MLB trade deadline targets: Top 100 players on GMs’ radars in a wide-open market

This year’s MLB trade deadline is more confusing than ever because there are so few “sellers” and so many “buyers.” To complicate matters, most of the sellers have little to trade. But because of the glut of buyers, sellers can ask for way more than is reasonable in return. Therefore, most of the general managers of teams still in contention are talking to one another to explore ideas for “buyer-to-buyer” type trades that would improve both teams in the present.

I’ve compiled a Big Board of 100 players who are on the radars of front offices ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, but these players are not all on the trade market. They are, however, all worth watching to various degrees as the market takes shape. (This list is not comprehensive, of course, and I will update it in the coming weeks.)

We probably won’t have a clear idea of which teams will be willing to make significant trades until the final few days of July. There’s a lot of baseball to be played, injuries will take their toll and some teams’ key needs will change. Teams such as the Cardinals, White Sox, Padres, Mets, Blue Jays, Mariners and Angels, among other current and anticipated contenders, could end up making a flurry of trades if they don’t make up ground or if they fall back in the standings. In a wide-open market, I think the team or teams that collapse in July will end up being the headliner(s) of the deadline.

In the meantime, based on my texts and conversations with front-office decision-makers across the industry, here are the top 100 players teams are considering for trades or at least scouting for possible deals if they become available between now and Aug. 1.

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Starting pitchers (27)

Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians — The Guardians have their ace under team control through next season and don’t intend to trade him before the deadline, unless they drop out of the American League Central race; then, if someone wants to overwhelm them with a package of young players, including some impactful outfield bats, they would listen. But Cleveland can always wait and trade Bieber in the offseason, like it did with Francisco Lindor to the Mets before the 2021 season.

Corbin Burnes, RHP, Brewers — The Brewers are “all in” this season and aren’t taking calls on Burnes at this time. They don’t want a repeat of last year’s trade deadline, when they dealt closer Josh Hader to the Padres and the team fell apart. However, if they were to crater in July and some team wants to overwhelm them with a prospect package, anything is possible. Burnes won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season.

Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Mets — It is possible the Mets sell at the deadline. If they do, they’ll try to peddle Carrasco, an impending free agent, along with their other veteran players.

Dylan Cease, RHP, White Sox — The White Sox control Cease for two and a half more years, which makes it unlikely they’ll move him. However, if they pivot to a rebuild, he’s the most valuable trade asset they have on the books.

Mike Clevinger, RHP, White Sox — Clevinger exited a game last Wednesday with right biceps soreness and later was placed on the injured list. If healthy, the 32-year-old can provide five to six innings per start in the back of a contender’s rotation. Like the rest of the White Sox’s starters, Clevinger could get traded if they fall out of it.

Alex Cobb, RHP, Giants — The Giants have several starting pitchers with solid trade value if they decide to reboot at the deadline. Cobb has a $10 million team option for 2024 ($2 million buyout), so an acquiring club could control him for a year and a half. He has a 3.09 ERA in 14 starts.

Patrick Corbin, LHP, Nationals — The Nationals would have to pick up most of his remaining contract, which is approximately $50 million through 2024, in a potential trade. He’d have to start pitching a lot better soon, too.

Anthony DeSclafani, RHP, Giants — The Giants plan to add, not subtract at the deadline, but if things fall apart, contenders will be lining up for DeSclafani, who is signed through 2024.

Jack Flaherty, RHP, Cardinals — The Cardinals are in last place and Flaherty will be a free agent after this season. They are not inclined to extend the 27-year-old because of his injury history, so trading him at the deadline is a real possibility.

Kyle Freeland, LHP, Rockies — Freeland is the Rockies’ most valuable trade piece, but I doubt they’ll move him unless they can decidedly win the deal, which is possible in this sellers’ market. Freeland is signed through at least 2026 and his contract includes a 2027 vesting option.

Lucas Giolito, RHP, White Sox — Giolito is the starting pitcher most likely to be dealt at the deadline, unless the White Sox are still in the race. He will be a free agent after this season.

