Top 25 MLB trade candidates: Will teams part with Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray in wide open AL?

Blue Jays and Angels Pitching Acquisition Targets

Contenders Targeting High-Value Arms and Bats

The market for starting pitching remains the most intense area of competition. The Blue Jays, for instance, are seeking a rotation upgrade to support All-Star Dylan Cease, who has been their only starter routinely winning games. With rookie Trey Yesavage struggling—allowing seven walks in his last outing—and Shane Bieber still re-establishing himself, the club is looking for reinforcements. The Angels’ Reid Detmers has also emerged as a potential target. Despite a 4.38 ERA, his 3.35 FIP and 3.38 xERA suggest he has been unlucky. However, the cost for Detmers may be steep, as reports indicate the Angels are seeking a package similar to what the Tigers would command for reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Teams in need of bullpen reinforcements are monitoring veteran arms like the Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman. At 38 years old, Chapman is in the midst of his second consecutive All-Star season, recording a 2.20 ERA and 19 saves through the first half. He brings significant postseason experience, having won two World Series and boasting a 2.30 ERA in the playoffs since 2016.

Yankees and Orioles Roster Deficiency Solutions

Strategic Needs Across the League

The urgency to buy or sell is dictated by specific roster deficiencies. The Yankees are actively pursuing a boost behind the plate; entering the break, their catchers ranked near the bottom of the league with a .176 batting average, .552 OPS, and 46 wRC+. The club has been strongly connected to the Twins’ Ryan Jeffers, who could provide a right-handed hitting option. Elsewhere, the Rays are looking for a reliable contact hitter, such as Luis Arraez, to provide depth behind their “Big Three” of Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero. The Red Sox are also in the market for another right-handed bat to thrive at Fenway Park, aiming to balance a roster that has played significantly better on the road (29-21) than at home (17-27).

The Baltimore Orioles are prioritizing bullpen help. Closer Ryan Helsley is dealing with right elbow inflammation and may not start throwing until August, while Keegan Akin has sustained a UCL injury that could sideline him for a while. The team is also monitoring All-Star closer Félix Bautista, who is recovering from right shoulder surgery; if the 31-year-old can return in September, his presence would provide a needed lift.

Foster Griffin and Casey Schmitt Trade Value

The Market for Impact Talent

Several high-profile players have emerged as primary trade candidates. Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin, a 2014 first-round pick, has become a prime target for teams starving for starting pitching. Carrying a 2.77 ERA and a 10-2 record, the impending free agent has a prorated remaining salary of less than $2 million, which is expected to spark a significant bidding war. Meanwhile, the Giants’ utility player Casey Schmitt has burst onto the scene in 2026, playing every infield position and the outfield while contributing 19 home runs and an OPS over .800. As he enters his first year of arbitration in 2027, he remains an attractive piece for interested clubs.

Rockies and Giants Selling Strategies for 2026

With teams like the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels too far out of contention to buy, they have become established sellers. As these organizations look to move superstars like Byron Buxton, Tarik Skubal, and Mason Miller, the remaining contenders have less than three weeks to finalize the deals that will define their 2026 postseason aspirations.

Find more reporting in our Sports section.