All but two teams in the Majors entered play Thursday within 6 1/2 games of a postseason spot, creating a logjam that makes it difficult to get a real feel for what may happen between now and the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline.
Can teams like the Tigers, Mets and Red Sox make a run to pull themselves back into true contention, or will they wind up selling off players and begin looking to 2027 and beyond? Are young clubs such as the White Sox, Nationals, Athletics and Cardinals ready to make moves to bolster their rosters, or will the next month bring them back to the pack?
There are many questions to be answered in the coming weeks, but that won’t stop us from looking into the crystal ball in an effort to figure out which teams will be seeking reinforcements for the stretch run. Below are 10 potential trade candidates — including some from those teams still hanging in the playoff picture — along with potential fits for those players.
(Players are listed alphabetically; all stats are entering play on Thursday)
After posting a career-low .292 average last season, Arraez has bounced back in 2026, hitting .326 with three homers and 30 RBIs in 71 games during his first year with the Giants. Arraez has also shined defensively after returning to second base, his 10 outs above average ranking in the 99th percentile of the league. Arraez is on a one-year, $12 million deal and will be a free agent after the season, making him a strong rental candidate.
Potential fits: Diamondbacks, Rays, Yankees
Buxton has maintained his desire to play his whole career with the Twins, but if Minnesota becomes a big seller for the second straight summer, the 32-year-old could decide to waive his no-trade clause for a move to a contender. Buxton, who had 23 home runs and a .937 OPS in his first 63 games, is signed through 2028 at $15 million per season.
Potential fits: Diamondbacks, Padres, Phillies
The ageless left-hander continues to dominate at age 38, posting a 0.44 ERA in his first 21 appearances while converting all 14 save opportunities this season. Chapman is no stranger to summer trades; he’s been dealt twice during the season (2016 to the Cubs, 2023 to the Rangers), winning the World Series in both years. Chapman is earning $13.3 million this season and has a $13 million mutual option for 2027 that will likely be declined, sending him back to the free-agent market.
Potential fits: Mariners, Pirates, White Sox
The Giants are in full-on sell mode, prepared to take offers on their high-priced players, including Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers. Chapman, who is owed $100 million over the next four years, is the most likely of the trio to be moved, as he remains an above-average glove at third base while also producing offensively (7 HR, 41 RBIs, .737 OPS in 73 games).
Potential fits: Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees
Gray has been one of the few bright spots for the underachieving Red Sox, going 8-1 with a 3.03 ERA in his first 12 starts of the season. The 36-year-old right-hander has a full no-trade clause, but the opportunity to move to a contender could prompt Gray to approve a deal. Gray is in the final year of his three-year, $75 million deal, and while he has a $30 million club option for 2027, he can opt out and become a free agent if the option is exercised.
Potential fits: Braves, Brewers, Cubs
At 33-41, the Mets entered Thursday trailing the first-place Braves by 13 1/2 games, sitting 5 1/2 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. New York is likely to wait until the Trade Deadline draws near before selling, but if that time comes, Peralta figures to be the Mets’ most appealing asset. Peralta is 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 15 starts this season, but the impending free agent would be an upgrade for nearly every contender’s rotation.
Potential fits: Cardinals, Guardians, Rays
Ryan’s name has circled around the trade-rumor mill for more than a year, but the Twins might finally move him with only one year of club control remaining after 2026. Ryan was 4-3 with a 3.17 ERA in 15 starts heading into Thursday, ranking in the 96th percentile in walk percentage and the 85th percentile in strikeout percentage, putting him in elite company. Given his reasonable salary ($6.2 million this season), any number of contenders will likely try to pry him away from Minnesota — but it’s going to be costly.
Potential fits: Cubs, Nationals, White Sox
The biggest fish in the trade pond, Skubal will be an immediate difference-maker for any contender that acquires him. At 30-44, the Tigers sit 9 games back in the American League Central and 6 1/2 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot, so while it’s no sure thing Skubal gets moved, the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner will be the top prize of trade season if he’s available. Skubal is 3-3 with a 2.81 ERA in eight starts this season, returning last week following minor elbow surgery.
Potential fits: Dodgers, Braves, Yankees
Another potential trade chip if the Tigers become sellers, Torres is slashing .280/.395/.395 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 43 games this season. The 29-year-old is earning $22.05 million this season after accepting a qualifying offer last offseason, so the Tigers won’t be able to recoup anything for him if he departs as a free agent this winter.
Potential fits: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Guardians
Wacha has been a steady presence in the Royals’ rotation, posting a 3.64 ERA in an AL-high 94 innings this season. But Kansas City is having a disappointing season and could look to move the soon-to-be 35-year-old, who is earning $18 million this season and is set to make $14 million in 2027 with a $14 million club option for 2028.
Potential fits: Athletics, White Sox, Yankees
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