Sonny Gray, RHP, Twins — There is no reason to believe that the Twins won’t be in first or second place at the deadline, so it’s doubtful Gray will be traded. However, because he’s an impending free agent — not to mention one with a 2.37 ERA — contenders are doing their homework on him just in case.

Zack Greinke, RHP, Royals — I don’t know if Greinke wants to finish his career as a Royal or in a pennant race, but if he desires the latter, he can still help a contender in the back of a rotation. He’s sitting at 2,940 career strikeouts.

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Rich Hill, LHP, Pirates — If the Pirates fall out of contention, Hill will probably find himself in a pennant race somewhere else. His versatility helps his value. At 43, he’s the oldest active player in the majors.

Michael Lorenzen, RHP, Tigers — Lorenzen has pitched well enough to possibly get traded. He’s posted a 4.23 ERA in 11 starts.

Jordan Lyles, RHP, Royals —  Lyles was a 12-game winner for the Orioles last season and tallied a 4.42 ERA in 32 starts. He signed a 2-year deal with Kansas City in the offseason. This year, he’s off to a dismal start (0-11, 6.72 ERA) with one of the worst teams in history. However, he’s allowed less than one hit per inning pitched, and with so many teams looking for a fifth starter to give them just five innings, he might be on the move yet again.

Lance Lynn, RHP, White Sox — Lynn is 4-7 with a 6.51 ERA and will have to pitch a lot better for the White Sox to find a taker for him. The 36-year-old struck out 16 in his last start. The White Sox hold an $18 million team option on Lynn for 2024 with a $1 million buyout.

Alek Manoah, RHP, Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are focused on fixing the demoted Manoah, not trading him, but that doesn’t stop teams from targeting the 25-year-old. He’s not arbitration-eligible until 2025.

Aaron Nola, RHP, Phillies — The Phillies have not been able to extend Nola and although they look like a wild-card team, if something goes wrong, he’ll be the most targeted starting pitcher on the market. That said, the chances of him getting traded are closer to 0 percent than 1 percent.

Shohei Ohtani, RHP, Angels — The Angels insist they will not trade Ohtani at the deadline, no matter what. Right now, they’re in the thick of the wild-card race, so it’s not an issue. However, six weeks from now, if they’ve collapsed, there is still a long shot they could trade him. If they get in a position where they can’t extend Ohtani and realistically can’t make the playoffs, then trading him becomes a real possibility, despite their denials. It would be their best path to building a winner. They could always attempt to re-sign him in free agency. My guess is the Angels will still be in the race and hold onto him.

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Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP, Tigers — If he’s healthy, Rodriguez will be right up there with Giolito as the starter most likely to be traded at the deadline. Rodriguez has been working his way back after suffering a ruptured A4 pulley in his left index finger. He posted a 2.13 ERA in 11 starts before the injury and has an opt-out clause in his contract after this season. Contending teams will be lining up and prepared to overpay with a prospect package if he returns to form.

JP Sears, LHP, A’s — Sears (4.24 ERA in 14 starts) is the only A’s starting pitcher who could have enough value to be swapped.

Max Scherzer, RHP, Mets — Scherzer doesn’t look like the Cy Young Award winner of old and the Mets don’t even look like contenders. If that’s the case on Aug. 1, the Mets could pay down his remaining salary — he’s making $43.3 million this year and has a $43.3 million player option next year — and perhaps get a strong package of young players in return.

Drew Smyly, LHP, Cubs — Smyly is 7-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 15 starts and could be a smart, under-the-radar pickup in July.

Marcus Stroman, RHP, Cubs — Stroman has an opt-out clause in his contract after this season that he will almost certainly exercise given the way he’s pitching. (He leads the National League with a 2.28 ERA in 16 starts. He wants to stay with the Cubs, and they want to keep him. However, if they can’t extend him, they’re probably better off dealing him for prospects and then trying to re-sign him in the offseason. He could end up being the best starting pitcher traded before Aug. 1.

Justin Verlander, RHP, Mets — If the Mets don’t turn things around, why not pay down some of Verlander’s contract, trade him to contender and reboot for 2024 and beyond?

