MLB 2026 Trade Deadline: Key Players to Watch

As the MLB season progresses, teams are already eyeing the upcoming trade deadline on August 3, 2026. With a chaotic start to the season, several playoff contenders from 2025, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox, find themselves struggling below .500. The Blue Jays and Phillies have recorded two of the three worst run differentials in the league, while the New York Mets, once predicted to be a playoff team, are currently on an 11-game losing streak, their longest since 2004.

Given this unpredictable landscape, it's time to look ahead and identify potential trade candidates from each team. This early preview will highlight one player from each franchise who could be on the move, focusing on major leaguers, impending free agents, and a few promising prospects.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Trade Candidate: Yilber Diaz
Likely Need: Bullpen
The Diamondbacks are in need of bullpen reinforcements, especially with injuries affecting their outfield production. Diaz, a hard-throwing righty, has shown promise in Triple-A and could attract interest from teams looking to bolster their relief options.

Atlanta Braves

Trade Candidate: Owen Murphy
Likely Need: Right-handed-hitting outfielder
Despite some injuries, the Braves are off to a strong start. They may look to add a right-handed bat to complement their lineup, and Murphy, recovering from Tommy John surgery, could be a valuable asset if he can improve his velocity.

Baltimore Orioles

Trade Candidate: Trey Gibson
Likely Need: Healthy players
With injuries plaguing their roster, the Orioles are in a tough spot. Gibson, along with other upper-level pitching prospects, could be dealt if the injury woes continue.

Boston Red Sox

Trade Candidate: Jarren Duran
Likely Need: Infield help
Duran's struggles at the plate have raised questions about his future with the team. With several infielders underperforming, the Red Sox may need to consider trading Duran to realign their roster.

Chicago Cubs

Trade Candidate: Jefferson Rojas
Likely Need: Pitching
Rojas, a promising shortstop prospect, could be traded to acquire a quality pitcher as the Cubs look to strengthen their rotation.

Chicago White Sox

Trade Candidate: Erick Fedde
Likely Need: Prospects
The White Sox are in a position to trade away major leaguers, and Fedde, a pending free agent, could be among those dealt as they look to rebuild.

Cincinnati Reds

Trade Candidate: Noelvi Marte
Likely Need: Outfield/DH bat
With their offense struggling, the Reds may look to trade Marte to acquire a more productive bat for their lineup.

As the trade deadline approaches, teams will need to assess their needs and make strategic moves to improve their chances for the remainder of the season.