MLB Trade Deadline 2025 Live Big Board For Top 50 Trade Candidates
Things can move quickly on MLB trade deadline day, and lists of the best available trade candidates are often out of date before you've had your morning cup of coffee thanks to trades taking place overnight and in the early hours of the morning.
With that in mind, we're rolling out a big board of the best available players heading into deadline day that will be updated throughout Thursday's flurry of activity.
When a player is traded, his status will be updated the top 50 list. If a rumor emerges that an unexpected player is suddenly available, he'll be added to the rankings. The goal here is to keep things fresh from the moment you wake up on Thursday morning until the deadline officially passes at 6 p.m. ET and the dust settles on any last-second trades.
Keep it here throughout deadline day for a rundown of the best available talent.
Notable Players Not Expected to Be Traded
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The following players have been mentioned as potential trade chips in the days and weeks leading up to the trade deadline, but the odds of them actually moving are low enough that they were not included on our Big Board:
3B Nolan Arenado, STL
SP Taj Bradley, TB
OF Jarren Duran, BOS
OF Adolis García, TEX
SP MacKenzie Gore, WAS
RP Kenley Jansen, LAA
OF Bryan Reynolds, PIT
SP Joe Ryan, MIN
RP Cade Smith, CLE
RP Robert Suárez, SD
Nos. 50-46
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50. RP Shelby Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stats: 37 G, 10 SV, 1.98 ERA (3.12 FIP), 0.96 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, 1.7 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
The numbers suggest Miller should be ranked higher on this list, but he is currently sidelined with a forearm strain. That injury can be a precursor to Tommy John surgery, or it can be something that simply goes away with rest and treatment, but it muddies his status as a trade candidate.
49. SP JP Sears, Athletics
Stats: 22 GS, 4.95 ERA (4.95 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, 97 K, 111.0 IP, 0.7 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2028
Sears is a useful workhorse, having chewed through 86 starts and 464 innings since the start of the 2023 season. However, he has a 4.58 ERA and 89 ERA+ during that stretch. He could solidify the back of a rotation, but he is not a candidate to start a playoff game.
Update: San Diego Padres have acquired Sears as part of the Mason Miller blockbuster trade.
48. IF Luis Urías, Athletics
Stats: 287 PA, 90 OPS+, .236/.320/.360, 15 XBH (8 HR), 2 SB, 0.7 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Urias has over 1,000 career innings at second base, shortstop and third base, and there is some sneaky pop in his bat. He is a nice utility piece to fill out a contender's bench, and he could be packaged along with one of the Athletics starters if the right suitor comes along.
47. 3B Yoán Moncada, Los Angeles Angels
Stats: 156 PA, 113 OPS+, .216/.321/.455, 15 XBH (8 HR), 0 SB, 0.1 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Moncada has been productive at the plate when healthy this season, but the oft-injured former top prospect has only played 42 games while navigating thumb, knee and hand issues. The market is thin on power bats, and he represents a low-risk, modest-reward pickup for a contender.
46. SP Tomoyuki Sugano, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 20 GS, 4.38 ERA (5.20 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, 71 K, 109.0 IP, 0.8 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
After 12 years in Japan, Sugano has had an up-and-down first MLB season. His July has been a microcosm of his season as a whole, with two quality starts and two outings where he allowed a combined 16 hits and nine earned runs in 8.1 innings. The O's will likely need to pay down part of the roughly $5 million he is still owed to facilitate a deal.
Nos. 45-41
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45. SP Luis Severino, Athletics
Stats: 22 GS, 4.95 ERA (4.21 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, 92 K, 125.1 IP, 0.2 WAR
Contract Status: Signed through 2026, player option for 2027
A $25 million salary for next season and middling overall numbers make it unlikely the A's will find a taker for Severino, but his home/road splits suggest a change of scenery could help:
- Home: 12 GS, 0-9, 6.68 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 66.0 IP
- Road: 10 GS, 4-2, 3.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 59.1 IP
Not a fan of Sutter Health Park, it would seem.
44. SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 332 PA, 78 OPS+, .265/.307/.330, 16 XBH (1 HR), 12 SB, 1.4 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Kiner-Falefa offers little in the way of power production, but he is a solid defender at shortstop, has good wheels and has put the ball in play in 77.4 percent of his trips to the plate this season. He has also logged significant time at second base and third base, and he saw regular action in the outfield in 2023.
43. OF Mike Tauchman, Chicago White Sox
Stats: 221 PA, 132 OPS+, .284/.367/.469, 21 XBH (7 HR), 0 SB, 1.4 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Tauchman has been a nice bargain-bin pickup for the White Sox playing on a one-year, $1.95 million contract. The 34-year-old has logged an on-base percentage over .350 in each of the past three seasons. And while he has played exclusively right field this year, he is capable of handling all three outfield spots.
42. SP Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 14 GS, 5.93 ERA (5.60 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, 50 K, 71.1 IP, -0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Back issues have led to diminished results for Eflin this season after he logged a combined 3.54 ERA and 115 ERA+ in 343.0 innings during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. There is some buy-low potential given his track record, but a 5.60 FIP and five straight outings without a quality start limit his appeal.
41. SP Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels
Stats: 21 GS, 4.41 ERA (5.12 FIP), 1.41 WHIP, 87 K, 112.1 IP, 1.9 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
An All-Star in 2022 and 2024, Anderson is a soft-tossing veteran with 1,235 career innings of work under his belt. He generally does a solid job limiting hard contact but has made too many mistakes this season with 20 home runs and a .789 OPS allowed.
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Nos. 40-36
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40. SP Andrew Heaney, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 20 GS, 4.79 ERA (5.19 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, 78 K, 107.0 IP, 0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Heaney is a proven veteran playing on a reasonable one-year, $5.25 million deal, and he allowed just two hits over five scoreless innings in his most recent start against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. He also has some useful experience pitching as a long man out of the bullpen, and that would be his likely role in the postseason.
39. OF Jesús Sánchez, Miami Marlins
Stats: 333 PA, 99 OPS+, .252/.318/.405, 24 XBH (9 HR), 9 SB, 0.8 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
Sánchez is a reasonably priced outfield bat with some pop, though he has some work to do to match last season's 18-homer, 64-RBI output. The 27-year-old is earning $4.5 million this year, and could be a non-tender candidate this offseason for the budget-conscious Marlins, so flipping him now for whatever they can get makes sense.
Update: Houston Astros have acquired Sánchez, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
38. RP Seth Halvorsen, Colorado Rockies
Stats: 41 G, 11 SV, 4.99 ERA (5.09 FIP), 1.54 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 0.2 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2030
A seventh-round pick out of Tennessee in 2023, Halvorsen flew through the minors and is currently filling a role at the back of a bad Rockies bullpen. The 25-year-old leads all rookies with 11 saves and has the stuff to be a late-inning asset in the future, though he is still settling in at the MLB level, so trading for him now would be a long-term play more than a short-term fix.
37. RP Brock Stewart, Minnesota Twins
Stats: 39 G, 14 HLD, 2.38 ERA (3.07 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
Stewart has been used primarily in mid-leverage spots in a stacked Minnesota bullpen, but he has a big arm with an upper 90s fastball and a nasty sweeper that is generating a 52.2 percent whiff rate. The 33-year-old is making just $870,000 this season and has two more years of club control, which should help drive interest.
Update: Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Stewart, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
36. SP Jeffrey Springs, Athletics
Stats: 20 GS, 4.13 ERA (4.70 FIP), 1.20 WHIP, 95 K, 120.0 IP, 0.9 WAR
Contract Status: Signed through 2026, club option for 2027
After pitching just 49 combined innings in 2023 and 2024 sandwiched around Tommy John surgery, Springs has struggled to find his groove in his first season with the Athletics. A reasonable $10.5 million salary for next year adds to his value, but he may be more of a candidate to be moved during the winter.
Nos. 35-31
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35. OF Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 351 PA, 104 OPS+, .226/.303/.429, 33 XBH (15 HR), 14 SB, 0.1 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
With a career-low .226 batting average and an on-base percentage hovering just above the .300 mark, Mullins is not having a great contract year. Poor defensive metrics in center field (-14 DRS, -1.2 dWAR) have also undercut his value and appeal, but he remains a good source of power and speed.
