As the trade deadline approaches, MLB teams are assessing their rosters and positions, with many players expected to change teams in the coming days. The urgency is palpable as various teams on the brink of postseason contention or rebuilding prepare to make significant moves.
Leading off the list of potential trade candidates is Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks, who has been a standout renter bat. After an impressive season so far, with 87 RBIs and 36 home runs, the D-Backs, who have recently transitioned to a selling mode, are expected to receive strong offers for him. Teams such as the Mariners, Cubs, and Yankees have shown interest, and a notable return is anticipated if he is traded.
Next up is Mitch Keller of the Pirates, a consistent mid-rotation arm who presents a valuable trade chip due to his controllability and solid performance. His career-best ERA of 3.53 and ability to eat innings make him appealing to teams in need of starting pitching depth. The Yankees and Blue Jays are among those aligned with potential interest.
Sandy Alcantara, the former Cy Young winner for the Marlins, represents an intriguing case. Despite a rough patch this season, Alcantara’s potential for a bounce-back performance has left teams curious, especially following a more notable recent outing. With a low salary and club option, he could be a more affordable gamble for contenders looking to bolster their rotation.
The Pirates also have David Bednar in the mix. After rebounding from a poor start last season, he has shown closer capabilities this season, posting a dominant ERA and strikeout rate since his return from Triple-A. Given his performance and remaining controllability, he is likely to attract multiple suitors.
From the Orioles, Ryan O’Hearn stands out as a former top prospect who has had his ups and downs but still possesses appealing numbers. His versatility and potential as a hitter should draw interest from teams seeking depth.
The Cubs appear likely to consider trading Dylan Cease, providing an opportunity for teams looking for a strikeout pitcher with playoff experience. With an underwhelming season record, his upside remains attractive to contenders.
In addition to these leading names, numerous other players are garnering attention. The list includes top arms like Zac Gallen and Edward Cabrera, and a mix of impactful bats and back-end pitchers like Cedric Mullins from the Orioles and Michael Soroka of the Nationals.
As the trade deadline nears, teams are not just focusing on the present but also planning for the future. By effectively utilizing their trade assets, franchises can strengthen their rosters for both the immediate playoff push and long-term success. The combination of skilled veterans and emerging stars creates a vibrant market as teams strive for postseason glory.
This pivotal moment in the MLB season opens the door for numerous possibilities, and fans can look forward to an exciting lead-up to the deadline.