Top Prospects Likely to Be Traded Before 2026 Deadline
Analysts highlight one potential trade candidate from each MLB organization as the July 31 deadline approaches, noting which clubs may buy or sell prospects.
The July 31 trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET, and MLB teams are expected to move several high-ranking prospects. Historically, an average of four Top-100 prospects have been dealt each July since the pandemic, with 63 players from MLB Pipeline’s Top-30 lists used as trade assets last season.
Toronto is projected to be a net seller, but could still target controllable starting pitching. Right-hander Nolan Perry, currently on the injured list, is identified as a possible candidate. Baltimore may consider outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., whose recent .298 average and 25 stolen bases could appeal to a playoff-bound club.
Tampa Bay, sitting atop the American League, could part with right-hander Michael Forret, a Triple-A pitcher with a 26.7% strike-out rate and Rule 5 eligibility, to alleviate a 40-man roster logjam. Boston’s Kyson Witherspoon, a former first-round pick with a 95-mph fastball, is listed as a potential trade chip despite a rocky High-A debut.
New York’s Yankees might move right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, who posted a 2.93 ERA in Triple-A and has MLB experience, while Cleveland could trade catcher/outfielder Cooper Ingle, who leads the International League with a .987 OPS.
Kansas City’s left-handed outfielder Gavin Cross, a 2022 ninth-overall pick hitting .316 with 10 homers in Triple-A, is noted as a possible addition for teams needing left-handed power. Detroit’s Eduardo Valencia, a catcher/first-baseman who recently hit two home runs in the majors, could attract interest from clubs seeking depth behind the plate.
Minnesota, within a half-game of a Wild Card spot, may look to acquire shortstop Marek Houston, a 2025 first-rounder with a .327 average at Double-A. Chicago White Sox scout Billy Carlson, a defensive-oriented shortstop drafted 10th overall in 2025, is also mentioned.
Los Angeles, tied for the worst record, might include right-hander George Klassen, a former deadline acquisition with a triple-digit fastball, in a package for a contender. Houston’s Anthony Huezo, an outfielder with 17 homers and 32 steals across two Class-A levels, is highlighted for his power-speed blend.
Oakland, despite a recent slide in the AL West, could retain right-hander Zane Taylor, a fifth-round pick now in Double-A with a 3.22 ERA. Seattle’s Michael Arroyo, a 21-year-old two-way player hitting .842 OPS in Triple-A, may be considered for a change of scenery.
Texas’ Dylan Dreiling, a left-handed outfielder who hit .290 with 15 homers in Double-A, is listed as a potential trade asset. Atlanta, leading the NL East, could move second-round shortstop Alex Lodise, who hit 21 homers in High-A.
Miami’s Kemp Alderman, a 6-foot-3, 225-lb outfielder/first-baseman with 15 homers in Triple-A, is another candidate. New York Mets pitcher Jonathan Pintaro, who has appeared in five MLB games with a 0.143 opponent average, may be included in a bullpen-focused deal.
Washington, hovering near an NL Wild Card spot, could trade shortstop Coy James, a fifth-round pick with 14 homers at Single-A. Philadelphia may consider shortstop Bryan Rincon, a Double-A breakout with strong defensive skills.
Milwaukee’s left-handed outfielder Josh Adamczewski, hitting .313 with 14 homers across High-A and Double-A, is a possible piece for a contender. St. Louis could move catcher Leo Bernal, who posted .275 with 13 homers in Triple-A, while Chicago’s Jefferson Rojas, a versatile infielder with 15 homers in Double-A, may be a trade candidate.
Pittsburgh’s shortstop Wyatt Sanford, who showed power before a hand injury, and Cincinnati’s Tyson Lewis, a shortstop/third-baseman with raw power, are also identified. Arizona could include catcher Carlos Virahonda, who hit 16 homers between Single-A and High-A.
Los Angeles Dodgers may part with outfielder Zyhir Hope, a 21-year-old Double-A player with 21 homers and 18 steals, while San Francisco’s Blade Tidwell, a right-hander with a mid-90s fastball, could be moved.
San Diego’s left-hander Kash Mayfield, a 2024 first-round pick with a 3.54 ERA in High-A, and Colorado’s outfielder Zac Veen, hitting .313 with 17 homers in Triple-A, round out the list of prospects that could change clubs before the deadline.