Image Source: ESPN
MLB trade deadline 2026 has reached its decisive final stretch, with teams racing to complete deals before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET cutoff. Tarik Skubal, the most coveted player available, has already been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title.
While additional blockbuster names such as Mason Miller, CJ Abrams, Zach Neto and George Kirby remain part of the rumor conversation, ESPN’s David Schoenfield identified 10 players who appear especially likely to be moved. Nine of the 10 could become free agents, meaning interested clubs may not need to surrender an elite, top-50 prospect.
MLB Trade Deadline 2026: Ten Players in the Spotlight
1. Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants
Arraez is enjoying another outstanding season, leading the National League with a .324 batting average. His defensive work at second base has also improved, making him an appealing lineup option for contenders seeking a reliable table-setter.
The two-time batting champion does not bring significant power and rarely walks, but his above-average on-base ability remains valuable. The Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres are among the clubs viewed as potential fits.
2. Clay Holmes, New York Mets
Holmes has successfully transitioned from a Yankees reliever into a Mets starter, posting a 3.26 ERA across 40 starts over two seasons. His high ground-ball rate could make him an attractive postseason rotation addition.
Holmes is rehabbing from a broken right leg, but his $12 million player option for 2027 is unlikely to prevent a trade. The Mets have already moved Freddy Peralta, increasing speculation that Holmes could be next.
3. Foster Griffin, Washington Nationals
Griffin has been one of the season’s biggest surprises after signing a $5.5 million contract following three seasons in Japan. The 31-year-old is 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA and recently completed a streak of eight straight starts while allowing only one run in each outing.
His fastball averages just 91 mph, and he has surrendered 19 home runs in 129⅓ innings. Still, opposing hitters have managed only a .197 average against the pitch, giving contenders plenty to evaluate.
4. Adrian Morejón, San Diego Padres
Morejón is the leading reliever on this list, featuring a powerful 99 mph fastball. The Padres reportedly rejected a Yankees offer involving Will Warren, underlining the high price they may demand for the left-hander.
San Diego’s recent 8-2 surge has complicated the decision. If the Padres remain in the wild-card race, Morejón could stay, although the club needs rotation help and another bat.
5. Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers
Mize’s trade chances increased after Detroit dealt Skubal. He is having his best season, recording a 2.70 ERA and 2.9 WAR across 16 starts. He has limited hard contact, issued only 19 walks and allowed five home runs.
His .593 opponent OPS is among the best marks in the majors, even slightly better than Skubal’s figure. The Tigers must decide whether to continue building for the future or retain a productive starter.
6. Luke Weaver, New York Mets
Weaver remains a valuable bullpen target after posting a 1.84 ERA in 2026 and allowing only three home runs in 44 innings. He is signed for $12.5 million in 2027, but that contract may not stop the Mets from making a deal.
His ability to work multiple innings could appeal to clubs such as the Yankees, Phillies, Brewers, Rays and Twins.
7. Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants
The 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner is enjoying his strongest campaign since that breakthrough season. Ray is 10-6 with a 3.08 ERA and has posted a remarkable 1.09 ERA across his past eight starts.
He remains vulnerable to right-handed hitters and has a notable home-road split, but his current form makes him a legitimate rotation option for a contender.
8. Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays
Varsho offers premium center-field defense and power potential, although his offensive production has slipped from last season. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros and Miami Marlins could all benefit from his glove.
9. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers
Torres has posted a .389 on-base percentage and remains a proven postseason performer. Several teams that could pursue Arraez, including the Red Sox, Rays, Twins and Padres, may also consider Torres as a second baseman or designated hitter.
10. Dustin May, St. Louis Cardinals
May’s 5-7 record and 4.38 ERA do not fully reflect his performance. His 3.14 FIP, 106 strikeouts and only seven home runs allowed in 109 innings suggest a pitcher who could provide meaningful rotation depth.
Why the Final Hours Could Be Explosive
The trade market features a blend of starting pitching, bullpen power, defensive specialists and dependable hitters. Contenders must balance immediate playoff needs against the prospect cost of acquiring players with multiple seasons of team control.
With Skubal already joining the Dodgers and several clubs still searching for pitching, the final hours of the MLB trade deadline 2026 could produce a dramatic reshaping of the postseason race.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MLB trade deadline in 2026?
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is Monday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Which player was the biggest name traded before the deadline?
Tarik Skubal was the biggest player moved, joining the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers.
Who is the best starting pitcher still likely to be traded?
Clay Holmes, Casey Mize, Robbie Ray and Foster Griffin are among the most prominent starting-pitching possibilities.
Could Adrian Morejón still remain with the Padres?
Yes. San Diego’s recent 8-2 run has improved its wild-card position, making the Padres more likely to retain Morejón unless they receive a major offer.
