Trade deadline activity expected across MLB
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, several teams are anticipated to make significant moves. The deadline is set for Monday at 6 p.m. ET, and discussions are ongoing regarding potential player transfers.
The Detroit Tigers are among the teams generating interest, particularly concerning pitcher Tarik Skubal. While the Tigers have been involved in the AL Wild Card race, there is speculation that trading Skubal could yield a substantial return. One proposed scenario involves the Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring Skubal in exchange for pitcher Emmet Sheehan and outfielders Zyhir Hope and Ching-Hsien Ko. Sheehan is under club control through the 2029 season, potentially bolstering the Tigers’ rotation for several years. Hope is considered a strong prospect, and Ko, at 19 years old, possesses power potential.
The New York Mets are also expected to be active sellers. Pitcher Freddy Peralta, who has experienced a challenging season with a 4.99 ERA, is a potential trade candidate. Despite his recent performance, Peralta’s inexpensive $8 million salary this season could attract interest from various teams. The Milwaukee Brewers are suggested as a possible destination for Peralta, with a trade package potentially including first baseman Blake Burke and outfielder Jett Williams. Additionally, relief pitcher Luke Weaver, who has maintained a 1.93 ERA this season, is another Mets player drawing attention. Weaver’s consistent performance and ability to limit hard contact make him an appealing option for teams seeking bullpen reinforcement, despite his $12.5 million salary for next season. The Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed interest in available Mets relievers, including Weaver, to improve their bullpen.
Potential moves for National League teams
The San Francisco Giants are also expected to be active at the deadline. Second baseman Luis Arraez, who is on a one-year, $12 million deal, is widely considered a candidate to be moved. Arraez has demonstrated strong contact-hitting skills, with a .327/.363/.451 slash line this season, including four home runs, 50 runs scored, 40 RBI, and eight steals. His defensive performance has also improved, showing an Outs Above Average of 11 at second base. While he may not command a significant return as a short-term rental, he could provide an intriguing starting pitching prospect. The Giants are also considering trading pitcher Robbie Ray, whose contract is expiring. Ray’s 3.16 ERA this season is his lowest since 2021, but his underlying metrics suggest a different picture. His home/away splits, with a 2.22 ERA at Oracle Park compared to a 4.35 mark on the road, are a factor in trade discussions.
Another potential trade involves first baseman Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants. Since the beginning of May, Devers has posted a .265/.347/.570 slash line with 20 home runs and a 147 wRC+ across 317 plate appearances. The Chicago White Sox could acquire Devers, with the Giants potentially paying a substantial portion of his remaining contract. This move could involve the White Sox sending shortstop Billy Carlson to the Giants. The Chicago Cubs are also looking to strengthen their pitching staff and could target pitcher Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins. The proposed trade package includes center fielder Kane Kepley and pitchers Dominick Reid and Mason McGwire. Alcantara, while not at his pre-injury form, is known for pitching many innings, which could benefit the Cubs’ rotation, especially with current injury concerns for pitchers like Cade Horton and Justin Steele.
The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly seeking offensive improvements and could acquire outfielder JJ Bleday and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Reds might receive outfielder Kahlil Watson, catcher Jacob Cozart, and relief pitcher Franco Aleman. Bleday is arbitration-eligible after this season, offering a short-term improvement. The Washington Nationals‘ first baseman/second baseman Luis García Jr., who has shown significant improvement at the plate this season with 11 homers and a 200 wRC+ in June, is another player who could be traded. The St. Louis Cardinals might consider trading pitcher Dustin May, who is on a one-year, $12 million deal, despite his strong season.
The Red Sox have already completed a trade, acquiring Curtis Mead from the Nationals for Connelly Early, and are reportedly working to add another bat to their lineup.
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to sell their expiring contracts, including pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber, and center fielder Daulton Varsho.
Source: blogs.fangraphs.com
