MLB trade targets to address the biggest need for each contending team

New York Times

a day ago

With the trade deadline seven weeks away, MLB front office executives have begun to call and text their counterparts to get an idea of early needs and possible trade targets for each team.
Only five teams are 10 games or more out of a wild-card spot right now — the Athletics, White Sox, Pirates, Marlins and Rockies — and none of them have a lot to dangle at the trade deadline. That means most of the contending clubs will be waiting to see what direction — buying or selling — teams like the Orioles, Braves, Red Sox, Rangers and Diamondbacks are going. Those latter five clubs are loaded with talent to make game-changing trades, for themselves and contenders, but at this stage it's unclear which players ultimately will be available.
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Although lots of conversations are happening now, there probably won't be a flurry of trades until after the All-Star break (at least). But that hasn't stopped contending teams from getting their target lists ready, their scouts in the field evaluating players and their analytic departments hard at work, anticipating who might become available if some of these teams falter over the coming weeks.
After reaching out to decision-makers from each of the clear contending teams to learn their biggest needs, I thought it would be fun to identify possible trade targets they could consider as well as a single 'favorite target' for each club (with two exceptions, noted below). Let's start to mull how these contenders could approach the deadline.
Biggest need: Bullpen depth
Possible targets: Shelby Miller, Diamondbacks; Seth Halvorsen, Rockies; Dennis Santana, Pirates
Favorite target: Seth Halvorsen
The Mets' biggest need appears to be bullpen depth and, as usual, the trade market will offer plenty of possibilities. My favorite option would be Halvorsen, a right-handed reliever who has a 4.91 ERA over 26 appearances and three saves for the Rockies. His fastball averages 100.1 mph. He also ranks in the 78th percentile in off-speed run value, the 92nd percentile in ground-ball rate, and the 90th percentile in extension. Halvorsen, 25, made his major-league debut in 2024 and finished last season with a 1.46 ERA in 12 outings. Wait until the Mets' analytics and pitching staff get a hold of him.
Biggest need: Starting pitcher
Possible targets: Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Jeffrey Springs, Athletics; Edward Cabrera, Marlins; Tyler Mahle, Rangers; Kyle Freeland, Rockies; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Trevor Williams, Nationals
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Favorite target: Zac Gallen
The Cubs could use one more starting pitcher and Gallen would be the perfect target even though he's having a down year (4-8 with a 5.15 ERA). Two years ago, he was the starting pitcher for the NL All-Star team and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting. Last year, he went 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA. Gallen would need to have three to four strong starts before the deadline for the Diamondbacks to get the strong prospect package they'd want, but if they fall further out of contention, they might have to trade the impending free agent. He needs to improve the command and late finish on his fastball to get back to where he needs to be.
Biggest need: Getting their roster healthy
The Dodgers are not expected to be active at the trade deadline, if they're able to get their roster healthy. Three of their top starting pitchers — Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow, not to mention Roki Sasaki — are currently rehabbing, trying to work back from injuries. That's three top-of-the-rotation starters, along with a rookie who is viewed as having that type of ceiling as well. If the Dodgers can get that trio healthy and maintain the health of their current rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May, they really won't need any more pitching help considering some of their starters would be moving to the bullpen to provide more depth for that unit. In addition, their lineup doesn't have any glaring needs, and they have the position player depth to withstand injuries.
For now, I didn't list trade targets for the Dodgers. However, they have endured a rash of pitching injuries, and if they get closer to the deadline and don't have more of their top pitchers healthy or closer to returning, they could add yet another starter.
Biggest need: High-leverage reliever
Possible targets: Félix Bautista, Orioles; Mason Miller, Athletics; Kenley Jansen, Angels: Kyle Finnegan, Nationals; Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox; David Bednar, Pirates
Favorite target: Félix Bautista
The Phillies' front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I'm sure they will do so before the trade deadline. If the Orioles don't get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies' best option to take over the ninth inning. Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season. He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form.
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Biggest need: Offense, probably 1B or DH
Possible targets: Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels
Favorite target: Ryan O'Hearn
The Giants' biggest need is at first base after designating LaMonte Wade Jr. for assignment and replacing him with journeyman Dominic Smith. Their long-term solution at first base is top prospect Bryce Eldridge, but the 20-year-old was just promoted to Triple A and is not ready for the majors. Therefore, their targets for first base or DH will be limited to shorter-term solutions, though Eldridge should be ready either in September or sometime next season. O'Hearn, 31, is my favorite target for the Giants because he's been the Orioles' most consistent player, slashing .316/.397/.500 with nine homers, 24 RBIs and a 158 OPS+. An impending free agent, O'Hearn could be a perfect short-term solution as a bridge to Eldridge, or even a long-term solution as the future DH of the Giants if they decided to extend him.
