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The American League All-Stars showcased their dominance over the National League once again, clinching a decisive 4-0 victory on July 14. This win marks their 11th triumph in the last 13 Midsummer Classics, solidifying their status in All-Star history. With the All-Star festivities concluded, the focus now shifts to the looming MLB trade deadline on August 3. Teams are faced with critical decisions: will they be buyers or sellers as the playoff race intensifies?
Several franchises have already made their positions clear. The Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels find themselves too far from contention to be buyers, yet each possesses standout players who could significantly bolster a contender’s roster.
Among the most coveted names are superstars like Byron Buxton, two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, and All-Star closer Mason Miller. Each of these players has the potential to make an immediate impact on any team willing to make a deal.
Here’s a look at the top 10 trade targets as the deadline approaches:
Honorable mentions: 2B Luis Arraez, 3B Matt Chapman, RHP Casey Mize, SS CJ Abrams, RHP Sonny Gray, 1B Willson Contreras, LHP Josh Hader, RHP Jose Soriano, RHP Michael Wacha, LHP Robbie Ray, RHP Freddy Peralta.
Leading the charge is Casey Schmitt, who has made a significant impact in 2026. The 27-year-old has displayed impressive versatility, playing multiple positions across the infield and outfield. With 19 home runs and an OPS over .800 this season, Schmitt’s skill set makes him a desirable asset for any team. Plus, with arbitration eligibility starting in 2027, he remains under team control for the next three years, albeit at a potentially increasing cost.
2026 stats: .280/.308/.497, 19 HR, 50 RBI, 1.6 bWAR, 126 OPS+
Aroldis Chapman, now 38, continues to deliver exceptional value from the mound. Enjoying his second consecutive All-Star season, Chapman boasts a 2.20 ERA and 19 saves through the first half of the season. Given his postseason experience and a remarkable 2.30 ERA in playoffs since 2016, he could be a pivotal addition for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
2026 stats: 2.20 ERA, 19 saves, 2.40 FIP, 11.3 K/9
Patrick Sandoval’s 4.38 ERA doesn’t fully reflect his capabilities as a strikeout pitcher armed with a diverse offspeed arsenal. With a 3.35 FIP and 3.38 xERA suggesting he has been unlucky this season, he remains a target. However, the Angels are reportedly seeking a hefty return, similar to what the Tigers might demand for Skubal, which could deter some interested teams.
2026 stats: 3-6, 4.39 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 10.2 K/9
Outfielder Lee is enjoying a breakout season, highlighting his contact skills and capable defense. With a batting average of .302 and a reasonable contract of $21 million per year for the next three seasons, he is primed to make a difference for any team looking to enhance its offensive capabilities.
2026 stats: .302/.333/.429, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 116 OPS+
An undervalued option, Tyler Ryan, has consistently performed well, boasting a 2.85 ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. At just 30 years old and under a team-friendly contract, he is a front-line starter whose value could draw significant interest.
2026 stats: 6-5, 2.85 ERA, 2.77 FIP, 10.4 K/9
Jeremy Peña offers an enticing combination of power and speed, along with solid defensive prowess at shortstop, making him a target for teams in need of offensive production. Yet, the Astros might be reluctant to part with him as they still aim for a World Series title.
2026 stats: .287/.347/.426, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 116 OPS+
Teams looking for catching depth should keep an eye on Mitch Garver. His impressive .538 slugging percentage from behind the plate could provide a significant boost, especially for teams like the New York Yankees, who have struggled with production from their catchers.
2026 stats: .292/.404/.538, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 160 OPS+
Byron Buxton, when healthy, is one of the premier center fielders in the game. His blend of power and speed, coupled with defensive prowess, makes him an attractive option. With a contract of just over $15 million annually through 2028, he represents a potential bargain for teams willing to take a chance on his health.
2026 stats: .271/.328/.575, 25 HR, 45 RBI, 146 OPS+
Finally, Mason Miller stands out as a top-tier closer, renowned for his electric pitching and a remarkable 0.91 ERA this season. The Padres have expressed reluctance to trade him, but if they reconsider, Miller will undoubtedly attract a flurry of interest from contenders.
2026 stats: 0.91 ERA, 25 saves, 0.53 FIP, 16.3 K/9
Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, has proven his worth time and again. Despite injuries in 2026, he maintains a 3.09 ERA and a 3.06 FIP, showcasing his elite strikeout-to-walk ratio. As he enters free agency after this season, his value to a team pushing for the postseason cannot be overstated.
2026 stats: 5-5, 3.09 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 10.6 K/9
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
