MLB trade deadline's 23 best players still available

Top targets Tarik Skubal, Kevin Gausman and Freddy Peralta are off the board entering Major League Baseball’s trade deadline day Monday, with plenty more players expected to be dealt by the 6 p.m. ET deadline.

Sellers to keep an eye on include the San Francisco Giants with Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray, as well the New York Mets holding major trade chips in Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes. The Los Angeles Angels are another team likely to sell off, with contenders interested in shortstop Zach Neto as well as starting pitchers Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano.

What will the MLB playoff race look like when the smoke clears on Monday night?

Here’s a look at our top players left on the trade market, based on their possible impact, the likelihood of their availability and the fit of their contracts:

USA TODAY Sports will update the best players available as Monday goes on:

He just keeps hitting, leading the majors with a .328 average and highly respectable .810 OPS. That ability to move the baseball takes on significant value in the playoffs.

2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets

Simply, the kid is different, giving up one earned run in his last 29 games, with a 36-7 strikeout-walk ratio. He’s signed for next season, has “New York playoff closing experience,” if you give a darn about that, and solves all kind of bullpen problems.

Proverbial big veteran innings-inning lefty, but with a dash of quality, too: Ray has given up three or fewer runs in 18 of his 21 starts. Perhaps not a Game 1 playoff starter, but a key stretch drive piece who can fold into the back of a playoff rotation.

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Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.

(Scott Marshall, Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.

(David Richard, Imagn Images)

Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.

(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.

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April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder’s hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.

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April 12: Philadelphia Phillies mascot, The Phanatic, entertains fans with local team mascots for a birthday celebration before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.

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April 11: The Tampa Bay Rays’ Jonathan Aranda (left) celebrates with Ryan Vilade after hitting a walk-off single against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win at Tropicana Field.

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The Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the team’s all-time leader in games played against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026.

(David Dermer, Imagn Images)

A rainbow appears during the fourth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.

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A fan dresses as the Pope claps during the first inning of the game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field on April 5, 2026. The White Sox won the game, 3-0, to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.

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A young Red Sox fan meets Tessie the Boston Red Sox mascot before the Red Sox’s home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026.

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Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.

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Fans try to catch a solo home run hit by the San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman as San Diego Padres left fielder Nick Castellanos looks on during the third inning at Petco Park on March 31, 2026.

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Philadelphia Phillies mascot The Phillie Phanatic entertains fans during the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026.

(Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.

(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

The Cincinnati Reds’ Eugenio Suárez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.

(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)

The St. Louis Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.

(Jeff Curry, Imagn Images)

Fans react as the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jake Bauers homers against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 26, 2026.

(Jovanny Hernandez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.

(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)

He has limited no-trade protection and makes a reasonable $15 million in 2027 and is a workhorse veteran of five previous postseason runs.

5. Zach Neto, SS, Angels

Is this the sort of offensive punch the Red Sox seek? Neto is on track for 30 home runs this season, though that comes with a massive strikeout total as well. And his minus-9 outs above average would not dovetail with Boston’s run prevention ethos. Still, a dynamic figure the Angels decide to let John Mozeliak mess around.

A big climber on our list in light of the Nationals’ three-game losing streak that threatens their potential playoff push. Yep, the deadline margins are that razor-thin. His club is now 55-56 and 2 1/2 back of a playoff spot. A pending free agent, an extension candidate, a potential Game 1 playoff starter with a seven-pitch mix, Griffin’s plight is fascinating.

7. Clay Holmes, SP, Mets

Yet another fast mover thanks to a solid rehab start and the possibility Holmes can help a contender almost immediately. He should be good for eight starts plus the playoffs. Barring any health hiccups, Holmes will likely opt out of a player option for 2027 that would otherwise add value to a transaction.

Well, they scratched him from his last start, so they must be serious about dealing him, right? Mize has battled groin woes all season but at his best can be a solid No. 2 in any playoff rotation. A pending free agent, you wonder if the Tigers would be better served holding him for a qualifying offer and draft pick compensation.

9. Reid Detmers, SP, Angels

Detmers comes with two additional years of club control and has been on a two-month heater, with a 3.18 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65 innings of his last 11 starts. His ranking is mildly depressed by the Angels’ potential to deal him and a profile that’s been inconsistent to date.

Yep, there’s position players on this list, somewhere. McCarthy has found his groove in Colorado, with a career-best .816 OPS (111 adjusted) and playable defense in center field. He and the Astros have been a natural match for months (years?), and now the Astros are over .500 and, for now, in firstp lace.