Trevor Williams, RHP, Nationals — With so many contending teams in the NL struggling with the back of their rotations, Williams has trade value. He might not have electric stuff but he does provide valuable innings, already logging 70 in 14 starts this season.

Relief pitchers (22)

Scott Barlow, RHP, Royals — Barlow has posted a 4.05 ERA in 26 appearances and recorded eight saves. Last year he tallied a 2.18 ERA in 69 appearances with 24 saves. He’s under team control through next season. One of the few definite sellers, the Royals could move their top bullpen arms and are seeking controllable young starting pitchers.

Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies — He’s 3-0 with a 0.79 ERA in 22 appearances and is signed through 2024.

Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Royals — Chapman has struck out 45 in 25 1/3 innings and is willing to pitch in any relief role.

Carl Edwards Jr., RHP, Nationals — He’s posted a 3.69 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP in 29 appearances.

Buck Farmer, RHP, Reds — Farmer is having a great year (2.55 ERA in 33 games) and it’s doubtful he’d be traded unless the red-hot Reds fade. But he’s 32 years old and an impending free agent, so moving him to get younger makes sense.

Kyle Finnegan, RHP, Nationals — He’s tallied a 4.23 ERA in 28 appearances with 11 saves and is arbitration-eligible next year.

Jason Foley, RHP, Tigers — Foley has logged a 2.30 ERA in 31 games with three saves. He ranks in the 97th percentile in fastball velocity and is under team control through 2027.

Amir Garrett, LHP, Royals —  Everyone needs another left-hander in their bullpen. Garrett has a 3.00 ERA in 23 games. He’s averaged 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings but also a career-worst 7.3 walks per nine.

Kendall Graveman, RHP, White Sox — Graveman, 32, is signed through next year and has a 2.56 ERA in 33 appearances this season.

Brad Hand, LHP, Rockies — He’s had a nice year (3.42 ERA in 30 appearances), especially considering he’s pitching half his games at Coors Field. Opponents have a .153 XBA on his slider, which he throws 48 percent of the time.

Hunter Harvey, RHP, Nationals — Harvey has 35 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings and a 3.82 ERA. The former Orioles first-round pick is arbitration-eligible next year.

Liam Hendriks, RHP, White Sox — If he’s healthy and pitching well, Hendriks (currently on the IL) could get moved at the deadline. If traded, his $15 million club option for next season would become guaranteed. His contract allows him to veto trades to five teams.

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Zach Jackson, RHP, A’s — Jackson went on the IL a month ago with a right flexor tendon strain but is reportedly now pain-free. He posted a 2.50 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 18 innings before the injury.

Pierce Johnson, RHP, Rockies — Johnson has struggled of late, his ERA ballooning to 7.07, but he has 40 strikeouts in 28 innings and 12 saves.

Joe Kelly, RHP, White Sox — Kelly’s experience in pennant races might be enough to land him with a new team if the White Sox decide to sell.

Alex Lange, RHP, Tigers — Lange has 11 saves and 38 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. He ranks in the 98th percentile in Whiff% and is under team control through 2027.

Justin Lawrence, RHP, Rockies — Lawrence has a 2.95 ERA in 33 appearances and a 1.0 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. Opponents are hitting .111 against his sweeper, which he throws 51 percent of the time.

Reynaldo López, RHP, White Sox — López has averaged a career-high 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings but also has walked 4.6 per nine. He will be a free agent after this season.

Trevor May, RHP, A’s — The 6-foot-5 righty has a 6.23 ERA but hasn’t allowed an earned run in nine of his past 10 appearances.

Keynan Middleton, RHP, White Sox — Middleton (2.52 ERA in 27 games) is another White Sox reliever with potential trade value. He will be a free agent after this season.

Chasen Shreve, LHP, Tigers — Most contending teams could use one more left-handed reliever. An impending free agent, Shreve has posted a 3.86 ERA in 29 appearances.

Brent Suter, LHP, Rockies — Suter provides such a different look out of the bullpen and can be valuable, especially on a roster loaded with power arms. He ranks in the 99th percentile in extension. He has a 2.82 ERA in 31 appearances (41 2/3 innings) and will be a free agent after this season.

