Every MLB Seller's Top Trade Chips and Best Potential Landing Spot Amid Latest Rumors
With the All-Star break now in the rearview, the next major item on this season's MLB calendar is the trade deadline, and the coming days will go a long way toward deciding where teams on the fence between buying and selling ultimately land.
Along with the rebuilding teams that were expected to sell coming into the season, poor starts by the Braves, Diamondbacks, Orioles have broadened the potential talent pool.
Ahead, we've taken a closer look at the top trade candidates for each of the 13 teams not currently in the mix to be considered potential sellers, while also identifying the best potential landing spot for those trade chips.
Available names and teams in the mix to sell could still change in the coming days, but for now this can serve as a preview of what's to come at this year's trade deadline.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 13
3B Eugenio Suárez
The D-backs exercised a $15 million club option on Suárez following a 30-homer, 3.1-WAR campaign last year, and he has been one of baseball's most productive power hitters this season, posting a 142 OPS+ with 31 home runs and a NL-leading 78 RBI in 95 games. The Cubs, Tigers and Yankees are all showing interest, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post.
Best Landing Spot: New York Yankees
With Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting back to second base after DJ LeMahieu was non-tendered, the hot corner is the most glaring hole for the Yankees. Oswald Peraza (122 PA, .243 BA, 79 OPS+) and Jorbit Vivas (55 PA, .149 BA, 41 OPS+) are currently the team's top in-house options.
SP Merrill Kelly
In the final season of a three-year, $24 million deal, Kelly has again been a reliable workhorse starter, going 8-5 with a 3.34 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 116 innings. The 36-year-old was a standout during the 2023 postseason, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 24 innings as the No. 2 starter behind Zac Gallen.
Best Landing Spot: Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays rank 25th in the majors with a 4.60 ERA from their starting rotation, and while Max Scherzer is back healthy, they continue to look for consistency behind the veteran trio of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt.
SP Zac Gallen
One of the best starters in baseball the past several seasons, Gallen has struggled this year with a 5.40 ERA and 4.80 FIP in 115 innings, though he has turned in quality starts in two of his last three outings.
Best Landing Spot: Boston Red Sox
With Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito both pitching behind ace Garrett Crochet during the Red Sox's recent run of success, they might be the perfect team to roll the dice on Gallen returning to his frontline form in the second half.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: 1B Josh Naylor, RP Shelby Miller, RP Jalen Beeks
Athletics
2 of 13
IF Luis Urías
Signed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal during the offseason, Urías represents a productive, low-cost infielder with defensive versatility. The 28-year-old hit .239/.320/.363 with seven doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBI and 0.6 WAR in 259 plate appearances.
Best Landing Spot: Houston Astros
With Jeremy Peña, Luis Guillorme and Brendan Rodgers all on the injured list, and Jose Altuve playing more outfield with Jake Meyers also sidelined, Urías could be a nice addition to an Astros team that has maximized the value of a similar player in Mauricio Dubón.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: RP Sean Newcomb, IF Gio Urshela
Atlanta Braves
3 of 13
DH Marcell Ozuna
The Braves might not opt to sell aggressively, but moving Ozuna makes perfect sense in the final season of his five-year, $80 million deal. His lack of defensive value limits his list of potential landing spots, but in a thin market for bats, he is one of the few capable of making an impact with a 115 OPS+ and 13 home runs in 389 plate appearances.
Best Landing Spot: San Diego Padres
The Padres have been using Trenton Brooks as their primary designated hitter for the past month, and he is hitting .167/.189/.306 for a 35 OPS+ with 13 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: RP Raisel Iglesias, RP Rafael Montero
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 13
1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn
An extremely productive platoon player the last two seasons for the Orioles, O'Hearn is enjoying a career year, posting a 139 OPS+ with 14 doubles, 11 home runs and 34 RBI to earn the starting nod in the All-Star Game.
Best Landing Spot: San Francisco Giants
With Wilmer Flores slumping to a .229 average and .623 OPS since the beginning of June and Dominic Smith providing slightly below average production since he was plucked from the scrapheap, he could provide a major upgrade in the San Francisco lineup.
OF Cedric Mullins
Mullins continues to be a solid source of power and speed, and he has a 101 OPS+ with 13 home runs, 41 RBI and 13 steals in 312 plate appearances. His defensive metrics (-16 DRS) are poor, which has undercut his offensive value, though he has been a quality defender in center field in the past.