Update: New York Mets have acquired Mullins, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
34. RP Pierce Johnson, Atlanta Braves
Stats: 41 G, 9 HLD, 2.56 ERA (3.12 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 0.9 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026
Since posting a 0.76 ERA and 12.2 K/9 in 24 appearances after he was acquired from the Rockies at the 2023 deadline, Johnson has been a reliable middle relief option for the Braves. His $7 million club option for next season is reasonable enough to be exercised, making him more than a straight rental.
33. RP Jake Bird, Colorado Rockies
Stats: 45 G, 6 SV, 10 HLD, 4.73 ERA (3.45 FIP), 1.48 WHIP, 10.5 K/9, 0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2028
With a mid-90s fastball and two quality breaking pitches, Bird has the stuff to be a quality late-inning option going forward. That said, he also has far better numbers at Coors Field (24 G, 2.48 ERA, 11.8 K/9) than he does on the road (21 G, 7.40 ERA, 8.9 K/9), making him something of an enigma.
Update: New York Yankees have acquired Bird, according to Jack Curry of YES Network
32. RP Anthony Bender, Miami Marlins
Stats: 45 G, 18 HLD, 1.83 ERA (3.75 FIP), 0.97 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 1.8 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
Despite a dip in his strikeout rate from 25.9 to 19.9 percent this year, Bender has been lights out, logging a 1.83 ERA that is the ninth-lowest mark among 115 relievers with at least 40 appearances. There are some regression red flags in his metrics, but he is a low-cost, late-inning option with two more years of control.
31. RP Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals
Stats: 40 G, 20 SV, 4.38 ERA (3.61 FIP), 1.28 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 0.1 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Only Emmanuel Clase (115) and Josh Hader (95) have more saves since the start of the 2023 season than the 86 record by Finnegan during that stretch. A dip in his strikeout rate means he probably fits best in a setup role on a contending team, but his late-inning experience still has value.
Update: Detroit Tigers have acquired Finnegan, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Nos. 30-26
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30. OF Tommy Pham, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 275 PA, 101 OPS+, .273/.342/.380, 17 XBH (4 HR), 3 SB, 1.2 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Since June 22, Pham leads the majors with a .411 batting average over 99 plate appearances, though it is propped up by an unsustainable .452 batting average on balls in play. Still, he was a productive rental bat for the D-backs in 2023 and Royals in 2024, and he is a .315/.331/.492 hitter over 136 plate appearances in his postseason career.
29. SP Justin Verlander, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 18 GS, 4.53 ERA (4.28 FIP), 1.49 WHIP, 77 K, 89.1 IP, -0.2 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Verlander is no longer an ace-caliber starter, but he still has something left in the tank and has turned in back-to-back strong starts against the Braves (5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER) and Pirates (5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER) to give him legitimate trade appeal as the Giants pivot to a sell-off. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is still owed roughly $5 million over the final two months of the season, so cash might need to head the other way along with him in any trade.
28. RP Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves
Stats: 44 G, 12 SV, 4.97 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.20 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, -0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Iglesias is not having a great season, but his overall numbers are inflated by three awful outings where he allowed nine hits, four walks and 10 earned runs in 2.2 innings. In his other 41 appearances, he has a 3.00 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 over 39 innings.
27. RP Phil Maton, St. Louis Cardinals
Stats: 40 G, 20 HLD, 2.35 ERA (2.50 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Since his rookie season in 2017, Maton ranks 12th in the majors with 455 appearances, posting a 4.01 ERA and 103 ERA+ as a reliable workhorse in the middle innings. The 32-year-old is enjoying a career year in 2025, leaning heavily on a curveball that is generating a 42.3 percent whiff rate and limiting opposing hitters to a .152 average.
Source: Texas Rangers have acquired Maton, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
26. OF Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
Stats: 340 PA, 80 OPS+, .206/.295/.348, 20 XBH (11 HR), 26 SB, 0.7 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026, 2027
A .319/.418/.532 line with three home runs and 11 RBI in 14 games since the start of July has helped Robert rebuild some trade value, though he is still amid a brutal season overall with an 80 OPS+ and 28.8 percent strikeout rate. Even with a strong finish to the season, his $20 million club option for next year is likely to be declined, essentially making him a rental.
