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5 MLB Trade Deadline Candidates And Their Potential Destinations

Colin Lynch Written by Sports EditorColin Lynch
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5 MLB Trade Deadline Candidates And Their Potential Destinations

These five MLB standouts are generating wide trade buzz, with several contenders eyeing moves before the July 31 deadline.

With July 31 approaching, baseball’s trade market is heating up, especially around candidates whose “stocks” are rising fast.

MLB.com recently spotlighted a half-dozen players gaining traction due to control timelines, recent performance surges, or strategic timing. Here’s a look at five in-demand names, where they might land, and how their acquisitions could shift playoff dynamics.

5 of the Top MLB Trade Deadline Candidates

Sandy Alcantara (RHP, Marlins)

A 2022 Cy Young winner coming off Tommy John, Alcantara is rebounding, bringing elite bounce-back potential. With control through 2025 plus an option, he’s an enticing one-year rental—or a re-sign candidate. Likely suitors include:

  • Texas Rangers: In between being buyers or sellers. If they go for it, they need starting pitching

  • Boston Red Sox: If they decided they’re not a year early, they need another starter to make a run

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Need depth to defend against the injury bug

  • Toronto Blue Jays: After taking over the lead in the AL East, they need a front-end arm 

Joe Ryan (RHP, Twins)

Quietly dominating at 2.72 ERA and 121 K over 109 IP, Ryan is a controllable stalwart through 2028. His price tag has risen, and the market is expanding:

  • New York Mets: Need to add another quality front-end arm to make a legit run

  • Boston Red Sox: If they decided they’re not a year early, they need another starter to make a run

  • Houston Astros: The Astros see another window, and they’re a front-end starter away

  • San Diego Padres: Desperately need rotation depth 

Félix Bautista (RHP, Orioles)

With a 2.41 ERA, 18 saves, 12.8 K/9, and control through 2027, Bautista is among the most coveted relievers available. Possible trade partners include:

  • Philadelphia Phillies: Desperately need a reliable backend arm.

  • New York Mets: Injuries have exposed the depth of this bullpen

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: In the same boat as the Mets, need a high-leverage bullpen arm 

Mitch Keller (RHP, Pirates)

A sturdy arm with a 3.48 ERA and 20 starts under his belt, Keller offers cost control through 2028. Interested parties:

  • New York Yankees: Desperately need rotation depth amidst injuries

  • Boston Red Sox: Seeking another front-of-the-rotation arm for postseason push

  • Toronto Blue Jays: Looking to go all in for late post-season run

  • New York Mets: Need to add another quality front-end arm to make a legit run

  • Chicago Cubs (potential rebuild/sell consideration)

Eugenio Suárez (3B, Diamondbacks)

Though on a 2025 rental, Suárez has power upside with 25–30 HR and improved OPS. He also might be the hottest hitter on the planet right now. Middle-order powerhouses targeting him include:

  • Milwaukee Brewers: Rhys Hoskins’ stint on the IL has exposed this lineup

  • Seattle Mariners: Suarez would provide the thump this lineup needs with Cal Raleigh

  • Boston Red Sox: Primarily spurred by mid-season slumps and the unknown of young bats

Potential Trade Packages

Player From → To Sample Package (prospects included)
Sandy Alcantara Marlins → Dodgers Top-50 LHP prospect
+ mid-MiL arm
Joe Ryan Twins → Mets High-A RH starter
+ MiLB reliever
Félix Bautista Orioles → Phillies Top-20 pitching prospect
+ mid-MiLB position prospect
Mitch Keller Pirates → Yankees High-40 SP prospect
+ edge OF arm
Eugenio Suárez D-backs → Brewers High-A corner bat
+ low-A relief prospect

 

These five players represent the best of a rising trade class: controllable, high-impact, and fitting key playoff objectives.

Whether it’s rotation depth, bullpen fortification, or lineup punch, the July 31 deadline revolves around their deals. For contenders and sellers alike, each move could define the final third of the season, and beyond.

Colin Lynch Written by Sports EditorColin Lynch
Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.
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