Seven Bold MLB Trade Deadline Predictions
by Sam Cox | by Sam Cox
Every division has at least three teams that can talk themselves into buying at the 2026 trade deadline. There are just seven teams that are completely out of contention – this promises to be a seller’s market and could lead to some high prices paid for impact players.
Each trade deadline leaves us reevaluating our futures MLB picks. Which teams will take a big swing this time around?
Phillies Give Up Multiple of Top 10 Prospects for Luis Arráez
Yes, Bryson Stott has heated up at the plate. That shouldn’t stop the Phillies from pursuing Luis Arráez, though, with the contact hitter enjoying what could turn out to be the best offensive season of his career.
Philadelphia is in the bottom 10 in wins above average from second base. Arráez has somehow become an elite defender at second, removing any concern for Philadelphia about finding plate appearances at first or DH.
It couldn’t be much more of a win-now year for the Phils. It’s an ageing team. The top three prospects are probably off limits in an Arráez deal, but we could see Alirio Ferrebus and Matthew Fisher in a package.
Cubs Give Up Top Prospects For Joe Ryan
The Cubs are in the bottom five in xERA from their starters since June 15. On the season, Chicago is dead last in wins above average from its rotation.
Only six games behind the Brewers and given a 92% chance of making the playoffs by Baseball Reference, the Cubs must fortify their rotation. Aside from Tarik Skubal, there’s no better acquisition than Joe Ryan.
However you look at it, Ryan has been one of MLB’s premier pitchers this season. The Twins have been sneakily competitive, but they should continue their tear down if they can get two of the Cubs’ three top prospects.
Mason Miller Stays Put
What would it take for A.J. Preller to part with Mason Miller? Considering he gave up Leo De Vries to acquire the sport’s best reliever, Preller would need several high-end prospects to even think about trading Miller.
There’s no way anyone will take that hideous Xander Bogaerts contract. San Diego might want to restock its farm, and they couldn’t be selling higher on Miller, but it would be reckless for any team to give up the required haul for a relief pitcher.
There are better options out there when it comes to value, even if they’re not as dominant as Miller.
Astros, Phillies, or Padres Land Seiya Suzuki
The Cubs might have to get funky to add to their wobbling rotation. Flipping Seiya Suzuki’s salary could be a necessity, and it might help to bring more prospects in for Ryan and/or other arms.
It feels like a step in the wrong direction for Chicago. Suzuki is a very valuable player; he rarely chases, and has shown consistent power with good defense in the majors.
Houston, Philadelphia, and San Diego have major outfield needs. The Phillies are set to be the most aggressive of the trio, but these three teams will be at the front of the queue if Suzuki ends up on the trade block.
Tigers Retain Big Names
A 20-13 surge has left the Tigers only four games off the final wild-card spot. Since June 15, Detroit has a league average offense, with the second-best rotation and fifth-best bullpen per xERA.
It’s just going to be too tempting to try and sneak into the playoffs. Skubal, Casey Mize, and Gleyber Torres could’ve been three of the most exciting trade assets, but Detroit’s improved performance over the last month or so has put the front office in an unenviable position.
They’re not close enough to be aggressive buyers, so the most likely outcome is additions around the margins. Daulton Varsho, Lane Thomas, and Jung Hoo Lee are potential fits.
Sliding Marlins Land Isaac Paredes
Houston could look to move Isaac Paredes regardless of their status as a buyer or seller. There’s a bit of an infield logjam and it would make sense to get something in return for the corner infielder.
Miami’s pre-deadline slide has dampened their playoff hopes. Still, the Fish are only two games off the final wild-card spot and would benefit from the versatility Paredes brings at the infield corners.
There’s really not been anything to get excited about from the Marlins’ corner infielders. They desperately need a serviceable bat to support the efforts of the rest of the lineup.
Pirates Swing Big For Reliever
Pittsburgh isn’t used to being in this position. Occupying a playoff spot at the time of writing, the Pirates are definite buyers. Their need is clear: bullpen help.
It’s been their major weakness all year, and they have the 25th-ranked bullpen by xERA since June 15. Ideally, they’d add a couple of late-inning arms to bulk out a relief corps that’s been led by Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery.
Even with Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin on the injured list, it’s worth pushing some chips in for the Pirates. There’s no guarantee they will be in this position again, or that their rotation wil be healthy in 12 months’ time.
Riley O’Brien, Luke Weaver, Yennier Cano, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Mark Leiter Jr. are appropriate candidates.