Biggest need: Left fielder
Possible targets: Taylor Ward, Angels; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Kyle Stowers, Marlins, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Diamondbacks; Adolis García, Rangers
Favorite target: Jarren Duran
The Padres have been trying to mix and match in left field since Jurickson Profar departed in free agency to the Braves. They would like to find a longer-term solution. Enter Duran, who last season led the AL in doubles and triples while hitting 21 homers and stealing 34 bases. He got off to a slow start this year but is batting .271 with 18 doubles, seven triples, four homers and 13 steals. The Padres are again targeting Duran, league sources told The Athletic's Dennis Lin, which makes sense considering the Red Sox have his replacement, Roman Anthony, the best prospect in baseball, ready to step in. However, Boston needs starting pitching help in return, and the Padres really don't have that to offer. They could dangle their top prospects, but I'm not sure Boston would bite on that type of offer for Duran, who is under team control through 2028. A more realistic trading partner for San Diego could end up being the Angels with Taylor Ward, who has 18 homers and 45 RBIs, but he doesn't get on base (.261 OBP) and profiles as an average type of player.
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Biggest need: 'We just have to play'
The Cardinals have been one of the biggest surprise teams in baseball and appear to be a legitimate postseason contender. And it's interesting how they've been getting the job done — with solid consistency in the starting rotation and lineup, from top to bottom. Outside of second baseman Brendan Donovan, they don't appear to have another All-Star on the team, and yet everyone seems to contribute just enough to win games. The Cardinals don't have any glaring needs, nor do they appear to have the financial resources or top prospects they'd want to trade to make a splash at the deadline. So, if nothing changes between now and then and they stay in the race, don't expect big moves from their front office. Instead, the Cardinals want their young major-league players to continue to develop, and could follow that path rather than look for reinforcements. For that reason, I did not list trade targets for them at this point.
Biggest need: Bat on the left side of the infield
Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Miguel Vargas, White Sox; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Josh Smith, Rangers
Favorite target: Miguel Vargas
On and off the field, the Brewers are missing Willy Adames, who departed in free agency to the Giants (although Adames has struggled mightily in San Francisco). They miss his offense the most and are looking to improve the left side of their infield, either shortstop or third base, with an offensive upgrade. Vargas could be an option because of his versatility; he could play either infield corner or left field. He is only 25 years old and won't be arbitration-eligible until 2027. Vargas has a 109 OPS+ with 15 doubles, nine home runs and 29 RBIs this season in 245 plate appearances.
Biggest need: Third base
Possible targets: Alec Bohm, Phillies; Eugenio Suárez, White Sox; Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates; Ryan McMahon, Rockies; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays
Favorite target: Eugenio Suárez
Suárez began his major-league career with the Tigers in 2014, so it would only be fitting if he returned for the back end of his career to help the Tigers get to the World Series. He is batting .228 with a .303 on-base percentage but has produced 18 homers and 48 RBIs. An impending free agent, Suárez would help Detroit lengthen its lineup and supply more three-run homers. He has belted 30 or more homers in three of the past four seasons and is on pace to do it again this year.
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Biggest need: Second or third base
Possible targets: Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Bo Bichette, Blue Jays; Luis Arraez, Padres; Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Ryan McMahon, Rockies
Favorite target: Luis Arraez
The Yankees would like an offensive upgrade for both DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza and can do so at either second or third base since Jazz Chisholm Jr. is willing to play either position. I like the fit with Donovan because he's a solid two-way player, but the Cardinals are not interested in moving him since they're in the race. I think Lowe would be a great fit with his left-handed power and the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, but I can't see the second-place Rays trading him to a division rival in the middle of a pennant race, and I'd say the same thing about Bichette and the Blue Jays. That might leave Arraez as the best realistic fit. Arraez is not a great defender, but he's won a batting title each of the past three years and would create extra traffic on the bases for New York's sluggers to drive home. I'm just not sure how the Yankees and Padres would fit as trade partners.
Biggest need: Left-handed hitter
Possible targets: Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Brandon Lowe, Rays; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Jarren Duran, Red Sox; Brendan Donovan, Cardinals; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Luis Arraez, Padres; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Josh Smith, Rangers
Favorite target: Brandon Lowe
The Astros could use another left-handed hitter in their lineup. Enter Lowe, who has a 110 OPS+ and 13 home runs this season. He could become the Astros' everyday second baseman, allowing Jose Altuve to spend all of his time in left field, which is where he should be playing at this stage of his career. Lowe's contract includes an $11.5 million team option for 2026, so the Astros could control him for two postseason runs. Tampa Bay always needs to get younger and is always open to trading players, like Lowe, when they near free agency.
