Top 50 MLB Trade Deadline Candidates & Where They Might Actually Land
Alright, let’s talk about the MLB trade deadline—it’s basically baseball’s version of a high-stakes poker game mixed with a flea market. Contenders are digging through couch cushions for spare prospects to land that one missing piece, while rebuilding teams? They’re just hoping to turn their veterans into lottery tickets. This year? Oh man, it’s juicy. Red Sox stars on shaky ground, former Cy Young winners up for grabs, and a few deals that could totally flip the playoff race. Here’s my take on who’s moving and where they might end up.
1. The Big Names Everyone’s Whispering About
1.1 Red Sox Fire Sale (Maybe?)
Rafael Devers: Look, I know he’s Boston’s golden boy, but if they keep losing? All bets are off. The Dodgers make too much sense—deep pockets, stacked farm system, and let’s be real, they love a splashy move. Yankees? Nah, that’d be like your ex showing up to your birthday party. Possible, but awkward.
Chris Sale: Dude’s healthy again and throwing gas. That’s the thing—why waste him on a .500 team? Braves need arms, Rangers need playoff experience… either one would pay up.
Kenley Jansen: Elite closers don’t grow on trees. Astros’ bullpen is held together with duct tape, and the Phillies? They’re always hunting for bullpen help like it’s Black Friday.
1.2 Former Aces Looking for New Homes
Shane Bieber (Guardians): His fastball’s lost some zip, but the Orioles have prospects to burn and a playoff itch to scratch. Perfect match.
Blake Snell (Padres): Pure rental, but his stuff is filthy. Giants love guys who miss bats, and the Blue Jays? Dark horse candidate—they’re desperate.
Robbie Ray (Mariners): Coming off Tommy John, so he’s a wild card. But the Mets? They’re in “throw spaghetti at the wall” mode. Wouldn’t shock me.
1.3 Other Guys Who Could Shake Things Up
Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox): Franchise-altering talent. Reds need a face for their rebuild, and the Marlins have pitching to spare. Watch this space.
Pete Alonso (Mets): If the Mets sell, Alonso’s bat would play anywhere—Cubs need power, Mariners need… well, everything. But man, imagine him in Seattle. Short porch in right? He’d hit 50.
Dylan Cease (White Sox): Dodgers are like that friend who always orders extra fries “just in case.” They’ll swoop in, pair him with Glasnow, and we’ll all groan.
2. Who’s Buying and What They Need
2.1 American League Contenders
Baltimore Orioles: Pitching. Full stop. Bieber or Cease would scream “we’re serious.”
Texas Rangers: Bullpen’s leaky, rotation’s banged up. Jansen or Sale would be a band-aid—a really expensive one.
Toronto Blue Jays: Lineup’s quieter than a library. Alonso or Robert Jr. would be like dropping a mic at a poetry reading.
2.2 National League Hunters
Los Angeles Dodgers: Why choose between Devers and Cease when you can have both? Their farm system’s unfair.
Philadelphia Phillies: Bullpen’s always a question mark. Jansen would be their third attempt at fixing it this year. Third time’s the charm?
Atlanta Braves: Sale’s intensity fits their vibe, and Snell’s upside is tempting—like buying a scratch-off while grocery shopping.
3. Sneaky Good Targets No One’s Talking About
3.1 Breakout Candidates
Tyler O’Neill (Cardinals): Change of scenery guy. Rays specialize in fixing broken toys—he’s right up their alley.
Paul Blackburn (A’s): Steady, unsexy arm. Brewers love these types—like finding a $20 in last winter’s coat.
3.2 Veterans Playing for Contracts
Tommy Pham (White Sox): Playoff-tested and clutch. Giants need outfield help—he’s a rental, but sometimes you just need a placeholder.
Jack Flaherty (Tigers): Padres love rolling the dice. If his slider’s back? Jackpot.
4. My Predictions (Take ‘Em or Leave ‘Em)
- Rafael Devers → Dodgers: Friedman can’t help himself. Cartaya plus a few prospects gets it done.
- Shane Bieber → Orioles: Kjerstad’s the price. Baltimore goes all-in.
- Luis Robert Jr. → Reds: Cincinnati’s young core needs a centerpiece. He’s it.
- Blake Snell → Giants: Reunited with Zaidi, and Oracle Park’s dimensions play to his strengths. Perfect fit.
5. Final Thoughts
This deadline’s gonna be wild. Devers in Dodger blue? Bieber pushing the Orioles over the top? Robert Jr. turning the Reds into must-watch TV? Buckle up, because the next few weeks are gonna be pure chaos. And honestly? I can’t wait.
Bonus: Twitter’s Already Losing It
Poll: “Which trade would break the internet?”
@MLBInsider: “Heard from a source (aka my Uber driver) that Dodgers are ‘aggressively pursuing’ Devers. Boston’s sliding—timing feels right.”
@FanTalk: “Alonso in Seattle is my sleep paralysis demon. 45 homers minimum with that right field.”
Source: ESPN – News
