Tick Tock: MLB Trade Deadline Alarm Almost Ready to Sound

The countdown to the Major League Baseball trade deadline concludes in less than a day. Amidst all the press conference maneuvering and clandestine negotiations, the finale looms large, scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Players, coaches, and fans will soon uncover the truth of who was merely pretending and who is set for a genuine change of teams. To date, not a single star player has changed fraternities through the ongoing trade discussions. But speculation leads to potentially surprising results when the game of upside-down checkers finishes, with many star players possibly remaining with their current teams.

Here’s a compilation of the top 10 players actively involved in the ongoing trade negotiations. We’ve provided the likelihood of their potential moves: Eugenio Suárez, the third baseman of the Arizona Diamondbacks, sits at the top. A confirmed agreement has been made to transfer Suárez to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for three burgeoning talents. Suárez, with his unrivaled tally of 36 homers and 87 RBI, is arguably the hottest player at the moment when considering positional players. A lack of an overwhelming batch of offers has left the Diamondbacks’ officials scratching their heads.

While teams like the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds have diverted their attention elsewhere, the Philadelphia Phillies have shied away from shelling out the asking price. Positions at the negotiating table have been dominated by the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs — all are considered frontrunners to secure his services.

Back in Miami, starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara was seemingly destined for winter trade. However, he’s made a noteworthy comeback with two exemplary shutout innings, leading many to see him as one of the top pitchers. Alcantara’s appeal is boosted by his added value: his existing contract stretches through three playoffs races, up to 2027. After a $17 million pay day in 2026 and potential $21 million option in 2027, Miami Marlins officials could alternatively decide to trade him during the winter or at the next deadline.

Meanwhile, Washington Nationals starting pitcher, MacKenzie Gore, is an interesting case. Despite an unimpressive 4-11 record with a 3.80 ERA, the team is banking on his future with 144 strikeouts in 117 23 innings, and a career-low 3.4 walks per nine innings. However, an insatiable market for reliable pitchers is pushing the Nationals into a corner. If someone steps up with a highly lucrative offer, they could be forced to let him go and expedite their rebuilding process.

In San Diego, Dylan Cease is a name that has been on the lips of trade analysts for a month now. Yet, the desired return on the starting pitcher has been elusive. Cease’s 3-10, 4.79 ERA stat line may not be impressive, but he’s the second-best pitcher available in the market, losing out only to Alcantara. His enviable 98 mph fastball, 92 mph slider, and 153 strikeouts in 118 1/3 innings make him an extremely desirable asset. However, for the Padres to let go of him, they require quality players who could fortify this year’s team, which seems to be a difficult proposition to meet.

David Bednar, a relief pitcher from the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a shining example of regularity. Having played 23 back to back games without losing a run, he’s on the radar of many teams. With 17 saves under his belt this season and an attractive 2.37 ERA, he is also scheduled to remain under team control until 2026, which further bolsters his market value.

Next in line is St. Louis Cardinals’ relief pitcher, Ryan Helsley, whom the Cardinals recently traded to the Mets for prospects Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm, and Frank Elissalt. Helsley, who led the MLB with 48 saves last year, is still a valuable asset despite a dip in performance this season, boasting 26 saves and a 3.00 ERA.

A player who isn’t concerned with appearances on the radar, is Arizona Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly. Admittedly, he isn’t the typical flashy star pitcher with monumental strikeout numbers or jaw-dropping speed, but this 37-year-old’s dependability is unrivaled. Kelly’s stats attest to his credit: a solid, consistent 9-6 record with a 3.28 ERA. Although the Diamondbacks have no compulsion to trade the ground-ball pitcher, and are even likely to give him a qualifying offer, they are open to considering offers at the trade deadline.

The Diamondbacks have another contender in the mix: Zac Gallen. With three top-10 finishes in the prestigious Cy Young award, Gallen unfortunately finds himself in the midst of a difficult season. Despite his struggles including a rising 5.60 ERA, Gallen has emerged as a beacon of dependability. Turning 30 this Sunday, he’s healthy, consistent, and notably boasts a 3-0 record with a 0.92 ERA against the Yankees and Mets this season.

Further down the list is Luis Robert Jr., the center fielder for the Chicago White Sox. Despite a disappointing season with a .206 batting average and 11 homers, he cannot be underestimated. On the plus side, he’s a phenomenal fielder, has the ability to instigate trouble on the bases for his opponents, and has 26 stolen bases from just 87 games under his belt. His health has been questionable, only playing more than 100 games once in his career. However, if managed well, teams could look to exercise his $20 million club option in 2026 and 2027, even though the White Sox seem disinclined to exercise the option for the coming season.

Finally, last but not least, Carlos Correa, shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, appears to be in a somewhat uncertain position. Following an injury setback to their third baseman Isaac Paredes, the Houston Astros have initiated talks with the Twins about dividing the remaining $103.5 million of Correa’s contract. The Twins would welcome the relief in salary, but they aren’t desperate enough to swallow half the contract to expedite the trade. On another note, Correa has reportedly expressed to close sources that he’d prefer to either stay with the Twins or return to the Astros.