Best Landing Spot: New York Mets
The Mets have given 273 plate appearances to Tyrone Taylor this season, and he is hitting .213/.267/.313 for a 68 OPS+, so finding an upgrade in the outfield should be a priority. Mullins would allow Jeff McNeil to shift back to second base, leaving Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio to split time at the hot corner.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Zach Eflin, SP Charlie Morton SP Tomoyuki Sugano, IF Ramón Urías, RP Seranthony Domínguez, RP Gregory Soto
Chicago White Sox
5 of 13
OF Andrew Benintendi
Benintendi is overpaid relative to his five-year, $75 million contract, and he is still on the books in 2026 ($17.1 million) and 2027 ($15.1 million), but he has been a productive hitter, posting a 101 OPS+ with 11 home runs and 35 RBI. The White Sox are willing to pay down his salary to move him.
Best Landing Spot: Toronto Blue Jays
With Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander both on the injured list, the Blue Jays are leaning on a combination of Nathan Lukes, Joey Loperfido, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider for more playing time than expected in the outfield.
OF Luis Robert Jr.
It's been a rough season for Robert, who is hitting .190 with a 30.4 percent strikeout rate, but he still has dynamic raw tools and represents one of the more intriguing buy-low options on the market. With a $20 million club option and $2 million buyout for 2026, cutting ties would be relatively inexpensive if he does not bounce back.
Best Landing Spot: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays bought low on Dylan Carlson at the trade deadline last year and Eloy Jimenez during the offseason, and while neither of those moves have paid dividends, it shows their willingness to gamble on upside in search for a productive outfield bat.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Adrian Houser, OF Austin Slater, OF Michael A. Taylor, RP Tyler Alexander
Cleveland Guardians
6 of 13
RP Emmanuel Clase
After a shaky start to the season, Clase is again pitching like a bullpen ace, converting 15 of 17 save opportunities with a 1.20 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 29 appearances since the beginning of June. His salary climbs from $4.9 million to $6.4 million next year, followed by a pair of $10 million club options, so the cost-conscious Guardians could sell now and turn over closer duties to Cade Smith.
Best Landing Spot: Philadelphia Phillies
The bullpen has been a consistent issue for the Phillies the past several seasons, and swinging a deal for a controllable, proven ninth-inning option who can anchor the relief corps for the next several years should be their top deadline priority.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: 1B Carlos Santana, RP Jakob Junis
Colorado Rockies
7 of 13
3B Ryan McMahon
McMahon has been a lock for 20-plus home runs and elite defense at third base throughout his time with the Rockies. He is having a down year from a surface-level production standpoint, hitting .212/.308/.376 for an 84 OPS+ with 13 home runs, but his batted-ball metrics suggest he is capable of more. The 30-year-old ranks among the MLB leaders in average exit velocity (95th percentile), hard-hit rate (79th percentile) and bat speed (82nd percentile).
Best Landing Spot: Detroit Tigers
McMahon is one of the most appealing change-of-scenery candidates on the market, and though with two years and $32 million left on his contract, the Rockies will need to add cash to facilitate a deal. The stalled development of Jace Jung makes him a fit in Detroit, with utility man Zach McKinstry handling the bulk of third base duties.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: RP Jake Bird, SP Germán Márquez
Kansas City Royals
8 of 13
SP Seth Lugo
A surprise playoff team in 2024, the Royals have taken a step backward, entering the All-Star break with a 47-50 record and just an 11.9 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Don't expect a full-blown fire sale, but flipping Lugo could bring back a quality prospect haul, and he will likely hit free agency this winter with a $15 million player option for 2026 that is a safe bet to be declined.
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are probably only going to target high-end rotation additions since they already have a number of quality arms, and Lugo fits the bill with a 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 101 innings a year after finishing runner-up in AL Cy Young balloting. He could be the 2025 version of Jack Flaherty.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Michael Lorenzen
Los Angeles Angels
9 of 13
OF Taylor Ward
Despite a lackluster .297 on-base percentage, Ward should generate plenty of interest this summer as one of the few true power bats expected to be available. He has already logged his third 20-homer season in the last four years, posting a 108 OPS+ with 21 home runs and 65 RBI, and he is more than a rental with club control through the 2026 season.
Best Landing Spot: Seattle Mariners
Right field has been a revolving door for the Mariners this season, with Leody Taveras (23 starts), Dominic Canzone (23 starts), Luke Raley (16 starts) and Dylan Moore (12 starts) splitting time. The ask might be a bit higher from a division rival, but he could be the bat the Mariners are missing.
RP Reid Detmers
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Detmers flamed out as a starter with a 6.70 ERA in 2024, but he has reinvented himself as a quality bullpen option this year. He has a 4.15 ERA and 10.8 K/9 with two saves and eight holds in 40 appearances overall, and a minuscule 1.24 ERA in 28 games since May 9.
