Many believe this trade deadline will be a dud, but if multiple bubble teams decide to sell, and do so for a lot of money, they could easily be rescued from the doldrums.
With Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., former MVP Cody Bellinger and competitive Randy Arozarena under at least discussion and inquiries about AL Cy Young Award candidate Tarik Skubal, the reigning World Champion Rangers have at least six quality trade candidates if they were to sell.
Here are some interesting teams that are on the sell bubble.
1. Cubs
Bellinger has been dangled a deal, but contract is a sticking point: $30 million per year, including an opt-out option. “They’re going to have to pay it,” said a rival executive.
Relief pitcher Hector Neris is available, as is Mark Leiter Jr. If the sale is larger, veterans such as solid starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, outfielder Ian Happ and second baseman Nico Hoerner could garner interest.
2. Blue Jays
The Mariners (among other teams) have reportedly been in the market for Guerrero, but with a year left on his contract, rivals have suggested Blue Jays brass would be very reluctant to trade him, and with Bo Bichette out with an injury, Guerrero is a key man.
Talented rental starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi would likely be the biggest piece of any trade, but Kevin Gausman and/or Chris Bassitt could also be considered for a move. Talented backup catcher Danny Jansen and reliever Yimi Garcia also seem likely to be moved, and veteran hitter Justin Turner may also be on the way.
3. Rangers
Rivals likely believe the champions are doing so well that a sale is out of the question — the division is surprisingly unspectacular with Jacob deGrom, Tyler Murray, Evan Carter and Josh Jung returning — but if they did sell, it could be for a huge amount of money.
They have several pitchers with expiring contracts and, assuming Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer stays, could consider moving beloved starter Nate Eovaldi, All-Star closer Kirby Yates and October hero Jose Leclerc, as well as Jon Gray and Michael Lorenzen.
4. Tigers
There’s been a lot of public speculation about elite left-hander Skubal, but he has two years left on his contract and most rival executives suggest the Tigers aren’t yet interested in moving their ace pitcher. They believe rental starter Jack Flaherty is the more likely option, but Detroit could make a qualifying offer. Relievers Shelby Miller, Will Best, Andrew Chaffin and my personal favorite Mark Cagna are also on the cards.
5. Ray
The Rays have already traded two players (Aaron Civale and Phil Matthon), but rivals see the savvy organization potentially buying and selling at the same time. Arozarena (Dodgers, Mariners) and Isaac Paredes (Astros, Mariners, Yankees) are coveted, as are ace pitcher Zach Eflin and closer Pete Fairbanks. Eflin’s $18 million salary in 2025 could tempt the Rays to trade him. Starting middle reliever Zach Littell has also been talked about, and quality relief pitchers are also coveted.