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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

1. Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants There he is, the perfect trade deadline candidate: A man on an expiring contract playing for a terrible team and enjoying a career year. What’s not to love? While Arraez noted he would not like to move off second base after doggedly improving to Gold Glove caliber this year, his tune might change once he realizes he has plenty of equity to take into the offseason. The three-time batting champ has, thanks to his viability at second, amassed 3.1 WAR and has a 136 adjusted OPS despite just four homers. Immediate lineup punch for a team in need.

(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)

**2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets** Since June 1, Weaver has given up two hits and zero earned runs across 14 appearances, with a 19-3 strikeout walk ratio. He served as Yankees closer all the way through the 2024 World Series and can fill any role in a club’s bullpen. At $8 million this year and $11 million in 2027, he’s a reasonable get. The only question is whether the Mets will want to hang on to him for their hoped-for 2027 renaissance.

(Michael McLoone, Imagn Images)

**3. Robbie Ray, SP, Giants** It’s been five years since Ray struck out 248 and won the AL Cy Young Award; now, he’s averaging just 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. But the man posted a 3.38 first-half ERA and had two starts of eight scoreless innings. And a 41-55 team went 12-7 in his starts. Perfect lefty starter rental.

(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)

**4. Michael Wacha, SP, Royals** If not for his limited no-trade protection, Wacha might top this list, given the Royals’ 38-59 record and his All-Star season. Simply, no one’s getting deeper into games – and with a 1.19 WHIP – than Wacha, who is guaranteed a reasonable $15 million in 2027.

(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)

**5. Mason Miller, RP, Padres** Volatile one, this. The Padres remain a sellout machine and are just 3½ games out of a wild card spot. And a pending sale of the club should be finalized soon. From an “optics” standpoint, not the best time to trade the most dominant closer in baseball. But AJ Preller usually has five or six next steps in mind when he does a deal, and Miller would still fetch a significant return – perhaps better than the Padres having to deal top prospect Leo DeVries to the A’s to get him.

(Rhona Wise, Imagn Images)

**6. Tyler Stephenson, C, Reds** Definitely checks the “his team will be sellers” and “he’s a pending free agent” boxes. Ty Steve has just six homers and an 88 adjusted OPS this season but did smack 19 homers last year and would bring far more offensive upside than your typical catcher on the move at the deadline.

(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)

**7. Foster Griffin, SP, Nationals** Another tricky one. Griffin has been the biggest coup for the new-look Nationals front office, unleashing his eight-pitch mix on hitters after three years in Japan and winning 10 games with a 2.77 ERA, earning a most unlikely All-Star nod. Even more surprising: The Nationals were near or above .500 most of the first half, generating some buzz that they might actually buy at the deadline. But they hit the break coming off a sweep at the hands of the Yankees, and reality might further intrude these next three weeks. Trading Griffin would allow the Nats to split the baby, in a sense: Getting back a potentially very good return for a difference-making lefty, while holding on to All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and not further depressing a fan base that’s lived through six consecutive losing seasons.

(Brad Mills, Imagn Images)

**8. Jake McCarthy, OF, Rockies** Dealing McCarthy would fulfill a successful first stage for the Paul DePodesta Regime: Collecting veterans, pumping their trade value and getting assets in return. Never mind Coors Field, McCarthy’s adjusted OPS is 23% above league average and offers significant value as a lefty bat who’s manned all three outfield spots this season.

(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)

**9. Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers** Here’s how the Tigers start the second half: At Angels, at Cubs, Royals, Orioles and then a trip to Yolo County to face the Athletics just before the deadline. A nice formula to jump right back in the race and thus decrease the likelihood Skubal gets dealt. It doesn’t hurt that the Tigers have a pair of races to attack – the AL Central (6½ out) and wild card (3½ out).

(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)

**10. Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Diamondbacks** A few hurdles here: Arizona must further fade from contention. Rodriguez, fresh off an All-Star appearance, can block trades to 10 teams. And he’s had a good first half yet is still owed $19 million in 2027, and a $17 million 2028 option can vest after just 36 more innings pitched this year. A lot of what-ifs for a pitcher often wracked by injury, but Rodriguez is throwing the ball very well right now and could make a postseason difference for somebody, perhaps if Arizona kicks in a little cash for ‘27.

