As we approach the July 31 trading deadline, anticipation is growing over which top prospect may be used as trade bait. In a recent survey amongst MLB executives, questions were asked regarding potential major league transfers and which premium young talent may be used as bargaining chips for these trades. Executives from over 40 different teams were consulted, consisting primarily of presidents of baseball operations and general team managers. Anonymity was assured to encourage open and honest responses, with the request that they exclude their own team players from the discussion. The survey produced an intriguing mixture of responses; however, two names appeared repetitively: Cubs’ outfielder, Owen Caissie, and Mariners’ catcher, Harry Ford.
Although these prospects might not be actively marketed by their respective teams, their impressive skill sets make them prime candidates to be traded in exchange for high-impact major league players. Both the Cubs and Mariners, like other contending teams, could potentially sacrifice these players to gain experienced talent and boost their chances of success this season. It’s never easy to trade away future stars, but the potential short-term success might outweigh the long-term possibilities. Acquiring valuable MLB players could be the difference-maker for the teams’ performance in crucial moments.
The following prospects are anticipated by the surveyed executives to be the most likely to be involved in a trade before the July 31 deadline. They are listed according to the frequency of their mention. Number one on this list, having been referenced the most, is Owen Caissie, the outfielder for the Cubs. Considered ready for the major leagues, the 22-year-old Caissie boasts convincing stats, including a .258/.369/.496 slash line alongside 18 doubles and 12 homers in his current Triple-A season. Despite such potential, he is presently denied advancement due to the Cubs’ proficient outfield.
Interestingly, the Cubs originally acquired Caissie five years ago as part of the Yu Darvish deal with the Padres, and he quickly rose to be one of the trade’s standout prospects. Fast forward to today, and the Cubs will likely deal him in exchange for pitching assets by the deadline. Ironically, the player who was once received as part of a significant transaction might soon be traded again to cultivate the Cubs’ desired team.
Harry Ford, Mariners’ catcher, was the second most mentioned player in the polls. With Cal Raleigh’s long-term contract, most execs believe Ford to be the most valuable–and also the most tradeable prospect in Seattle’s well-rounded farm system. The Mariners’ focus is to acquire a powerful corner infield bat, and offering Ford, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, could be a wise trading strategy. Ford currently sports a .307/.421/.473 line with nine homers and 46 RBIs in Triple A.
In third place, we find Brice Matthews, the 23-year-old second baseman for the Astros. Matthews has positioned himself as a likely candidate for an exchange given his strong .280/.397/.480 current season slash line, combined with ten homers and 23 stolen bases in Triple A. The versatile player can cover several positions, with proficiency in shortstop, third base, and center field roles. Despite this, Astros would only consider trading Matthews in return for a high-impact left-handed-hitting second baseman.
Rays’ shortstop prospect, Carson Williams, is another name that generated waves among the executives. Even though he’s only batting .212 in Triple A this season, with 11 doubles, 14 homers, and 14 steals, the former 2021 first-round pick is still highly prized by his team. His high strikeout rate of 35.4% in minor league play, with a slight increase this season, is a concern. Nonetheless, being the best prospect in their system, the Rays would require a significant return to contemplate trading him.
Spencer Jones of the Yankees, another promising outfielder, has also been mentioned in trading rumors. If the 24-year-old finds himself traded, the likelihood is that it would be part of a substantial deal for an impressive starting player or a second or third baseman with significant impact. Yet, the expectation is that Jones is more likely to remain where he is.
Zyhir Hope of the Dodgers is next on our list. The outfielder has put up an impressive .300/.401/.468 line with 20 doubles, seven homers, and 11 steals in High A this season. Acquired along with southpaw Jackson Ferris from the Cubs in exchange for first baseman Michael Busch and reliever Yency Almonte, Hope is currently viewed as a probable prospect centerpiece for any potential trade deadline action initiated by the Dodgers.
Edwin Arroyo, who can play both as a shortstop and a second baseman for the Reds, is another player who could change clubs. Looking for an impactful bat at the trade deadline, the Reds are rumored to be eyeing trades involving their abundant shortstops and third basemen. Arroyo, being a switch-hitting 21-year-old, is considered most likely to be traded. Acquired in the 2022 deadline deal that sent Luis Castillo to the Mariners, Arroyo unfortunately missed the 2024 season due to labrum surgery on his non-throwing left shoulder.
Finally, we have Ethan Salas, a catcher for the Padres. Despite a mid-April lower back injury sidelining the 19-year-old, his presence in Double A at such a young age puts him in a possible trading position. Always looking to make a splash at the trade deadline, the Padres may consider trading these promising players for an immediate veteran impact on the team.