: Rooker has finally gotten an extended opportunity in Oakland and has performed at an All-Star level for two seasons. He has 30-homer power and is under team control for three more seasons, making him an underrated trade target.
20. Tanner Scott, LHP, Marlins: Scott has been one of the best relievers in baseball since the start of the 2023 season. While he has struggled with walks, his strikeout rate and ERA make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
21. Erick Fedde, RHP, White Sox: Fedde reinvented himself in South Korea and returned to MLB with a solid performance. He's a mid-rotation starter with a bargain salary for next season, making him a valuable trade piece for the White Sox.
22. Paul Sewald, RHP, Diamondbacks: Sewald was a stalwart in the Diamondbacks' bullpen last season, but his performance has been more pedestrian this year. His decreased strikeout rate and increased home run rate could make teams hesitant.
23. Ryan McMahon, 3B, Rockies: McMahon is in the midst of his finest MLB season, earning his first All-Star nod. He provides above-average offense and sparkling defense at third base, but his high strikeout rate could be a concern.
24. Jason Adam, RHP, Rays: Adam is the latest journeyman pitcher to find success in the Rays' bullpen. He's throwing harder than ever, and his ERA is under 2.00 for the second time in three years, making him a trade candidate as he gets more costly.
25. Luis Rengifo, 3B/2B, Angels: Rengifo is a switch-hitter who can play anywhere in the infield and has batted above league average since 2022. He would be a quality regular or an exceptional utility player, and he's under team control in 2025.
26. Zach Eflin, RHP, Rays: Eflin is a solid, strike-throwing mid-rotation starter with a market-rate contract. The Rays could look to trade him before his salary increases in 2025, as they have done with similar players in the past.
27. Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Rays: Fairbanks has served as the Rays' primary closer for the past two seasons, but his strikeout rate and velocity have declined this year. Despite this, his contract is still attractive, with a team option for 2026.
28. Danny Jansen, C, Blue Jays: Jansen is the clear-cut best catcher available at the deadline, with solid pitch-framing skills and an average-or-better OPS in four straight seasons. He could be a hot commodity for teams looking to upgrade behind the plate.
29. J.D. Martinez, DH, Mets: Martinez is a valuable presence in the Mets' lineup and brings a lot to the table in terms of hitter preparation. He would only be traded if the Mets' performance declines significantly before the deadline.
30. Chris Bassitt, RHP, Blue Jays: Bassitt is having another solid season with a sub-3.85 ERA, and he has a limited no-trade clause. The Blue Jays could look to cash in on him as they decide whether to buy or sell at the deadline.
31. Carlos Estévez, RHP, Angels: Estévez is a reliable late-inning reliever who is a safe bet to be moved at the deadline. He would fit well as a setup man on a contender, and his ability to get outs against both righties and lefties is valuable.
32. Joc Pederson, DH, Diamondbacks: Pederson is having a strong season, but he is best suited as a platoon player and designated hitter. He could be a good fit for a team looking to add power to their lineup.
33. Blake Snell, LHP, Giants: Snell had a disappointing first half, but he has a track record of pitching better after the All-Star break. Creative teams could be tempted to take a chance on him despite his contract.
34. Frankie Montas, RHP, Reds: Montas has been a serviceable arm for the Reds, but he hasn't returned to his dominant form with the Athletics. He could help stabilize a contender's rotation and is under contract through 2024.
35. Luis
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