The Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline is just around the corner and teams are eagerly scouring the market to see where they align best on potential deals.
It’s still early, but the deadline could be headlined by deals for several top starting pitchers, such as Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Robbie Ray and Joe Ryan, if their clubs decide to sell. Front offices are also waiting to see whether the Boston Red Sox will listen on Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray and Jarren Duran, and whether the San Francisco Giants will be willing to pay down contracts to move veteran players like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames or Matt Chapman.
While those big names might dominate the headlines, several under-the-radar players could be traded, as well. Let’s take a look at 10 who could draw significant attention on the trade market next month:
Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Colorado Rockies
The Rockies made an excellent decision to move Senzatela from the rotation to the bullpen. They then changed both his pitch repertoire and sequencing, which has led to a 2.23 ERA over 22 appearances. The key for him has been his cutter. Most contending teams will be looking to acquire relievers and he’s the most likely to be dealt by the Rockies.
Luis Arraez, 2B, San Francisco Giants
While most of the attention has focused on the Giants trading Robbie Ray and one of their top three veteran position players (Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman), it’s also a real possibility that Arraez is traded.
Arraez, who will be a free agent this winter, once again is hitting over .300 with an on-base percentage north of .350. What stands out, however, is his range at second base, which has improved immensely under the tutelage of Ron Washington. In fact, he ranks in the 99th percentile in Outs Above Average, according to Statcast. Although he doesn’t have a lot of power or speed, he creates traffic on the bases and can play first base and second base, which makes him valuable.
Royce Lewis’ season started poorly, but he’s been on a hot streak since returning from Triple A. (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images)
Royce Lewis, 3B, Minnesota Twins
The only question is: Can he stay healthy? He’s healthy now, and several contending teams are looking to upgrade at third base and he can also play first base, so he may get moved. Lewis is still only 27 and although he struggled early in the season and was even optioned to the minors, he’s rebounded, hitting extremely well during his time in Triple A and continuing to mash after returning to the big leagues.
Reid Detmers, LHP, Los Angeles Angels
Detmers is controllable for two-and-a-half more years and the southpaw is having a solid year, posting a 3.68 ERA over 15 starts and yielding just 64 hits in 88 innings. The Angels need a complete teardown/rebuild and Detmers could bring back a strong package of prospects, especially if some of the other top starting pitchers aren’t moved at the deadline.
Curtis Mead, INF, Washington Nationals
Mead is having a breakout season, surpassing double-digits in home runs in a season for the first time in his MLB career. In addition to hitting for power, Mead has positional flexibility, having played all four infield positions. This year, he’s reaching base at a solid clip, showing a patient approach and really understanding what pitches he can and can’t handle in the zone.
The Nats are currently in position to make a postseason run, so the only way they’ll trade Mead is if they fall out of the race before Aug. 3. However, if they do, he could be their best trade bait.
Oswald Peraza, 2B, Los Angeles Angels
Every contending team is looking for players who can play multiple positions and Peraza provides just that, as he can play second and third base, shortstop and the outfield. He’s holding his own at the plate as well this year. The 26-year-old has speed and is a versatile base runner.
Peter Fairbanks, RHP, Miami Marlins
If the Marlins decide to sell, Fairbanks could be one of the best closers traded at the deadline. The 32-year-old doesn’t have great surface numbers this season, as he has an inflated ERA, but he does have a track record of pitching well late in games in previous seasons. His average fastball velocity is still 97 mph and his slider has been nasty. If he can tighten up his command and control, he could get back to his 2025 form by the trade deadline.
Several teams are looking for right-handed power and Jake Burger could be a good fit for those clubs if they can match up with what the Rangers need. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
Jake Burger, 1B/DH, Texas Rangers
Even though the Rangers are looking to improve their offense, Burger may be traded yet again. Burger doesn’t get on base at a great clip, but he does hit for power. With so many contending teams focusing on trying to acquire right-handed power, he could be moved in a deal where the Rangers can upgrade a different part of their major-league roster.
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks didn’t trade Gallen at last year’s trade deadline and ended up re-signing him to a one-year contract after he wasn’t able to secure the long-term commitment he was looking for on the open market. He’s had an up-and-down year for Arizona. However, a change of scenery might be just what the doctor ordered to try and turn his career back in the direction it was just three years ago, when he started the All-Star Game for the National League.
Mickey Moniak, OF, Colorado Rockies
Moniak was placed on the injured list on May 21 with a sprained ankle, but he was having a solid year at the plate before that. He had a .335 OBP with 23 extra-base hits in 164 plate appearances. There aren’t a lot of outfielders likely to be available in trades, so Moniak could be an intriguing pick-up, considering he makes only $4 million and is controllable through 2027.