Biggest need: Catcher
Possible targets: Hunter Goodman, Rockies; Keibert Ruiz, Nationals; Dalton Rushing, Dodgers; Gabriel Moreno, Diamondbacks; Agustín Ramirez, Marlins; Drake Baldwin, Braves; Sean Murphy, Braves; Samuel Basallo, Orioles; Ethan Salas, Padres
Favorite target: Sean Murphy
It seems like the Rays are always searching for their long-term solution at catcher but never seem to be able to acquire an impact player for the position, which could happen again this trade deadline. Their best target could be Braves veteran Sean Murphy, who is under team control through 2029. He makes $15 million per year, which should be affordable even for Tampa Bay. The Braves have 24-year-old Drake Baldwin, who should be their everyday catcher, and Atlanta could put the financial savings from dealing Murphy toward acquiring more starting pitching at the deadline. Perhaps the Rays could trade one of their starters for Murphy. He is above average in game-calling, framing, blocking, pop time and throwing, and he also ranks in the 79th percentile in barrel rate.
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Biggest need: A starting pitcher
Possible targets: Walker Buehler, Red Sox; Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks; Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks; Zach Eflin, Orioles; Andrew Heaney, Pirates; Nick Martinez, Reds; Zack Littell, Rays
Favorite target: Merrill Kelly
Kelly has been one of the most underrated, consistent starting pitchers in baseball since 2022, when he went 13-8 with a 3.37 ERA over 33 starts. In 2023, he went 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA. Last year, he battled injuries but still posted a 4.03 ERA over 13 starts. This year, he's 6-2 with a 3.18 ERA over 14 starts and he's been healthy aside from some leg issues. He will be a free agent after this season, so it would be a rental for the Blue Jays. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, they could acquire a couple of mid-level prospects in exchange and then in the offseason look to re-sign Kelly, who prefers to finish his career with Arizona.
Biggest need: Left-handed hitter
Possible targets: Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins
Favorite target: Kyle Stowers
The Twins are searching for a left-handed hitter and their two best realistic options could end up being Stowers or Sánchez of the Marlins. Stowers is having a breakout season, slashing .280/.347/.479 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and a 127 OPS+. He can play either outfield corner and won't be arbitration-eligible until 2027. The prospect price would be costly, but might be worth it if the Twins can find the right match with Miami.
Biggest need: Right field
Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Taylor Ward; Angels; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Adolis García, Rangers, Jesús Sánchez, Marlins
Favorite target: Jesús Sánchez
The Guardians would love to pry Abreu from the Red Sox with the argument that he's blocking Anthony, the game's best prospect, but it appears Boston believes there is a scenario where there's room for both. Reynolds and García are probably too expensive for the Guardians, which might leave Sánchez as the best option. Sánchez, 27, is under team control through 2027 and is making only $4.5 million this year. He is slashing .262/.342/.402 with six doubles, five home runs and six steals over 46 games (187 plate appearances).
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Biggest need: Corner outfielder
Possible targets: Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Lawrence Butler, Athletics; Bryan Reynolds, Pirates; Taylor Ward, Angels; Adolis García, Rangers; Andy Pages, Dodgers; Heliot Ramos, Giants; Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Jordan Walker, Cardinals; Austin Hays, Reds; Miguel Andujar, Athletics; Heston Kjerstad, Orioles; Jorge Soler, Angels
Favorite target: Taylor Ward
The Royals rank last in MLB in home runs and need to add power and length to their lineup. Ward would be a nice fit in left field. He is slashing just .209/.260/.482 but has 12 doubles, 18 homers and 45 RBIs. Combined with the recent promotion of top prospect Jac Caglianone, trading for another power bat could completely change the complexion of their lineup. As good as the Royals' starting pitching, bullpen, defense and offensive contact is, the right acquisition could be the final piece needed to get them back to the playoffs as a wild-card team.
Biggest need: Corner infielder
Possible targets: Eugenio Suárez, Diamondbacks; Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Alec Bohm, Phillies; Ben Rice, Yankees; Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles; Coby Mayo, Orioles; Ryan O'Hearn, Orioles; Nathaniel Lowe, Nationals
Favorite target: Josh Naylor, Diamondbacks
The Mariners need a corner infield bat and Naylor would be the best trade target. His left-handed power would be a difference-maker in the middle of the Mariners' lineup and, as an impending free agent, would come with no long-term financial commitment. Naylor is slashing .290/.346/.457 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 44 RBIs. Last season, he had 27 doubles, 31 home runs and 108 RBIs in helping lead the Guardians to the ALCS. And speaking of Diamondbacks, I also think a reunion with Suárez makes sense for Seattle.
(Top image: Zac Gallen: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images; Jarren Duran: Brian Fluharty / Getty Images)