First basemen (6)

Andrew Vaughn, White Sox — The White Sox moved on from José Abreu to open the door for Vaughn, but so far he has not provided the type of impact they’d hoped for. They’re not looking to trade the 25-year-old, but if a team like the Marlins were to dangle the right prospect package, they might consider it.

Triston Casas, Red Sox — The Red Sox have been disappointed with his defense and lack of consistency. Boston still believes in Casas and he’s only 23, but there are teams targeting him just in case the Red Sox are open to a prospect-for-prospect deal that works for both sides.

Spencer Torkelson, Tigers — Torkelson, too, is only 23, but he’s yet to live up to being the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris didn’t draft Torkelson and might be open to trading him in the right prospect swap.

José Abreu, Astros — It looks like age and decline have caught up with Abreu, 36. If the Astros can get out from under some of the $39 million they’ll owe him in 2024 and 2025, they will.

C.J. Cron, Rockies — Cron has been on the IL since May 15 with back spasms. If he can get healthy, his right-handed power makes him movable at the deadline. He will be a free agent after this season.

Dominic Smith, Nationals — He has more hits than Matt Olson and Pete Alonso. But he has shown virtually no power with just six doubles and two home runs in 257 at-bats.

Second basemen (5)

Jonathan India, Reds — The Reds have no interest in trading India, who’s batting .269/.354/.435 with 10 homers and 12 steals. However, teams are going to keep calling because they see how many infielders the Reds have at all levels of their system, and at some point Cincinnati will have to trade some of them for upgrades in the outfield and rotation.

Mauricio Dubón, Astros — Dubón did a great job filling in for Jose Altuve when he was on the IL. He’s been hovering around .300 all season and teams looking for a second baseman definitely have him on their target list. He’s arbitration-eligible in 2024.

Brice Turang, Brewers — The Brewers aren’t looking to move Turang, but they also need more power in the middle of their lineup. A prospect-for-prospect type trade is not out of the realm of possibility. The 23-year-old was optioned to Triple A earlier this month.

Brendan Donovan, 2B/OF, Cardinals — Donovan’s versatility makes him attractive to every contending team. The Gold Glove Award winner has reached base at a .361 clip this season and when the Cardinals call looking for pitching upgrades, teams often ask for him as part of a return package. Donovan is under team control through 2028.

Adam Frazier, Orioles — The Orioles have enough infield depth to dangle Frazier, an impending free agent.

Shortstops (6)

Tim Anderson, White Sox — Anderson is the shortstop most likely to be traded at the deadline. The Dodgers, Giants and Marlins are possible fits. However, he’s batted .249/.290/.292 in 221 plate appearances. Anderson is signed through 2023 and the White Sox hold a $14 million team option for 2024 ($1 million buyout).

Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/CF, Cardinals — Edman’s ability to play above-average defense at three prime positions up the middle makes him a sought-after player. He’s under team control through 2025. The Cardinals are going to have to sacrifice some key position players to improve their pitching staff.

Ezequiel Duran, Rangers — With Marcus Semien and Corey Seager committed to long-term deals up the middle, the Rangers could afford to use Duran as trade bait if they wanted. The 24-year-old is having a breakout season and has raised eyebrows among scouts.

Amed Rosario, Guardians — Rosario, 27, will be a free agent after this season. If the Guardians drop out of contention, they’ll probably move him at the deadline.

Javier Báez, Tigers — Báez has an opt-out clause in his contract after this season, but the way he’s playing there is no chance he opts out and no chance he gets traded. However, the Tigers can dream he’ll get hot over the next six weeks, and if they pay down enough of his contract (he stands to make $98 million from 2024-27), perhaps they could get a couple of mid-level prospects in return. I doubt it though.

Jorge Mateo, Orioles — Mateo is a tremendous defensive shortstop and among the league’s most prolific base stealers. He just doesn’t hit enough (.227/.266/.360). The O’s are loaded with infielders and could include Mateo in a “buyer-to-buyer” type trade deal for a starting pitcher.

