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MLB Trade Deadline Week: The Latest on Stars, Rentals, and Upside Talent

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The MLB trade deadline is almost here. At 6 P.M. (EST) this Thursday (July 31), the last deals will be made final, new teams will be crowned as contenders, others will have sold, and dozens of players will be donning new uniforms. With playoff races intensifying, teams are still weighing whether to buy, sell, or stand pat. Drawing from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel’s top 50 trade candidates list, and insights from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, here are 13 players that will likely be on the move this week. 

Jul 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Latest Buzz as the MLB Trade Deadline Approaches

Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Suárez lies on top of presumably everyone’s deadline boards. Having a career year with Arizona, he is fourth in the league with 36 home runs and stands alone as the league leader in RBI. Even though Suárez celebrated his 34th birthday earlier this month, clubs are interested in what he can do from now until November, and not beyond then. Being a rental makes him cheaper than others, and the risk/reward is an easier pill to swallow for front offices. ESPN’s Jeff Passan notes the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers as suitors. With the acquisition of Ryan McMahon, the New York Yankees are no longer in these sweepstakes. 

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Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres

A.J. Preller, San Diego’s president of baseball operations, actively considers offers for Dylan Cease, though he avoids aggressively shopping the pitcher. For example, Preller recently proposed trading Cease, No. 2 prospect Ethan Salas, and another prospect (not Leo De Vries) to Boston for outfielder Jarren Duran, but Red Sox PBO Craig Breslow swiftly rejected the deal. Moreover, the Padres’ limited payroll flexibility and shallow minor league system make Cease’s expiring contract a prime chance to strengthen their roster. Consequently, both New York teams, Toronto, Chicago, and Boston, emerge as potential destinations for the 29-year-old right-hander. Meanwhile, San Diego, still vying for an NL wild-card spot, plans to employ a creative buy-and-sell strategy to balance present competitiveness and future growth.

Jhoan Duran, RP, Minnesota Twins

Duran’s triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter make him a coveted closer. And in the recent development of Guardians star Emmanuel Clase being involved in part of the league’s gambling investigation, the price for Duran is growing by the second. The 27-year-old, with two years of control beyond 2025, could fetch a haul of top-100 prospects. Passan points to the Dodgers, Phillies, and Cubs as suitors. The $1.2 million salary and elite stuff make him an affordable difference-maker for October and beyond. 

Mitch Keller, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Keller is in the midst of a career season (3.53 ERA) and under a reasonable $55.7 million ($18.6 million AAV) contract through 2028. Clubs like Boston, Toronto, Houston, and Chicago (Cubs), that desire controllable arms, are in the mix. Although he’s in a personal-best season and looking beyond ERA, there are concerning metrics. Keller owns an 18.7% strikeout clip (26th percentile) and a 19.1% whiff rate (10th percentile). His FF velocity is down, and the hard-hit percentage is spiking. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal notes that internal debates about building around Paul Skenes may keep Keller in the Steel City. 

Luis Robert Jr., OF, Chicago White Sox

Dating back years now, Robert Jr.’s name has gained traction near the MLB trade deadline. Though year after year, the White Sox find a way to keep him rotting on the South Side. Above-average defense and elite speed are key contributors to a lackluster (or unlucky) bat. But clubs are willing to bet on his upside. With two $20 million club options beyond this season, Robert Jr. can be a rental or key piece for franchises in a contention window, or on the uprise. As hinted at earlier, the offensive profile is not what it once was, but horrible BABIP luck has cratered his trade value. Though in July, Robert Jr. is on a tear. A triple slash of .325/.426/.500 (.926 OPS) shows the 2023 breakout may not be a fluke season. The Padres, Phillies, Reds, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants show interest. 

Edward Cabrera, SP, Miami Marlins

Cabrera, the former top prospect, is having his breakout season in 2025. Posting a career high in BB%, he is challenging hitters in the zone more than ever, and getting whiffs when he dips out of it. Cabrera is throwing his fastball and sinker less than ever, and relying on his slider to produce strikeouts and soft contact. Batters are hitting .186 (.237 SLG) on the slider in 2025, both career lows. The cost for Cabrera will be significant thanks to his polished arsenal and three more years of club control. The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees are in contact concerning the 27-year-old. 

