MLB Trade Deadline Predictions
A Blog By Dean
Alright, I got married on Saturday, so I have been trying to catch up with all the trade rumors.
Here are my predictions for Thursday!
Eugenio Suárez - Cincinnati Reds
Eugenio Suárez, the Diamondbacks' power-hitting third baseman with 36 homers and 87 RBIs this season, is one of the hottest names on the block as Arizona pivots to selling. His free-agent status after 2025 makes him an ideal rental for contenders needing offensive punch. Reports indicate interest from multiple teams, including the Tigers, Mariners, Astros, Reds, Cubs, Brewers, Mets, and Phillies. The Reds, seven games back in the NL wild-card race, could use his familiarity, he spent seven years there, including a 49-homer season in 2019, to boost their lineup at Great American Ball Park.
Although x-rays were negative, his hand injury last night has teams worried. To me, the Reds are more desperate than others to try and make a run, so I have him going to Cincy.
Luis Robert Jr. - Philadelphia Phillies
The White Sox outfielder has seen his trade value rebound with a .318/.412/.545 slash line in July, despite an overall down year. With two $20 million club options remaining, he's a controllable asset for teams seeking center-field upside. Interest comes from the Phillies, Padres, Mets, Dodgers, and others. Philadelphia is a World Series contender with arguably the best rotation in baseball. Robert is Top 10 in stolen bases, and ranks in the Top 30 amongst outfielder for OAA. He’s not perfect, but has the highest ceiling amongst available hitters.
Mitch Keller - Toronto Blue Jays
Pittsburgh's steady mid-rotation starter, with control through 2028 and a $15MM salary in 2025, is a prime target for pitching-needy teams. The Pirates' depth in young arms makes him expendable, with interest from the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs, Mets, and Padres. The Blue Jays, scouting front-line pitchers amid a recent run that puts them as serious playoff contenders, see Keller as a controllable piece that could help put them over the top.
David Bednar - New York Mets
The Pirates' closer, arbitration-eligible through 2026, has rebounded strongly with recent high-leverage dominance. Pittsburgh seeks a top-five prospect in return, with suitors including the Blue Jays, Tigers, Phillies, Rangers, and Mets. The Mets, desperate for another deep playoff run, will gladly overpay for Bednar.
Ryan Helsley - Detroit Tigers
St. Louis' dominant reliever, with a 3.00 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 36 innings, is a free agent after 2025, drawing interest from at least six teams: Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Rangers. The Tigers, surprisingly in contention and eyeing upgrades, could go blow some peoples minds by getting Helsley and Arenado in a package deal. Eating Arenado’s contract his realistic for them, and beneficial for the Cardinals.
Merrill Kelly - Chicago Cubs
Arizona's veteran starter, a free agent after 2025, could fetch value as the D-backs sell pitching depth. With a lackluster market for arms, Kelly's experience appeals to contenders. The Cubs, focused on starters like Gore or Alcantara, need rotation help to climb the NL Central. Kelly is a less expensive alternative that I think they will settle for.
Ryan O’Hearn - Milwaukee Brewers
Baltimore's first baseman/DH, hitting free agency after 2025, offers left-handed power as a platoon option. The Orioles are selling rentals like him, with the Brewers showing specific interest. Milwaukee, needing a lefty bat despite O’Hearn's slight slump (.722 OPS in July), could slot him at first or DH to enhance their offense. Baltimore made a huge mistake not moving Santander last year, they won’t make that mistake again.
Sandy Alcantara - San Diego Padres
The Marlins' former Cy Young winner, post-Tommy John with a 6.66 ERA but recent promise, has a heating market including the Cubs, Blue Jays, Padres, Red Sox, and Mets. The Padres, need pitching depth, and have some “okay” prospects that they seem willing to part with. IE, I think they will send Salas for Alcantara, who is under control for two more years.
Zac Gallen - New York Yankees
Another Diamondbacks arm on the block, Gallen (free agent after 2025) fits the thin starting pitching market. The Yankees, eyeing upgrades like Keller or Gallen, need rotation stability amid injuries. Gallen, to me, is probably the worst pitcher on the market right now.
So the Yankees will totally overpay for him.