Best Landing Spot: New York Mets
Richard Lovelady (6 G, 8.10 ERA) and Brandon Waddell (9 G, 3.86 ERA) are the only lefties in the Mets bullpen right now, and neither is viewed as a high-leverage option. Detmers could slot in alongside Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett and Edwin Díaz in the late innings.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Tyler Anderson, RP Kenley Jansen, 3B Yoán Moncada, IF Luis Rengifo
Miami Marlins
10 of 13
SP Sandy Alcantara
After struggling to an 8.47 ERA in his first 11 starts, Alcantara strung together a few strong starts in a row in June, but he has allowed 24 hits and 18 earned runs in 17 innings over his last three starts. With a $17.3 million salary for 2026 and a $21 million club option for 2027, he comes with a good-sized financial commitment, and he will need to return to quality form to be a viable trade chip.
Best Landing Spot: Chicago Cubs
Jeff Passan of ESPN identified the Cubs as the best match in a trade for Alcantara, and the rotation figures to be their top priority at the trade deadline. They have the prospect capital to go after almost anyone, but they will need to be convinced Alcantara can actually help.
SP Edward Cabrera
Cabrera is quietly having a strong season for the Marlins, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 82.1 innings, and he has long had some of the best pure stuff in the majors. The 27-year-old has an upper 90s fastball, terrific changeup and a curveball generating a 41.1 percent whiff rate, and he has club control through 2028.
Best Landing Spot: Houston Astros
The Astros could use a quality No. 3 starter to slot behind Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez in the rotation, but with one of the thinner farm systems in baseball, a high-reward target like Cabrera could be at the top of their wish list.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Cal Quantrill
Minnesota Twins
11 of 13
RP Jhoan Durán
Durán battled some inconsistency last season, but he is back to being a lights-out closer, posting a 1.66 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 while converting 15 of 17 save opportunities. With a fastball that averages 100.3 mph and a lethal splitter and knuckle curve combination, he is the type of electric arm who can be a difference-maker in October.
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are without Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol who are all on the 60-day injured list, and slotting Durán alongside Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia would help shorten games.
RP Griffin Jax
Since getting shelled to the tune of an 11.25 ERA over his first nine outings, Jax has a 2.16 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 14.6 K/9 with 15 holds in 35 appearances as one of baseball's most effective setup relievers. The 30-year-old had a 2.03 with 10 saves and 24 holds in 72 games in 2024, and he is controllable through 2027.
Best Landing Spot: Cincinnati Reds
While most contenders will be targeting Jax as an eight-inning option, the Reds could pencil him into the ninth-inning role, or at least have him split duties with Emilio Pagán.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: UT Willi Castro, RP Danny Coulombe, OF Harrison Bader, SP Chris Paddack, 1B Ty France
Pittsburgh Pirates
12 of 13
SP Mitch Keller
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported in late June that the Pirates are open to moving everyone outside of Paul Skenes and Andrew McCutchen, and that has made Keller one of the top speculative trade candidates on the roster. The 29-year-old has three years and $55.7 million left on his contract, and the 2023 All-Star has a 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 119 innings.
Best Landing Spot: San Diego Padres
With Joe Musgrove and Michael King on the injured list, and Yu Darvish (2 GS, 6.48 ERA) still rounding into form, the Padres need another quality rotation option alongside Nick Pivetta and Dylan Cease. They have not been shy about trading their prospects in recent years.
RP David Bednar
Bednar got off to a rocky start this season, but quickly rounded into form, posting a 2.53 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 12.7 K/9 while converting all 13 of his save opportunities. The two-time All-Star is earning a team-friendly $5.9 million this year, and he has one more season of club control in 2026.
Best Landing Spot: Detroit Tigers
The Tigers leaned heavily on their relief corps last season, but the bullpen has not been the same major strength this season with a 4.13 ERA that ranks 21st in the majors. They are expected to be among the most active teams at this year's deadline, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Andrew Heaney, RP Dennis Santana, SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa, OF Tommy Pham, RP Caleb Ferguson
Washington Nationals
13 of 13
RP Kyle Finnegan
Finnegan tallied 38 saves and earned an All-Star selection in 2024, but he was a surprise non-tender at the start of last offseason. His market never materialized and he ended up re-signing with the Nationals on a one-year, $5.38 million deal. With a 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 18 saves in 24 chances, he represents a reasonably priced relief arm with significant late-inning experience.
Best Landing Spot: Texas Rangers
The Rangers rank fourth in the majors with a 3.37 ERA from their relief corps, but they have converted just 25 of 42 save opportunities. If they are going to hang around in playoff contention, they will need to do a better job slamming the door.
Other Potential Trade Candidates: SP Michael Soroka, UT Amed Rosario, 1B Nathaniel Lowe, DH Josh Bell
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