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Sandy Alcántara, SP, Miami Marlins

The former unanimous 2022 NL Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcántara, is one of the more interesting pieces heading into the MLB trade deadline. Appearing this season for the first time since 2023, he is a shell of his once untouchable self. Alcántara’s velocity remains atop the league, but control and execution falter. Sporting a 6.66 ERA over 104 innings in 2025, it’s been a disappointing season. A Savant page, blue as the ocean, has nothing to offer, but recent success intrigues teams to believe in the once dominant star. In two starts since the All-Star break, Alcantara is 1-0 over 13 innings, with a 2.77 ERA and .255 BAA. Houston, Chicago (Cubs), Boston, Toronto, San Diego, and Los Angeles (Dodgers) believe their pitching labs can revive his career. 

Ryan Helsley, CP, St. Louis Cardinals

A disappointing season for the Cardinals leaves them as soft sellers, and at the helm of the sale is closer Ryan Helsley. The 31-year-old still throws gas (99.3 average FB velocity), but in 2025, hitters salivate for the heater, instead of dreading it. Batters are hitting .406 on the fastball, with a .522 slugging percentage. So, adjustments have been made. For the first time in his career, Helsley is relying on another pitch more than the fastball, his slider. It’s one of the best in baseball, and unlike the four-seam, batters are hitting .094 versus a pitch Helsley is throwing 48% of the time. Reinventing the repertoire keeps Helsley as a premier target for contending clubs. Passan links the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Mets, and Mariners to him. 

Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves

In a contract year, ‘Ozuna from the Braves’ is primed to be dealt at the MLB trade deadline. Despite 10-and-5 rights, the DH is reportedly expected to approve any deal. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Ozuna said he will accept a trade if he is guaranteed every day playing time. One year removed from being an All-Star and being in MVP conversations deep into the summer, Ozuna cooled off in 2025. Slashing .232/.358/.384 over 400 plate appearances this season, he can still be a major contributor to many teams looking for a deep postseason run. A change of scenery may spark a hot streak as well. Of all the players from Atlanta who are rumored to be dealt, Ozuna is the most likely candidate. The Padres, Mariners, Texas Rangers, Tigers, and Giants are among those linked to the slugger. 

Cedric Mullins, OF, Baltimore Orioles

Mullins’ struggles at the plate and poor defensive metrics in 2025 pull him from the ranks of being a ‘star’. Despite this, a nearly 10% walk rate, newfound speed, and quiet power keep him as a prominent trade piece. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mets are seeking an upgrade in their outfield. The 30-year-old could and should be moved. The Orioles are full of youth, and not to slight the once switch-hitter, but he isn’t one to lead a club full of youngsters. Organizations such as the Phillies and Houston Astros also seek outfield depth. 

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Willi Castro, UT, Minnesota Twins

Castro, among other Minnesota trade candidates, is most likely to be dealt. Hitting .254/.342/.423 this season, he provides a league-average bat from both sides of the plate. What makes Castro desirable is his ability to play anywhere on the diamond, logging starts at five different positions this year. Now, while he can play all over the place, that doesn’t translate to being a plus defender everywhere. Living in the third percentile with negative seven outs above average this season, Castro can make a routine play, but that’s about it. Despite abysmal defense, he will shine with a new club that can use him sparingly. The Brewers, Padres, and Reds are linked. Castro is on an expiring deal, making him a rental. 

Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, Baltimore Orioles

O’Hearn, a 32-year-old, made his first career All-Star game for the Orioles this season (thanks to Rafael Devers being moved to the NL). A .282/.375/.450 triple slash looks great, but going under the hood shows the true colors. O’Hearn is a platoon bat, hitting .212 against left-handed pitchers this season. While he’s a desirable asset for clubs like the Red Sox, Astros, Rangers, and Giants, only Boston has an option for when a lefty is 60 feet away. 

Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Gallen, a 29-year-old right-hander, finds himself at the heart of trade rumors. Despite a down year, Gallen’s pedigree as a former Cy Young finalist and his role in Arizona’s 2023 World Series run make him a compelling target at the MLB trade deadline. Posting career-low metrics across the board, including a career high (in July) of 23 home runs allowed, reflects a major struggle. However, recent outings, including a gem against the Padres (six innings, five hits, one run, one walk, nine strikeouts), show there’s still a ton in the tank. Even though Gallen is a rental, there’s still a high-risk, high-reward tag on him. Ken Rosenthal points out that teams like the Blue Jays, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, and Astros are interested. Gallen’s five-pitch mix and postseason experience keep him in demand. 

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Main Photo Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

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