Third basemen (9)

Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Nationals — The Nationals feel like Candelario is their most deserving All-Star (120 OPS+, 2.3 WAR, 21 doubles), and he’s also their most valuable trade chip for the deadline.

Matt Chapman, 3B, Blue Jays — As long as the Blue Jays stay in the race, he’ll stay put. But if they drop out of it, there are several contending teams like the Phillies that would love to have the impending free agent at the hot corner.

Ryan McMahon, 3B, Rockies — It seems like the Rockies are never active at the trade deadline, but McMahon’s ability to play all over the diamond makes him a valuable trade piece if they decide to be aggressive. He’s signed through 2027.

J.D. Davis, 3B, Giants — Davis is having a great year (.851 OPS, 10 homers, 40 RBIs), but eventually Casey Schmitt will move from shortstop to third base for the Giants. I don’t think Davis’ trade value will ever be higher than it is right now.

Yoán Moncada, 3B, White Sox — Moncada continues to disappoint. That and his contract status — he will be a free agent after 2024, though the White Sox hold a 2025 team option — make him a trade candidate.

Patrick Wisdom, 3B, Cubs — Wisdom is hitting under .200 but has 14 home runs and has hit 25 or more in each of the past two seasons. The Cubs placed him on the IL on Saturday due to a sprained wrist.

Ramón Urías, 3B, Orioles — I still can’t believe he beat out Chapman to win the AL Gold Glove for third baseman last year. With rookie Gunnar Henderson best-suited for third base, trading Urías in a package for starting pitching makes sense for the Orioles. He’s under team control through 2026.

Nick Senzel, 3B, Reds — Senzel has been moved from third base to second base to center field and back to third base. Now, with the emergence of rookies Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, his next move could be to another franchise.

Jose Miranda, 3B, Twins — Another youngster who has disappointed and could be helped by a change of scenery. Miranda was optioned to Triple A in mid-May after batting .220/.275/.318 in his first 142 plate appearances this season.

Outfielders (14)

Cody Bellinger, CF, Cubs — Bellinger was on the IL for about a month with a left knee contusion but returned last Thursday. He’s posted a 123 OPS+ in his 37 games before the injury and was worth 1.5 WAR. If the Cubs fade, they’ll likely trade Bellinger, whose contract includes a $12.5 million mutual option for 2024 ($5 million buyout). His ability to play first base, right field and center field at an above-average level combined with his bounce-back year (so far) at the plate increases his value.

Charlie Blackmon, RF, Rockies — Blackmon is on the IL with a broken hand, but if he’s back by the deadline it will be interesting to see if he wants to waive his no-trade rights to go to a contender. A team like the Mariners could use him at DH.

Michael Conforto, RF, Giants — A candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, Conforto has hit 12 homers, scored 37 runs and had 37 RBIs after missing the entire 2022 season. He has an opt-out clause in his contract after this season. The Giants would like to keep him long term, but if they falter, they could trade him.

Adam Duvall, CF, Red Sox — Duvall spent two months of the season on the IL but has posted a 1.067 OPS in 18 games. He’s a former Gold Glove-winning outfielder who led the NL with 113 RBIs and hit 38 homers in 2021. Duvall will be a free agent after this season and I expect him to get traded at the deadline.

Lane Thomas, RF, Nationals — Thomas is the Nationals outfielder most likely to be traded at the deadline, with teams like the Guardians and Yankees as possible fits. He has an .831 OPS with 11 homers and seven steals. He’s under team control through 2025.

Austin Hays, LF, Orioles — Hays has hit over .300 all season long — he’s currently batting .327/.366/.527 — and although the Orioles are not looking to trade him, their top outfield prospect, Colton Cowser, is major-league-ready. However, the only way they’d trade Hays is for a No. 2 or  No. 3 type starting pitcher. He’s under team control through 2025.

Teoscar Hernández, RF, Mariners — Hernández has provided the power the Mariners wanted (24 extra-base hits) but not the outfield defense. He will be a free agent after this season and it doesn’t appear the Mariners are looking to extend him. If they fall out of the race, he could get traded to a team such as the Guardians or Marlins.

