From D-backs pitchers to a whole lot of Orioles, here are the players you should watch as the 6 p.m. ET deadline nears — and their best fits.
It’s MLB trade deadline day!
General managers haven’t slept in days, and they’ve probably developed carpal tunnel from texting so much. Every player traded is guaranteed to make a major impact and every prospect looks like a future star . right?
OK, maybe not. But a couple of the trades that happen Thursday might decide a division race or clinch a playoff berth or maybe even key a World Series run. One of the no-name prospects might, indeed, turn into an All-Star.
As always, there are some intriguing names being floated in trade rumors. But this is a list of the biggest names most likely to be traded Thursday, so it won’t include the following players (who could still move):
Sandy Alcantara (still possible, especially after finally delivering a good start Tuesday)
Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks could keep him and give him a qualifying offer)
Mitch Keller (signed through 2028 and those controllable starters are never traded at the deadline)
Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez (the Padres are unpredictable, so you never know)
Jarren Duran (the Duran-for-Keller rumors won’t go away)
Brandon Lowe (Mets?)
Steven Kwan (that would be super fun)
MacKenzie Gore (expensive)
Joe Ryan (more expensive)
Brent Rooker (signed through 2029, so seems unlikely)
Edward Cabrera (Marlins have played well for two months and Cabrera is under control through 2028)
Hopefully, we will get a surprise trade — or three — involving some of the above players. But as the 6 p.m. ET deadline approaches, here are the top 10 names to watch.
(Note: Unless mentioned, all players will be free agents at season’s end.)
Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers
Kelly might be viewed as more of a grind-it-out innings eater, but that feels like a bit of a disservice to his ability, especially since he’s pitching well with a 2.56 ERA over his past 10 starts, lowering his season ERA to 3.22. After getting knocked out early in his second start of the season, he has gone at least five innings in every start since then, usually going six or seven.
His superlative work in the 2023 postseason (2.25 ERA across four starts) is another reason he’s a fit with any contender. The Cubs could certainly use a starter to go with Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, the Astros likewise could use a third strong starter to follow their two aces in Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown. And while the Tigers already acquired Chris Paddack, they might need another starter with Reese Olson out for the season.
Best fits: Texas Rangers, Astros, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Red Sox
O’Hearn’s versatility to play first base or a corner outfield slot is a big plus, although the Orioles have largely used him in a platoon role, which is a negative. He was hitting .333 with a .961 OPS through the end of May but hasn’t done much since then (.
