MLB trade deadline approaches with key players potentially on the move
With the MLB trade deadline on August 3 drawing near, teams are evaluating their rosters, leading to speculation about potential player movements. Several players with significant value could be traded, impacting both contending and rebuilding teams.
One prominent name in trade discussions is San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller. Miller, who was acquired by the Padres last season, has been a dominant closer, and multiple contenders are reportedly interested in him. He is under team control for 3 1/2 more years. Despite his recent acquisition, the Padres might consider trading him for controllable starting pitching, with president of baseball operations A.J. Preller open to listening to offers. Miller has maintained a 0.84 ERA in 61 games for the Padres since last year and boasts a 50.4% strikeout rate.
Another player generating interest is Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers. Langeliers, who started the American League All-Star Game, has accumulated 104 home runs over the past four years, trailing only Cal Raleigh among catchers. He is under team control through 2028. Despite his strong performance, with his OPS at Sutter Health Park being approximately 150 points higher than on the road this season, his road OPS was nearly 100 points higher last year. The Yankees, Red Sox, Guardians, and Rays are among the teams identified as potential fits for Langeliers, though he is predicted not to be traded.
Infielders and Catchers Drawing Attention
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is another player who could be a significant trade piece. Goodman, 26, has consistently performed well since becoming the Rockies’ starting catcher last season, becoming the only catcher to achieve back-to-back 30-homer seasons in 2025 and 2026. His road OPS is approximately 175 points higher than his Coors Field OPS this year, and his career home/road home run splits are nearly identical. He is under team control through 2029 and has not yet entered salary arbitration. The Rockies appear keen on building around him, making a trade seem unlikely despite interest from teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is also a player to watch. Abrams, 25, has improved his offensive game, setting a new career high in home runs and enhancing his on-base skills. He has 22 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 97 games this season. While his defensive ratings are among the lowest for shortstops, his athleticism suggests he could adapt to other positions. The Nationals have exceeded preseason expectations and are on the periphery of the playoff picture. Abrams is under team control through 2028, and a trade would likely require a substantial offer, with a prediction that he will not be traded.
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, 29, is another power-hitting catcher who could be moved. Jeffers is set to become a free agent after this season. He is among the players the Twins might consider trading to acquire major-league pitching, potentially alongside Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach. The Yankees have been identified as a team that could benefit from Jeffers’ power at the catcher position.
Pitching Market and Team Strategies
The pitching market also features several notable names. Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, despite falling from the top spot in some rankings, is considered highly likely to be traded and could significantly impact a contending team this season. Skubal has a 2.83 ERA in 82 innings pitched this season and has shown strong form with a 1.59 ERA in three starts this month. He is under team control through 2026. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Rays are among the potential destinations for Skubal.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is another reliable arm who could be available. Ryan has maintained a solid performance for the Twins, who have remained in the playoff race. He has a 3.38 ERA in 114 innings pitched this season and boasts a career 27.7% strikeout rate. Ryan is under team control through 2026, with a mutual option for 2027. The Cubs, Braves, and Rays are listed as potential fits for Ryan, who is predicted to be traded.
The Seattle Mariners, despite having pitching depth, are expected to make a move, potentially with the Reds for players like Spencer Steer or Caleb Ferguson. The Chicago White Sox, who are considered contenders for the World Series in a weak American League, are in need of two starting pitchers to bolster their rotation. Their current rotation includes Sean Burke and Davis Martin, both having strong seasons but approaching career highs in innings. The Tampa Bay Rays are also looking to add a bat, an arm, and a catcher, and could potentially reacquire Joe Ryan, whom they traded in 2021.
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to sell off significant pieces from their MLB roster but also aim to acquire a starting pitcher with multiple years of control, such as José Soriano, Reid Detmers, or Nick Lodolo, to compete in 2027. The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in Luis García Jr. from the Nationals to address their lowest OPS from first basemen in the league. García is having a 20-homer campaign and could fill a major need for the D-Backs in exchange for pitching prospects.
The Texas Rangers are looking to upgrade their bullpen and could target a pitcher like Weaver from the Mets, who are considered definite sellers. The Oakland Athletics have already traded Aaron Civale and Scott Barlow, and if other teams call on their veterans, they will listen, with a potential parting with Jonah Heim on the horizon.
The Boston Red Sox, having achieved the longest winning streak in the majors this season, are now in a buying position. They are looking to add a power bat to their lineup and might trade pitching prospects like Kyson Witherspoon or Anthony Eyanson for a bigger-name hitter. The trade deadline is set for August 3.
Source: nytimes.com
