Matt Johnson
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is less than two months away and there are some big names potentially expected to be available this summer, including Freddy Peralta and Tarik Skubal.
No blockbuster trades are imminent, but the chatter around the league about potential interests and deals is growing. So, heading into action on Tuesday, our MLB trade rumors roundup will take a look at some of the latest intel.
Chicago White Sox Open to Buying
The Chicago White Sox have been one of the best surprises in baseball this season. A year ago at this time, the White Sox had a 22-44 record. Chicago enters play on June 9 with a 34-31 mark. Robert Murray of Fansided reported Monday that general manager Chris Getz is “serious about bolstering the major-league roster” as long as it’s within reason. It’s a bit riskier given the White Sox farm system is now viewed as league-average, at best, around MLB. However, the White Sox lineup is top-10 in runs scored (310), batting average (.242) and slugging (.414). If Chicago can find a mid-rotation starter with multiple years of contract control, a long-term buying strategy could be the right approach.
Related: 5 MLB Trades We’d Love to See
New York Yankees Linked to Pair of Catchers
Even before Austin Wells hit the injured list, the New York Yankees were in a dire spot at cacher. Wells’ struggles both at the plate and his issues throwing runners out have made this one of he club’s most glaring weaknesses. Fortunately, there may be two compelling options. Joel Sherman of the New York Post shared on a recent episode of the Pinstripe Post named Adley Rutschman and Ryan Jeffers as two potential fits who align with what the Yankees front office is looking for. Jeffers, on a rebuilding Minnesota Twins team, is on a expiring contract. While he’s currently on the IL with a broken hamate bone, the 29-year-old leads all MLB catchers (100-plus plate appearances) with a .953 OPS this season.
Related: New York Yankees Trade Targets
Los Angeles Dodgers Viewed as Favorites for Tarik Skubal Trade
Through 66 games this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead MLB in quality starts (38) and their pitching staff sits atop the majors in ERA (3.17), WHIP (1.07) and batting average allowed (.208). Los Angeles doesn’t necessarily need to acquire Tarik Skubal. However, numerous MLB executives told ESPN‘s Jeff Passan that if the Dodgers “want to” acquire Skubal, they can and will. Skubal is expected to draw trade interest from clubs like the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres, but the belief around MLB is that the Dodgers are the favorites to acquire him.
Will Freddy Peralta Be Traded?
The New York Mets acquired Freddy Peralta in January in exchange for Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. Months later, the All-Star pitcher is once again the subject of MLB trade rumors. Numerous clubs around the league are coveting Peralta, both because he’s a front-line starter with playoff experience and great in the clubhouse. Plus, since he’s on an expiring deal, there’s a higher chance he gets moved. However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported over the weekend that the Mets’ front office has “no interest” in even discussing a trade of Peralta or other key veterans. Instead, New York intends to be a buyer this summer with hopes of getting back into playoff contention.
Latest on Houston Astros’ Plans with Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Pena
With the Houston Astros sitting six games below .500 in June, All-Star hitters Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena have popped up in MLB rumors with interest from around the league. It’s largely accepted that Alvarez, a perennial AL MVP candidate when healthy, won’t be moved under any circumstances. However, Pena’s contract–which expires after 2027–led some to view him as moveable. Speaking to reporters this week, Astros general manager Dana Brown said there are “zero discussions” abut moving either Pena or Alvarez. Houston views them as “two pillars” of its roster and has no intention of moving them. Given the Astros are 11-6 since May 22, they could end up being buyers.
St. Louis Cardinals to Shop Pair of Pitchers
The young St. Louis Cardinals have exceeded expectations in 2026, with their nucleus providing extreme hope for the future. A four-game win streak pushed them back to seven games over .500 following a skid, but it won’t seem to have too much influence on their approach to the MLB trade deadline. USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported that St. Louis is expected to trade pitchers JoJo Romero and Dustin May this summer. Romero, who is on an expiring contract, holds a 3.45 ERA this season with a 24 K-rate and 1.26 WHIP. May, also on a one-year deal, has a 3.19 ERA across his last 10 starts. The Cardinals may also explore trading closer Riley O’Brien (3.68 ERA), with the righty having added value because he’s not arbitration-eligible until 2028.