Nos. 25-21
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25. IF/OF Willi Castro, Minnesota Twins
Stats: 341 PA, 105 OPS+, .247/.338/.411, 27 XBH (10 HR), 9 SB, 0.6 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
An All-Star in 2024, Castro has developed into one of the better utility players in the game. The 28-year-old has started multiple games at second base, shortstop, third base and both corner outfield spots this year, and he is on his way to a second straight season with double-digit home runs and steals.
Update: Chicago Cubs have acquired Castro, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune.
24. RP Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants
Stats: 46 G, 15 SV, 3.15 ERA (3.31 FIP), 1.20 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
With a cutter that touches 100 mph and a nasty slider, Doval has some of the best pure stuff in baseball. The 28-year-old has been a dominant closer at times during the past four seasons, including a 39-save, All-Star campaign in 2023. He has dealt with some command issues, but he looks like a prime change-of-scenery candidate.
Update: New York Yankees have acquired Doval, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
23. RP Dennis Santana, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 46 G, 13 HLD, 1.36 ERA (2.38 FIP), 0.82 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 2.2 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2026
After spending time with the Dodgers, Rangers, Braves, Twins, Mets and Yankees organizations, Santana turned a corner last season after the Pirates claimed him off waivers in June. Over 85 games in a Pittsburgh uniform, he has a 1.89 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with seven saves and 24 holds, and he has one year of arbitration remaining.
22. SP Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stats: 22 GS, 5.60 ERA (4.75 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, 121 K, 127.0 IP, -0.1 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Gallen piled up 12.3 WAR over the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons, a total that trailed only Zack Wheeler (15.1), Logan Webb (13.8) and Dylan Cease (12.7) among all pitchers. However, this season has been a struggle, due in large part to the NL-leading 23 home runs he has allowed. His track record gives him appealing buy-low upside, but the underlying metrics don't provide much reason for optimism.
21. OF Harrison Bader, Minnesota Twins
Stats: 304 PA, 110 OPS+, .254/.336/.437, 25 XBH (12 HR), 10 SB, 2.7 WAR
Contract Status: Mutual option for 2026
Bader has provided his usual mix of power, speed and elite outfield defense (13 DRS, 1.2 dWAR) while splitting his time between center field and left field after signing a one-year, $4.75 million deal. His contract includes a $10 million mutual option and $1.5 million buyout for 2026, making him the equivalent of a rental.
Update: Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Bader, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Nos. 20-16
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20. SP Charlie Morton, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 23 G, 17 GS, 5.42 ERA (4.84 FIP), 1.56 WHIP, 101 K, 101.1 IP, -0.4 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Morton was shelled in April and briefly demoted to the bullpen in May, but since returning to the rotation on May 26, he has a 3.88 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 60.1 innings and the Orioles are 9-2 in his 11 starts. The 41-year-old turned in a quality start against a red-hot Blue Jays team on Tuesday, and he looks poised to help a contender's rotation down the stretch.
Source: Detroit Tigers have acquired Morton, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
19. RP Danny Coulombe, Minnesota Twins
Stats: 40 G, 8 HLD, 1.16 ERA (1.97 FIP), 0.97 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 1.6 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Coulombe has been one of the most effective lefty relievers in baseball this season, albeit working in more of a middle relief capacity than a high-leverage role. He has been equally effective against righties (62 PA, .164 BA, .458 OPS) and lefties (60 PA, .211 BA, .461 OPS), and he is owed just $1 million for the remainder of the season.
Update: Texas Rangers have acquired Coulombe, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
18. SP Shane Bieber, Cleveland Guardians
Stats: Injured, has not played
Contract Status: Player option for 2026
Bieber has yet to make his 2025 debut at the MLB level as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, but he is on the minor league rehab trail. His most recent rehab outing came at the Double-A level on Tuesday, and he allowed three hits and one earned run while throwing 59 pitches in four innings. His contract contains a $16 million player option and $4 million buyout for 2026.
Update: Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Bieber in exchange for RHP Khal Stephen.
