As the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline creeps closer, teams all over the league are weighing their options. Some are eyeing a playoff push, while others are thinking about a rebuild.
With more than seven weeks left before the deadline, scouts and execs are already glued to players who’ve suddenly boosted their trade value. This post takes a look at the guys whose stock is rising fast, making them top trade targets.
We’ll check out what they’ve done lately, their contract details, and where they might fit for contenders. It’s a lot to keep track of, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
Top Trade Candidates to Watch
Some players have emerged as potential game-changers for teams hoping to make noise at the deadline. Here are a few names worth watching:
Tyler Anderson and Taylor Ward – Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are hanging around in the AL Wild Card race, just four games out despite a 31-34 record. If they decide to sell, Tyler Anderson and Taylor Ward could draw a lot of attention.
Anderson, a lefty starter, is in the last year of his three-year, $39 million contract. He’s making $13 million this season. He’s had some rough patches lately, but from April 12 to May 11, he posted a 2.04 ERA over six starts. On the year, he’s at 3.99 in 13 outings—a number that would slot nicely into plenty of rotations chasing October.
Outfielder Taylor Ward, making $7.825 million, has one more year of arbitration. He started slow with a .594 OPS, but things changed in a hurry. Since May 11, he’s hit 10 home runs, driven in 29 runs, and put up a .942 OPS in 27 games. Not bad for someone who looked lost in April.
David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates
David Bednar had a rough opening to the season and even got sent down to Triple-A. But since returning on April 19, he’s looked like a different pitcher.
In 22 outings, Bednar’s posted a 2.61 ERA with seven saves and 30 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. The Pirates are way back in both the NL Central and Wild Card, so they might move Bednar. He’s earning $5.9 million and has another year of arbitration left. Right now, he looks like one of the better closers on the market.
Edward Cabrera – Miami Marlins
Edward Cabrera, a right-hander, stumbled out of the gate with a 7.23 ERA in April. Since May, though, he’s found his groove.
He’s put up a 2.03 ERA in six starts, striking out 33 in 31 innings. His fastball averages 96.4 mph, and his 30.8% chase rate stands out. Cabrera’s earning $1.95 million and won’t hit free agency for a while—he has three more years of arbitration. Teams looking for young, controllable pitching will take notice.
Aroldis Chapman – Boston Red Sox
Aroldis Chapman has been a force in Boston’s bullpen, converting 11 of 12 save chances and carrying a 1.65 ERA over 30 games. Over his last 15 outings, he’s got a 1.29 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 14 innings.
The Red Sox are still under .500, and if they don’t catch fire soon, Chapman could be on the move. He signed a one-year, $10.75 million deal, so he’s a rental—perfect for a contender needing late-inning help.
Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals
Kyle Finnegan blew a couple of saves at the end of April, but since then, he’s been pretty reliable. He’s converted nine of 10 save chances with a 1.64 ERA since May 1.
Finnegan signed a one-year, $6 million contract and has tightened up his control, walking just one batter in his last 11 appearances. His fastball sits at 96 mph, and his barrel and ground-ball rates are both solid. He looks like a steady bullpen piece for a playoff team.
Austin Hays – Cincinnati Reds
Austin Hays has spent a lot of time on the injured list this year, but when he’s played, he’s produced. He’s on a one-year, $5 million deal with a $12 million mutual option for 2026.
In 31 games, Hays is slashing .303/.346/.555 with six homers, 25 RBIs, and 1.3 bWAR. His latest injury—a foot contusion from a foul ball—shouldn’t keep him out long. Teams needing outfield help might take a chance on his bat.
Potential Impact Players from the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks haven’t met expectations, sitting fourth in the NL West at 32-34. With Corbin Burnes out for the year after a torn UCL, they might decide to sell.
Two guys stand out as possible trade chips:
Merrill Kelly – Right-Handed Pitcher
Merrill Kelly has been steady, going 3-1 with a 2.37 ERA in eight starts since May 1. He’ll be a free agent after the season, and his consistency could appeal to teams hunting for rotation upgrades.
Eugenio Suárez – Third Baseman
Eugenio Suárez has eight homers, 25 RBIs, and an .881 OPS in his last 28 games. On the year, he’s got 18 home runs, 48 RBIs, and an .812 OPS.
His power and run production make him an interesting fit for teams needing a third baseman with some pop.
Rays’ Trade Deadline Strategy
The Rays always seem to zig when others zag at the deadline. This year, sitting at 36-30 and in the playoff mix, they’ve got a couple of names that could move.
Zack Littell – Right-Handed Pitcher
Zack Littell had a couple of rough starts in early April, but he’s bounced back. Over his last 10 starts, he’s gone 6-2 with a 2.83 ERA.
Littell is making $5.72 million and will be a free agent after the season. He could be a nice addition for a team looking for rotation depth.
Brandon Lowe – Second Baseman
Brandon Lowe started the season off pretty rough, managing just a .550 OPS in his first 36 games. But lately, he’s flipped the script with a 1.011 OPS, eight homers, and 17 RBIs across his last 25 games.
He’s making $10.5 million this year. There’s also an $11.5 million club option for 2026, so he’s not just a rental—he could be a real catch for any team hoping to boost its infield production.
If you want the full scoop or just want to get lost in trade rumors, there’s way more detail over at MLB.com.
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