(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)

**11. Dustin May, SP, Cardinals** A pretty low-risk add for a contender, May nearly no-hit the Padres, then had a pair of blow-up starts, but he’s essentially providing a quality start (4.55 ERA) out of his spot in St. Louis’ rotation. Not the flame-throwing prodigy once in the Dodgers’ system, but May is more reliable now and is owed only a $500,000 buyout after this season.

(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)

**12. Devin Williams, RP, Mets** He hasn’t been great this year but performed serviceably of late, with six saves in his past eight chances and a 3.07 ERA. Not great, and then he’s owed $30 million the next two seasons. Yet just imagine how many clubs will be seeking competent bullpen help.

(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)

**13. Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies** The Rockies’ 1A outfield trade chip behind McCarthy, Moniak offers less defense but decent pop from the left side, with 15 homers in just 209 at-bats.

(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)

**14. Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals** Nootbaar wasn’t a part of the Cardinals’ surprise early season surge in this supposed rebuilding year, missing the first 60 games after offseason surgery on his heels. And he’s been fine in his return, OPS-ing .778 as he gets up to speed. But Nootbaar already doesn’t play against lefties, and as a free agent after 2027, he doesn’t necessarily fit the Cardinals’ timeline for earnest contention. He’d be a nice clubhouse and on-field addition for a club seeking a lefty-swinging outfielder, and the Cardinals could both open up plate appearances for younger players and still try to contend by dealing him.

(Jeff Curry, Imagn Images)

**15. Bo Bichette, INF, Mets** Let’s be up front about this: Bichette has a full no-trade clause, giving him control over basically every lever in the three-year, $142 million deal he signed with New York, a pact that includes opt-outs in 2027 and 2028. Yep, he’s in a great spot: Hit the market again next winter or collect $42 million after a season in which he’s produced an 88 adjusted OPS and a .300 OBP. So why would a team acquire him? Well, the dude can still rake and given a fresh start could go win someone a World Series. But so many what-ifs: Bichette green-lighting a deal, and a team willing to take on a potentially huge salary the following two seasons. The upside: Bichette’s still a really great hitter in a league with few of them.

(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)

**16. Spencer Steer, 1B, Reds** After an uneven first half (he batted .159 with a .629 OPS in June), Steer has surged nicely to bump his home run total to 14 and OPS to .749. The Reds are one of just a few sellers and Steer’s multi-positional magic will be a nice selling point to contenders.

(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)

**17. Peter Lambert, SP, Astros** A really nice find for the Astros after Lambert spent 2025 in Tokyo with the Yakult Swallows, he kept their rotation afloat the entire first half, with a 3.14 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 15 starts. For now, Houston is intent on adding but come Aug. 3, the Astros could be staring at too high a climb for either division or wild card. Lambert can help someone immediately.

(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)

**18. Luis Garcia, 1B-2B-DH, Nationals** The above caveats with Griffin largely also apply to Garcia, though he has one more year before free agency, potentially enhancing his value. Garcia’s slow rise with the Nationals finally gave way to a career year, with 20 homers and an .871 OPS, justifying his move to first base. Would be a nice stealthy power bat for a contender to add, and a great sell-high scenario for Washington.

(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)

**19. Isaac Collins, OF, Royals** He was a nice cog in the Brewers’ NLCS club last year and then got dealt to the Royals, where he’s been perfectly fine (five homers, .345 OBP, 103 adjusted OPS). Yeah, that’s kind of what you get with Collins, but a competent switch-hitting outfielder should have several teams (Phillies, anyone?) interested.

(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

**20. Jonathan Loaisiga, RP, Diamondbacks** The former Yankee late-inning guy has, after three injury-wracked seasons, found his groove again in the desert, posting a 0.99 WHIP even as his strikeouts per nine innings (6.3) is far off his 2021 peak (8.8) If the D-backs collapse, closer Paul Sewald should be available too, but his 4.34 FIP is far inferior to Loaisiga’s 2.78.

(Anna Carrington, Imagn Images)

**21. JJ Bleday, OF, Reds** Does Cincinnati buy Bleday’s breakout and view him as a key part of their future? He has two more seasons before free agency, and perhaps the Reds believe in his massive jump in OBP (.294 to .350) and slimmed-down strikeout rate (36.9% to 28%). Conversely, after Bleday hit 16 first-half homers, perhaps this is the ultimate sell-high scenario.