17. SP Adrian Houser, Chicago White Sox
Stats: 11 GS, 2.10 ERA (3.30 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, 47 K, 68.2 IP, 3.0 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Since making his season debut on May 20 after opting out of a minor league deal with the Rangers, Houser ranks among the leaders in ERA (2.10, fifth) and pitching WAR (1.7, 12th). He limited a potent Cubs offense to five hits and three runs over 6.2 innings to pick up the win on July 26, and he has tallied nine quality starts in his 11 outings.
Update: Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Houser, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
16. DH Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves
Stats: 410 PA, 116 OPS+, .236/.364/.403, 26 XBH (15 HR), 0 SB, 1.3 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
One of baseball's most potent bats in 2023 (140 OPS+, 40 HR, 100 RBI) and 2024 (153 OPS+, 39 HR, 104 RBI), Ozuna has not matched that level of production this year, but he is still one of the top rental sluggers on the market. He has not played a single inning in left field since 2023, so he is a DH-only option at this point.
Nos. 15-11
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15. OF Ramón Laureano, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 289 PA, 147 OPS+, .291/.356/.531, 32 XBH (15 HR), 4 SB, 2.9 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026
Laureano played well down the stretch last season in Atlanta as an injury replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr. but still found a limited market during the offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $4 million deal that includes a $6.5 million club option for 2026. He has been one of the most productive hitters in the Orioles lineup, and he can line up at any of the three outfield spots.
Update: San Diego Padres have acquired Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
14. OF Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels
Stats: 459 PA, 114 OPS+, .229/.305/.485, 52 XBH (25 HR), 2 SB, 2.0 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2026
Ward ranks 10th in the majors with 52 extra-base hits, and his next home run will set a new career-high mark. The 31-year-old has limited on-base skills, but he is a consistent run producer and a solid defensive left fielder, and he comes with one additional year of club control that will likely come in somewhere in the $10 million range after he carried a $7.83 million salary this year.
13. RP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays
Stats: 40 G, 18 SV, 2.75 ERA (2.89 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 0.7 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026
Fairbanks has been a consistent late-inning arm for the Rays for the past five seasons, though his strikeout rate has dropped for a fourth consecutive season to a career-low 20.2 percent. His team-friendly $7 million club option for next season adds to his value, and it's a big enough number that the cost-conscious Rays could be motivated to deal.
12. 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
Stats: 350 PA, 120 OPS+, .269/.320/.480, 30 XBH (19 HR), 3 SB, 1.2 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026
Lowe is the second-highest paid player on the Rays roster with a $10.5 million salary, and that is set to climb to $11.5 million next year if his club option is exercised. The 31-year-old earned his second All-Star selection this year, but he has been sidelined since July 19 with left ankle/foot tendinitis. Medicals will be a major factor in his status as a trade chip.
11. 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn, Baltimore Orioles
Stats: 356 PA, 133 OPS+, .283/.374/.456, 28 XBH (12 HR), 3 SB, 2.0 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
An All-Star for the first time this year following strong seasons as a platoon slugger in 2023 and 2024, O'Hearn is enjoying a career year with a .295 expected batting average that puts him in the 94th percentile among qualified hitters. His ability to play first base or a corner outfield spot broadens his market, and he is the best rental bat on the market outside of Eugenio Suárez.
Update: San Diego Padres have acquired O'Hearn and Ramón Laureano, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Nos. 10-6
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10. RP David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 42 G, 17 SV, 2.37 ERA (1.96 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, 12.1 K/9, 1.2 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2026
After struggling to a 5.77 ERA with seven blown saves in 62 games last season, Bednar has returned to the form that made him an All-Star in 2022 and 2023. His 33.1 percent strikeout rate this season is a career high, and he comes with one additional year of club control for a team looking to bolster its late-inning contingent beyond just the stretch run.
Update: New York Yankees have acquired Bednar, according to multiple reports.
9. SP Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins
Stats: 18 GS, 3.35 ERA (3.68 FIP), 1.23 WHIP, 96 K, 94.0 IP, 2.1 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2028
An electric arm who has flashed impact potential in the past, Cabrera is enjoying his best season in the big leagues. Increased usage of his sinker and slider has given him a legitimate five-pitch arsenal, and with three remaining years of club control, his value goes beyond just immediate impact as a potential No. 3/4 starter on a contender this year.
