Matt Johnson
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is still more than a month out, so blockbuster deals likely aren’t going to come until late July. However, we are now past the halfway point of the regular season and with the Midsummer Classic approaching, there’s reason to believe a few notable MLB trade candidates could be on the move in the next few weeks.
Let’s dive into our list of MLB players who could be moved ahead of the All-Star Break from July 10-14.
Jake McCarthy, OF, Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies have the worst record in baseball and could be 20-plus games below .500 entering July. Needless to say, they will be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. While Colorado has a bit to offer, we think one of the more realistic options to be moved in the next few weeks is outfielder Jake McCarthy. In his age-28 season, McCarthy sported an .829 OPS behind a .303/.343/.486 triple-slash line in his first 218 at-bats this season. What’s particularly notable are his .290 BA on the road (.754 OPS) and his .315/.347/.519 triple-slash line from May 1 through June 26. The left-handed hitting outfielder is arbitration-eligible through 2028, his age-30 season, and has started in all three outfield spots this season. He might be more of a bottom-of-the-order hitter, but his speed, versatility and bat offer value.
- Potential Landing Spots: Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins
Tyler Mahle, SP, San Francisco Giants
A myriad of MLB trade rumors have made it clear that the San Francisco Giants are holding a firesale this summer. However, before the big names get dealt, we expect president of baseball operations Buster Posey to make a deal that opens up a rotation spot for a young arm. Tyler Mahle signed a one-year, $10 million contract this winter and the fit with San Francisco–5.49 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 62.1 innings–hasn’t worked out. The veteran righty did, however, put up a 2.18 ERA in 8.2 innings with the Texas Rangers last season and he has a track record of being an effective back-end starter. He’s owed roughly $5 million for the remainder of the season and dealing him could allow the Giants to give top prospect Carson Whisenhunt an extended look in the rotation for the remainder of the season.
- Potential Landing Spots: Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks
Casey Mize, SP, Detroit Tigers
Will Tarik Skubal be traded? It’s certainly possible. With that said, the Detroit Tigers will presumably hold off on moving the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner until the final days before the MLB trade deadline. We do, however, think there’s an opportunity to move veteran righty Casey Mize much sooner. In a contract year, owed less than half of his $6.15 million salary this season, Mize boasts a remarkable 2.95 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP across his first 11 starts this year. Why might Detroit move him rather quickly? He held a career 4.19 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and a 9.1 H/9 in his major-league career coming into the season. It would probably be wise for the Tigers to flip him before regression hits.
- Potential Landing Spots: Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies
Caleb Ferguson, RP, Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have imploded this summer, collapsing from a potential Wild Card contender into an obvious seller by July. Cincinnati’s bullpen has been one of its biggest issues, but left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson is a lone bright spot. The 20-year-old sports a 1.32 ERA this season, albeit in just 13.2 innings of work, with a .231/.298/.327 triple-slash line allowed to opposing hitters. With Emilio Pagan closing in on a return to the Reds bullpen, we could see Cincinnati flip Ferguson in the next few weeks for a prospect.
- Potential Landing Spots: Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Rays and Blue Jays
Taylor Ward, OF, Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Taylor Ward this offseason envisioning that he would provide ample power to the lineup and help the team contend for a playoff spot. Instead, Baltimore posted a 39-44 record through its first 83 games with Ward delivering just 5 home runs and a .369 SLG. We’re not exactly sure why Ward has traded power for being an on-base guy (.392 OBP), but he can offer something to outfielder-needy teams. Dylan Beavers will be rejoining the Orioles lineup in July, so Ward could become a bit more expendable for Baltimore.
- Potential Landing Spots: Guardians, Rays, Braves and Padres
