With the MLB trade deadline set for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, teams are entering the final day to make deals that could define their postseason fortunes. Playoff contenders are actively seeking to acquire key players, from impact bats to bullpen arms, in a market still rich with talent.
A flurry of activity is expected, with several high-profile starting pitchers—including Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen—potentially on the move. Other notable players who could be traded include:
- Starting Pitchers: Charlie Morton (Orioles), Mitch Keller (Pirates), Shane Bieber (Guardians), Joe Ryan (Twins), and Dylan Cease (Padres).
- Relief Pitchers: Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), Jhoan Duran (Twins), Griffin Jax (Twins), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), and David Bednar (Pirates).
- Hitters: 3B Nolan Arenado (Cardinals), 3B Eugenio Suárez (Diamondbacks), OF Luis Robert (White Sox), OF Cedric Mullins (Orioles), and OF Steven Kwan (Guardians).
Recent Trades and Top Rumors
The New York Yankees acquired outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Slater, who boasts an .859 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, is expected to platoon in left field. This move follows the Yankees’ recent acquisitions of third baseman Ryan McMahon and utility player Amed Rosario, as the team focuses on bolstering its offense while still seeking pitching reinforcements.
The Houston Astros are reportedly exploring a reunion with Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, a homegrown star who led the team to a World Series title before his 2021 departure. With third baseman Isaac Paredes sidelined by injury, the Astros are also targeting St. Louis’s Nolan Arenado and Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. Financial implications could be a deciding factor, as the significant contracts of Correa and Arenado would push Houston over the luxury tax threshold.
In other confirmed deals, the Los Angeles Angels acquired relievers Luis Garcia and Andrew Chafin from the Washington Nationals, sending left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown in return.
The Detroit Tigers are one of several teams interested in Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. A former Tiger, Suárez has expressed a desire to return to Detroit. He was back in Arizona’s lineup as a designated hitter Wednesday after bone scans on his right index finger revealed no fracture.
The Baltimore Orioles, despite already trading several relievers, may not be finished dealing. The Milwaukee Brewers have shown interest in All-Star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, while the New York Mets are reportedly monitoring Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins.
The Brewers also completed a trade to bring a local player home, acquiring catcher and Appleton-native Danny Jansen from the Tampa Bay Rays. In a unique mid-doubleheader trade, reliever Seranthony Dominguez was sent from the Orioles to the Toronto Blue Jays, making his debut for his new team just hours after being informed of the move. “I wake up today and come to play for the Orioles and after the first game… they call me and tell me, ‘Hey, we got you traded. Go to the next dugout,’” Dominguez said.
