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The MLB All-Star Break delivers plenty of excitement thanks to the Home Run Derby and the MLB All-Star Game. However, this is

MLB trade candidates — Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesRick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The MLB All-Star Break delivers plenty of excitement thanks to the Home Run Derby and the MLB All-Star Game. However, this is also the time of year when MLB trade rumors pick up and executives start making deals to shake up the league. While there aren’t any superstars among the MLB trade candidates this year, there will still be plenty of moves coming in the next few weeks.

Ahead of the MLB trade deadline on July 31, we’re predicting landing spots for some of the top players available this summer.

Eugenio Suarez, third baseman: New York Yankees

MLB trade candidates, MLB trade deadline — Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees’ interest in third baseman Eugenio Suarez is well-documented at this point. New York already moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, opening up a spot at the hot corner for an acquisition at the MLB trade deadline. With the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the All-Star Break 5.5 games out of the last WC spot in the National League, it’s reasonable to assume they’ll be mini-sellers. Suarez (31 home runs, 78 RBI and .889 OPS) is an ideal addition to the Yankees lineup. Turning 34 years old later this month, he gives New York a half-season rental and provides a spark for a ballclub that posted an 18-21 record from June 1 to July 13.

Mitch Keller, starting pitcher: Chicago Cubs

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara entered the season as one of the most coveted MLB trade candidates. He struggled out of the gate but then seemed to rebound with a 2.12 ERA in three starts to open June. At that point, it certainly seemed plausible he could be traded, and the Chicago Cubs appeared to be the perfect match. Since then, Alcantara has allowed 21 earned runs and 30 hits in his last 23 innings pitched, entering the All-Star Break with a 7.22 ERA and a –1.6 bWAR. Miami might keep him because his declining trade value right now.

So, the Cubs pivot to Mitch Keller. An All-Star selection in 2023, Keller is getting better as the season unfolds. Over his last seven starts, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-handed pitcher has a 2.32 ERA with just 32 hits allowed and a 31-7 K-BB ratio across 42.2 innings. He’s also under team control through 2028. He’s simply a safer bet at this point than Alcantara, and that’s what the Cubs need in their playoff rotation.

Josh Naylor, first baseman: Seattle Mariners

A sweep over the Detroit Tigers heading into the All-Star Break provided the Seattle Mariners with some much-needed momentum. It should also be enough of a push for president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto to be an aggressive buyer at the MLB trade deadline. At the summer break, Mariners first basemen ranked 18th in OPS (.703). Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor is on an expiring contract, reducing the acquisition cost for Seattle. The left-handed hitter is excelling at the plate this season with an .817 OPS, a .294 batting average, and 58 RBIs. He would be an immediate upgrade for the Mariners’ lineup, and Dipoto would still have the prospect capital to go after a third baseman.

David Bednar, closer: Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have the best record in baseball right now and are going to run away with the AL Central. For as good as this team has been, the Tigers bullpen went into the All-Star Break ranked 21st in ERA (4.13). Help is needed for a postseason run. Enter All-Star closer David Bednar. Under team control through 2026, Bednar has a 1.74 ERA, 1.44 FIP and a 44-7 K-BB ratio with just 23 hits allowed across his last 31 innings. The 30-year-old is perfect for Detroit and they have the prospect capital to acquire him.

Jarren Duran, outfielder: San Diego Padres

The Boston Red Sox went on a 10-game winning streak before the All-Star Break, thrusting them back into buying mode at the MLB trade deadline. On the surface, that would make trading outfielder Jarren Duran less likely. However, there’s a path to a deal with the San Diego Padres, making both clubs happy and allowing each of them to remain contenders down the stretch.

Duran adds an All-Star-caliber left fielder to the Padres’ lineup, plugging a hole at a position that has produced the fifth-lowest OPS (.632) in the majors this year. Boston could get a few of the Padres’ top prospects in return, but a bigger piece could be closer Robert Suarez (3.54 ERA and 1.03 WHIP). San Diego could elevate Adrian Morejon into the closer role and be just fine, while Boston strengthens its bullpen and farm system.

Luis Robert, outfielder: New York Mets

Luis Robert Jr. has been one of the worst hitters in baseball this season, entering the ASB with a .190 batting average and a .599 OPS. Unfortunately for the Chicago White Sox, it means they’ll get very little for the former All-Star outfielder at the MLB trade deadline. Instead, the club’s focus is on dumping his contract and receiving whatever little prospect return they can get.

From that perspective, it makes the New York Mets an ideal trading partner. Mets owner Steve Cohen is more than willing to spend money to try and improve his team. This season, Mets’ center fielders have posted a disastrous .225/.298/.365 triple-slash line. New York can eat the remainder of Robert’s contract, less than $10 million total, in exchange for taking a chance on a change of scenery, helping him return closer to the form of a player who posted an .842 OPS from 2021-23.

Cedric Mullins, outfielder: Houston Astros

All-Star hitter Yordan Alvarez has missed a majority of the season with a hand injury and there’s still no definitive timeline for his return. With him sidelined, the Houston Astros have desperately needed a left-handed hitter who can play the outfield. Cedric Mullins is the best and most realistic option available at the MLB trade deadline. In a contract year, Mullins has a .411 slugging percentage with 13 home runs and 41 RBI in 275 at-bats this season. While he won’t get on base much, Mullins’ power and his success versus southpaws (.839 OPS) make him an ideal option for Houston.

Emmanuel Clase, closer: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies would love to acquire a quality outfielder this summer, but the options are very limited. Instead, the focus shifts to strengthening the bullpen. Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is a three-time All-MLB selection, and he has led the American League in saves for three consecutive seasons. The right-handed closer hasn’t been quite as dominant this season, but his last 12 appearances (0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings) show he is rounding back into form. He’ll be especially expensive to acquire since he is under team control through 2028, but he provides the long-term stability in the ninth inning that Philadelphia needs.

Ryan Helsley, closer: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t necessarily need to make a move at the MLB trade deadline, not with all the talent they’ll have coming off the injured list in August. However, it’s always wise to fortify the bullpen. The St. Louis Cardinals will likely be receptive to moving Ryan Helsley in a contract year, especially since re-signing him is unlikely. The 30-year-old (19 saves and 3.27 ERA) would provide Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with another late-inning option and would allow for Los Angeles to use its bullpen even more in October.

Seth Lugo, starting pitcher: Toronto Blue Jays

It’s remarkable that the Toronto Blue Jays are leading the AL East this season, considering their pitching issues. At the All-Star Break, Toronto ranked 25th in rotation ERA and 18th in quality starts. Seth Lugo would be a perfect addition to the Blue Jays’ rotation. He has been outstanding this season, consistently limiting hits and keeping runners off base. While his player option for 2026 effectively makes him a half-season rental, this is the caliber of front-line starter Toronto’s front office should go all out for.

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