10 Players Who Will Be Wearing Different Uniforms After the Trade Deadline

By William Gilhooly

Sportz Nation - 7/25/2026

As the MLB trade deadline is less than 10 days away, most teams are finalizing their decisions to either buy or sell. With an unprecedented number of teams still in the wild-card chase, this deadline could be one of the most chaotic sellers market ever. Currently only the Angels, Athletics, Giants, Mets, and Reds are expected to be selling, giving us the potential for some off-the radar acquisitions. And while many of the rumors swirling have some uncertainty to them, here's 10 players that are likely to be moved at the deadline.

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Reid Detmers

(Los Angeles Angels)

While there is no indication the Angels are beginning a full-scale rebuild, interim general manager John Mozeliak has acknowledged the organization needs to make changes. With the trade deadline shaping up as a seller's market, the Angels' collection of young, controllable talent should attract significant interest from contenders.

Left-hander Reid Detmers is among the club's most valuable trade assets. The 26-year-old is under team control for two more seasons and still possesses the upside of a frontline starter. His breaking ball ranks among the game's best, and a change of scenery could help him reach his potential as an impact arm in a contender's rotation.

Best fits: Braves, Cubs, White Sox

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Mason Miller

(San Diego Padres)

General manager A.J. Preller has rarely operated as a seller at the trade deadline. But with the Padres sitting three games below .500, the potential return for closer Mason Miller could be too significant to pass up.

Miller has emerged as one of baseball's most dominant relievers this season and is playing on a one-year, $4 million contract, making him an affordable option for any contender seeking bullpen help. His combination of elite production and low cost should generate interest from clubs willing to part with premium prospects.

San Diego depleted much of its farm system in recent seasons, including trading top prospect Leo De Vries at last year's deadline. Moving Miller would give Preller an opportunity to begin replenishing the organization's prospect pipeline while maximizing the value of one of the deadline's most coveted arms.

Best fits: Yankees, Cubs, Mariners

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Daulton Varsho

(Toronto Blue Jays)

The defending American League champions have struggled to find consistency all season, and with Daulton Varsho set to become a free agent after the season, Toronto could opt to retool by moving expiring contracts at the deadline.

Even after returning from injury, Varsho remains one of baseball's premier defensive outfielders. He also provides reliable power, routinely producing around 20 home runs, while adding value on the bases. With impact outfield bats expected to be in short supply at the deadline, Varsho would be an attractive rental for contenders seeking a two-way contributor.

Best fits: Phillies, Astros, Orioles

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Taylor Ward

(Baltimore Orioles)

In previous seasons, Taylor Ward established himself as a power hitter. This year, however, he has taken a more disciplined approach at the plate. His on-base percentage has jumped by roughly 70 points, and he owns the lowest chase rate in the majors.

Although Ward's power numbers have declined, his underlying metrics suggest there is still reason for optimism. His 34% squared-up rate indicates he continues to make quality contact, and his OPS remains in line with previous seasons despite the drop in slugging percentage. For contenders looking to add an outfielder, Ward could be an appealing rental with the potential for his power production to rebound.

Best fits: Phillies, Diamondbacks, Guardians

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Clay Holmes

(New York Mets)

Despite rehabbing a fractured right fibula, Clay Holmes remains one of the more intriguing pitching options who could be available at the trade deadline. Before his injury, Holmes posted a 2.39 ERA through May 15, establishing himself as one of the National League's most effective starters.

Holmes also offers added versatility. Having spent much of his career as a reliever, he could provide value as either a starter or a multi-inning bullpen arm for a contender, including in a piggyback role during the postseason.

With the Mets sitting 11 games out of the final National League wild-card spot, moving players on expiring contracts would allow the organization to begin it's retooling efforts for next season.

Best fits: Cubs, Dodgers, Diamondbacks

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Freddy Peralta

(New York Mets)

Freddy Peralta was one of the offseason's most notable acquisitions, but his first season with the Mets has not gone as planned. The right-hander has seen declines across nearly every major statistical category, and even his trademark fastball has produced a negative run value.

Despite the disappointing results, Peralta has a track record of strong second-half performances, which could make him an attractive buy-low candidate for contenders seeking rotation help. If a club believes it can help him regain his previous form, his upside may outweigh his struggles.

With the Mets expected to move players on expiring contracts, Peralta is a logical trade candidate. Shedding the remainder of his $8 million salary while adding future assets would fit the club's efforts to retool for next season.

Best fits: Cubs, Rays, Braves

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Ryan Jeffers

(Minnesota Twins)

Ryan Jeffers has quietly developed into one of baseball's top offensive catchers. While his power has long been a strength, he has taken another step forward this season by raising his on-base percentage to nearly .400. Jeffers also has been productive against both right- and left-handed pitching, giving him the profile of an everyday catcher with few platoon concerns.

Defensively, Jeffers grades as an average catcher, but his offensive production more than offsets any shortcomings behind the plate. Given the scarcity of impact catchers, he would immediately become one of the most attractive names at the deadline.

The Twins remain in the American League wild-card race, but their decision to draft two catchers in the first two rounds of this year's draft could signal confidence in the organization's long-term depth at the position. If Minnesota decides to capitalize on Jeffers' value, several contenders would likely pursue him.

Best fits: Yankees, Red Sox, Rays

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Luis Arraez

(San Francisco Giants)

Luis Arraez has long been regarded as one of baseball's premier contact hitters, but his offensive profile has expanded this season. With his slugging percentage up nearly 50 points from a year ago, Arraez has become an even more valuable trade target.

No hitter squares up the baseball more consistently than Arraez, and that quality of contact has translated into more extra-base hits. Combined with Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base, he offers far more than just elite bat-to-ball skills, making him one of the most complete infielders at the deadline.

If the Giants continue to reshape their roster, Arraez could command a significant return. Moving his contract for a package of young talent would accelerate the club's efforts to retool and position itself to contend in 2027.

Best fits: Rays, Rangers, Red Sox

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Robbie Ray

(San Francisco Giants)

After establishing himself as a power pitcher throughout his career, Robbie Ray has expanded his arsenal and become a more complete starter. By incorporating his changeup and sinker more effectively, Ray has created one of the league's strongest breaking-ball profiles by run value, proving he remains a valuable option on the trade market.

The 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner is another example of the Giants looking to move a significant contract while acquiring future assets. With extensive experience, Ray could be an appealing addition for teams looking to strengthen their rotation for a deep playoff run.

Best fits: Braves, Diamondbacks, Cardinals

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JJ Bleday

(Cincinnati Reds)

After being non-tendered by the Athletics in the offseason, JJ Bleday has emerged as one of baseball's biggest breakout players. The 28-year-old has revived his value by becoming one of the league's most dangerous hitters against breaking pitches, posting a .661 slugging percentage in those situations.

Bleday's elite launch angle has also helped him generate consistent power, making him a threat regardless of ballpark conditions. His production away from Great American Ball Park further strengthens his case as a legitimate offensive upgrade for contenders.

With the Reds struggling to stay in the playoff picture and Bleday's trade value at its

peak, Cincinnati could capitalize by moving him for young talent that helps build toward next season.

Best fits: Astros, Padres, Guardians

By William Gilhooly