Three Players That Could Become Trade Targets if Team Struggles Continue

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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It was evident that the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox were going to be two of the worst teams in MLB this season. Neither time gave any indication of trying to compete and win at the highest level.
There are also teams that most people expected to be good but are slowly headed toward failing those expectations. Because of that, there are high-level players that could unexpectedly become available at this season's trade deadline, and here are three of them.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the ninth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on...
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the ninth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on May 24, 2025. MoreAroldis Chapman, RP, Boston Red Sox
With offseason additions of Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Alex Bregman, the Red Sox were expected to be going toe-to-toe with the New York Yankees atop the NL East.
Injuries have derailed that a bit and as of Wednesday, Boston sits in fourth place in the division with a 27-30 record and 8 1/2 games behind the first place Yankees. It has been a disappointing start to the season for a team that had such high hopes.
Chapman is on a one-year deal, meaning he could become a perfect trade chip if the Red Sox struggles continue. He has already been traded twice in his career, and his 2.14 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23 appearances and 21 innings could send him on the move for a third time.
Aroldis Chapman, Jet Fuel. ✈️ ⛽️
101, 103, 102.
T103.4 MPH at 37 years old. 😵 pic.twitter.com/Y49secOGlv — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 27, 2025
Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves
It is safe to say that nobody saw the level of regression that the Atlanta Braves have shown this season. They started the season 0-7 and have not been able to get above a .500 record yet this season.
Atlanta already sits 9 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East and five games out of a Wild Card spot in the NL.
Much like Chapman, Ozuna is in the last year of his contract, and his .279 average and .896 OPS could make him a prime trade target if the Braves continue their downhill slide. The return of a suspended Jurickson Profar later in the season could also play a role in Ozuna's departure from Atlanta.
Marcell Ozuna delivers the #walkoff homer in the 11th inning to win it for the @Braves! pic.twitter.com/fzLqMZ6GRX — MLB (@MLB) April 11, 2025
Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona acquired both Corbin Burnes and Josh Naylor during the offseason, and they were thought to potentially be the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The season hasn't gone as planned and after a blowing a 6-0 lead to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks fell under .500 for the first time this season.
Gallen is on the last year of his contract and is having a bit of a rough season. His 5.25 ERA would be the highest of his career by far, an indicator of what has been a really disappointing season. With continued struggles from Arizona and improvements from Gallen, the three-time Cy Young finalist could be playing elsewhere for the first time in his career.
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