(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)

**22. Jack Flaherty, SP, Tigers** The usual qualifiers that apply to Skubal play here, too. Flaherty didn’t look like he’d have much trade value, his ERA at 5.81 through 12 starts, but he’s figured it out, with a 2.12 ERA and 34-10 strikeout-walk ratio in his past six outings.

(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

**23. JT Brubaker, RP, Giants** Hard to believe there’s anything redeemable from the rancid Giants bullpen, but Brubaker has a 2.87 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, though he doesn’t miss many bats. Club could silently score PR points with its base by dealing one of the No-Pride Four.

(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)

**24. Michael Soroka, SP, Diamondbacks** He hasn’t made more than 17 starts since 2019, but perhaps Soroka’s major health issues are finally behind him. He was just fine through 15 starts in Arizona, posting a 1.09 WHIP. Making just $7.5 million on an expiring contract, so he’s far more easily tradeable than the All-Star Rodriguez.

(D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images)

**25. Ty France, 1B, Padres** Signed just as free agency began, France has once again emerged as a handy right-handed bat, with 11 homers and an .815 OPS. He won’t play much else than first these days – he’s logged five innings at third base this season – but got a touch of World Series experience with Toronto last season.

(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)

A switch-hitting outfielder with a .342 OBP, speed and a slightly above average adjusted OPS. He won’t “win you the trade deadline,” but he might help win you a championship.

Everybody needs a catcher, right? Stephenson is one of the few coming from a selling team who offers some offensive upside. Not the guy who hit 19 homers with a .782 OPS in 2024, but he’s healthy and a near league average hitter and, the Yankees will notice, bats right-handed.

Speaking of the Yankees, Nootbaar wouldn’t be the splashiest add, particularly after he missed the first 60 games after offseason surgery on his heels. He’s been adequate in his return, with a .698 OPS that’s just below league average. He comes with an additional year of club control.

Williams posted a 10.29 ERA in his first nine outings as the Mets’ season fell apart early, and a 2.73 ERA in 22 games since. (Along with a 2.83 FIP, if you’re interested). Signed for two more years and $26 million, and whether that’s a plus or minus is in the eye of the beholder.

The third of the Tigers’ pitching triplets should they burn the ships, Flaherty was traded in 2024 and then the Tigers staged a wild rally for a playoff berth. He went on to get a World Series ring with the Dodgers.

He was near the top of our list after two sterling starts indicated he was fully back from arm woes that delayed his 2026 debut – and then he walked six batters in the first inning of his next outing. Still, he’s a pending free agent who won Game 4 of the 2025 World Series, with a low odometer this season.

Sure, he’ll occasionally pitch you out of a game – he’s had five outings of at least five earned runs – but will also dominate on occasion. May might not crack the circle of playoff rotation trust but would be a useful arm down the stretch and on the back end of a playoff roster.

Stung in World Series Game 7 last year and bit by hard luck this year, Hoffman is beginning to round into form, posting scoreless innings in 18 of his last 19 outings. Hoffman wants to stay, but an acquiring team would control him for $12.6 million next season.

Like McCarthy, Moniak is a serviceable lefty-swinging bat, though he doesn’t bring the defensive optionality McCarthy does. Moniak has 17 homers and a 126 adjusted OPS for the Rockies.

Just doing our due diligence, as every contending team is surely performing, as well. Yet the Padres are a game out of a playoff berth. Prying Miller away with top 100 prospects while scorching a Padres playoff run is probably a bridge too far for GM A.J. Preller.

Who wouldn’t want to see another iteration of Playoff George? The man is magic in October, but also has full no-trade protection and loves it in Toronto. Still, this baby wil go right down to the wire as team and player consider their futures. One downside: He’s only played one game in the outfield this season.

This remains unlikely, as the Orioles are again within sight of playoff position. Yet Rogers is a pending free agent who has been dominant (2.21 ERA, 51-14 strikeout-walk ratio in 10 starts) the past two months. Might make sense if Baltimore is in buy-and-sell mode.

Tricky one here. Burleson is one of their best players, yet perhaps lacks the runway (two years team control after 2026) to be considered integral to the Cardinals’ true future. If they put him firmly on the block bump Burleson (15 homers, .803 OPS) up about 15 spots.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB trade deadline’s 23 best players still available

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MLB trade deadline’s 23 best players still available

2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season

5. Zach Neto, SS, Angels

7. Clay Holmes, SP, Mets

9. Reid Detmers, SP, Angels

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026

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