Top MLB Trade Candidates Ahead of August 3 Deadline
Analysts identify 35 players who could be moved before the trade deadline, highlighting pitchers like Tarik Skubal and position players such as Luis Arraez as likely targets.
MLB teams are beginning to map out potential buy-sell scenarios as the trade deadline approaches on August 3. A list compiled by MLB Trade Rumors ranks 35 players who could be dealt, balancing impact and likelihood of movement.
The highest-rated candidate is Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner on a $32 million salary who is set to become a free agent. Skubal posted a 3.32 ERA and a 28.2% strikeout rate in 59 2/3 innings and is viewed as a rental that could boost a contender’s World Series odds, though Detroit’s own playoff chances will influence any decision.
San Francisco second-base star Luis Arraez, on a one-year, $12 million deal, is another prime mover. He is batting .321 with a .445 slugging line and leads the league in contact hitting, while the Giants sit 13 games below .500 and may seek a better return than a compensatory draft pick.
Other notable pitchers on the list include New York’s Freddy Peralta, Detroit’s Casey Mize, Boston’s Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray, and Minnesota’s Joe Ryan, each described as potential playoff-ready starters or relievers with varying contract situations.
Position players such as Baltimore’s Taylor Ward, Colorado’s Antonio Senzatela, and Washington’s CJ Abrams also appear, with teams weighing their performance against roster needs and financial considerations.
The methodology note clarifies that the ranking is not a strict valuation but a blend of impact and trade probability, and the list will be updated as the season progresses.