Starling Marte, RF, Mets — Age and decline have arrived for Marte, 34, but he still can be a contributor on a contending team. He’s stolen 19 bases in 22 attempts and is starting to swing the bat better recently. If the Mets sell, teams like the Yankees and Dodgers could benefit from his services.

Anthony Santander, RF, Orioles — As is the case with Hays, the Orioles don’t want to move the switch-hitting Santander, who hit 33 homers last season. However, for the right starting pitcher, they’ll listen to and weigh offers, as they should.

Dylan Carlson, CF, Cardinals — Carlson has disappointed in his first 1,200-plus at-bats in the big leagues since 2020, and it appears the Cardinals are ready to move on and will include him in trade packages. He’s under team control through 2026.

Lars Nootbaar, CF, Cardinals — The Cardinals love Nootbaar’s makeup, exit velocity and on-base skills, but that wouldn’t stop them from moving him for the right pitching upgrades. He’s under team control through 2027.

Alec Burleson, LF, Cardinals — Like Carlson and Nootbaar, the Cardinals won’t let him stand in the way of trades to improve their pitching staff.

Randal Grichuk, RF, Rockies — An impending free agent, Grichuk has slashed .292/.360/.416 in 172 plate appearances but is more of a platoon or fourth-outfielder type.

Jurickson Profar, LF, Rockies — Last year, Profar hit 15 home runs, reached base at a .331 clip and was a starter for the Padres in the NLCS. He’ll be a free agent after this season.

Catchers (5)

Salvador Perez, Royals — The Rays and Marlins would love to acquire him but as of now he is not on the trade market. However, with the Royals rebuilding, for the right prospect package, they probably couldn’t say no. Perez, who’s signed through 2025 with a team option in 2026, would be worth overpaying for and could be the final piece the Rays need to win a world championship this year.

Travis d’Arnaud, Braves — D’Arnaud is so valuable to the Braves because he protects them from an injury to catcher Sean Murphy and/or DH Marcell Ozuna and gives them a clutch hitter off the bench at any time. They are not looking to move him. However, if a team were willing to offer a mid-rotation starting pitcher for d’Arnaud and a prospect, then Atlanta would have to consider it. D’Arnaud is signed through this year with an $8 million team option for 2024.

Elias Díaz, Rockies — He’s had an All-Star caliber first half and is signed for $5.5 million this year and $6 million next year.

Diego Cartaya, Dodgers — Despite batting just .207/.293/.374 this season at Double A, Cartaya, 21, is still considered one of the top catching prospects in the sport.

Yan Gomes, Cubs — The 35-year-old is one of the best backup/platoon catchers in the league.

Designated hitters (7)

Shohei Ohtani, Angels — The Angels tell me they’re not going to trade him. I believe them. However, if they were to crater, there’s still a chance it could happen.

Joey Meneses, Nationals — He’s batting .295/.334/.385 and is under team control through 2028.

Jorge Soler, Marlins — The Marlins should remain in the race and have no interest in moving their best power hitter. However, if things go south, the Mariners and Guardians would love to be able to pry him away. Soler, who is tied for third in the majors with 21 homers, can opt out of his contract after this season.

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates — I think McCutchen will finish his career in Pittsburgh, unless someone steps up and offers the right prospect. He has a .385 on-base percentage with nine homers and seven steals.

Brent Rooker, A’s — Rooker has a chance to make the All-Star team as the A’s representative. He’s hit 13 home runs with a 142 OPS+ and 1.7 WAR. He’d be a nice addition to a team looking for a DH and part-time left fielder. Rooker is under team control through 2027.

Joc Pederson, Giants — If the Giants fall out of it, they could move him to a team like the Mariners or Yankees.

Christopher Morel, Cubs — Morel has been turning scouts’ heads all year. They love his athleticism and electricity. I don’t see the Cubs trading Morel, who has a .994 OPS in 129 plate appearances and is under team control through 2028, but there is interest throughout the scouting world.

(Top image: Ray Orr / The Athletic; Photos: Jim McIsaac and David Berding / Getty Images; Matthew Grimes Jr. / Atlanta Braves / Getty Images)