8. 1B Yandy Díaz, Tampa Bay Rays
Stats: 454 PA, 124 OPS+, .282/.344/.466, 38 XBH (18 HR), 3 SB, 1.8 WAR
Contract Status: Club option for 2026
Díaz is carrying an impressive 53.6 percent hard-hit rate (95th percentile) and 93.3 mph average exit velocity (94th percentile) as he continues to be one of the best right-handed pure hitters in baseball. He does not have prototypical power for a first baseman, but his $12 million club option for next year is a good value and he can transform a contender's lineup.
7. SP Sandy Alcántara, Miami Marlins
Stats: 21 GS, 6.36 ERA (4.48 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, 81 K, 109.0 IP, -1.3 WAR
Contract Status: Signed through 2026, club option for 2027
Alcántara has struggled to regain his frontline form in his return from a 2024 season lost to Tommy John surgery, but he is starting to show signs of turning the corner. Strong starts against the Padres (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) and Cardinals (5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER) his last two times out give him some momentum heading into deadline day. And if he does return to form, a team is also getting an ace for $17.3 million in 2026.
6. RP Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins
Stats: 49 G, 21 HLD, 3.91 ERA (2.01 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, 14.1 K/9, 0.6 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
After a rocky start to the season, Jax has a 2.65 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 13.5 K/9 with 14 holds in 36 appearances since the beginning of May. He ranks near the top of the leaderboard in strikeout rate (36.9%, seventh) and FIP (2.01, fifth) among qualified relievers, and he has the stuff to close games.
Update: Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Jax, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Nos. 5-1
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5. RP Mason Miller, Athletics
Stats: 38 G, 20 SV, 3.76 ERA (2.86 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, 13.9 K/9, 0.7 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2029
With an average fastball velocity of 101.1 mph and a slider that is generating a 50.8 percent whiff rate, Miller has a real case for being the most overpowering pitcher in all of baseball. He will be arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter, so it makes sense that the Athletics would start to legitimately listen to offers, though they will still need to be blown away to move him.
Update: San Diego Padres have acquired Miller for a package of four prospects headlined by shortstop Leo De Vries (No. 8 on B/R Top 100).
4. SP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats: 22 GS, 3.69 ERA (3.44 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 100 K, 127.0 IP, 1.7 WAR
Contract Status: Signed through 2028
With three years and $55.7 million remaining on his contract, the Pirates don't need to move Keller. That said, his salary is set to climb from $15.4 million to $16.9 million next year, and it continues to increase to $18.4 million and $20.4 million in the final two years. That might be motivation enough for the cost-conscious Pirates to flip the 2023 All-Star.
3. SP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres
Stats: 22 GS, 4.79 ERA (3.64 FIP), 1.34 WHIP, 153 K, 118.1 IP, 0.5 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
The Padres are reportedly entertaining the idea of flipping Cease to fill other areas on the roster, which feels risky given the fact that Michael King has yet to return from the injured list and Yu Darvish has a 9.18 ERA in four starts. His numbers don't look great at first glance, but he has been the victim of some bad luck, and his 29.9 percent strikeout rate is good for fifth among qualified starters.
2. SP Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stats: 22 GS, 3.22 ERA (3.54 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, 121 K, 128.2 IP, 3.3 WAR
Contract Status: Rental
Based solely on expected impact over the final two months and into October, Kelly is the best pitcher on the market this summer. The 36-year-old has been rolling of late with a 2.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 59.2 innings over his last 10 starts, and he also brings a strong playoff track record with a 2.25 ERA in 24 innings during the D-backs run to the World Series in 2023.
Update: Texas Rangers have acquired Kelly, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
1. OF Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians
Stats: 448 PA, 110 OPS+, .286/.351/.410, 30 XBH (9 HR), 11 SB, 3.1 WAR
Contract Status: Arbitration-eligible through 2027
Kwan might not be a major factor in the power department, but he has elite contact skills, plus speed and is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. The 27-year-old has more walks (40) than strikeouts (38) this season, and he has put the ball in play in nearly 82 percent of his plate appearances. His 13 Defensive Runs Saved are tied for fifth among all outfielders, and he has two more years of club control remaining.
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