With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching on July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, teams across the league are making critical decisions that will shape their seasons. The deadline represents a pivotal moment where contenders look to add missing pieces while rebuilding clubs seek to maximize value from veteran assets.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has been surveying executives and current GMs to gauge the market temperature. His conversations reveal several high-profile names generating significant interest, including some surprising potential moves that could reshape the playoff race.
Sandy Alcantara’s Struggles Create Complex Trade Scenario
Alcantara presents one of the deadline’s most intriguing cases. The former Cy Young Award winner has returned to the Marlins’ rotation after Tommy John surgery, but his performance tells a troubling story. With a 4-8 record, 7.01 ERA, and 1.46 WHIP across 17 starts, Alcantara’s numbers represent a dramatic departure from his career 3.62 ERA.
His most recent outing against Arizona on June 28 exemplified his struggles, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits despite the Marlins’ 8-7 extra-innings victory. The performance highlighted the risk-reward calculation teams must make when considering a trade for the right-hander.
Another perfect 1-2-3 inning for Sandy Alcantara in the 2nd#MarlinsBeisbol pic.twitter.com/Q3ZZX3Rrro
— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) July 4, 2025
“The Marlins will have to get a significant prospect package in return to trade him now, because if they don’t get the right offer or if Alcantara falters, they can always wait until the offseason or the 2026 trade deadline,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic. “Most execs believe he will be moved at this deadline though.”
Bowden’s extensive experience as Senior Vice President and GM for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals over 16 years provides credibility to his assessment. His conversations with multiple MLB executives, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggest Alcantara’s trade value hinges on teams believing his current struggles are temporary rather than permanent.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller represents a different type of trade candidate. Despite his 3-10 record, Keller’s 3.64 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 18 starts demonstrate solid performance for a struggling team. His contract, which runs through 2028 at approximately $18 million per season, provides long-term value for acquiring teams.
The Pirates have made clear that only Paul Skenes and Andrew McCutchen are untouchable, opening the door for Keller’s departure. His seven shutout innings in Pittsburgh’s 5-0 victory over St. Louis on July 2 showcased the form that has attracted interest from the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.
Mitch Keller, Wicked 82mph Sweeper. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/IeRGTJSEPj
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025
Position Players and Surprising Names Generate Buzz
Arizona first baseman Josh Naylor has emerged as an attractive target for contending teams seeking offensive help. His .304/.359/.471 slash line with 10 home runs and 53 RBIs this season builds on his impressive 2024 campaign with Cleveland, where he hit 31 homers and drove in 108 runs. The Diamondbacks’ willingness to listen to offers reflects their position as sellers rather than buyers.
The Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants have all been mentioned as potential suitors for Naylor, whose combination of power and run production could address offensive needs for playoff-bound teams.
Baltimore’s Ryan O’Hearn represents another intriguing case, particularly given his recent All-Star selection. The designated hitter’s .295/.383/.473 line with 11 homers and 30 RBIs, combined with his $8 million salary, makes him an affordable upgrade for teams seeking offensive depth.
3 years ago, Ryan O’Hearn was DFA’d by the Kansas City Royals.
Today he was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career.
Never. Give. Up pic.twitter.com/7UpbVkJBLz
— 𝙆am Brice (@kambrice1tv) July 2, 2025
Perhaps the most surprising name on Bowden’s list is Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman. Despite signing a lucrative $41.7 million deal in the offseason, some executives believe Boston might consider trading the former Houston Astros star. Bregman’s current placement on the injured list with a right quad strain complicates any potential deal, but his .299/.385/.553 slash line with 11 home runs in 197 at-bats demonstrates his continued productivity when healthy.
The lack of progress on a long-term extension between Bregman and agent Scott Boras could motivate Boston to explore trade options. The Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers are mentioned as potential landing spots. Such a move would signal a significant shift in Boston’s approach to building around veteran talent.
Boston reliever Aroldis Chapman adds another dimension to the market, with his 1.59 ERA across 37 appearances and 12 saves making him an attractive bullpen upgrade. Bowden believes Chapman “would be a difference-maker in any bullpen,” reflecting the premium teams place on proven late-inning arms during playoff pushes.
As July progresses toward the deadline, these names and others will dominate trade discussions, with each potential move carrying implications that extend far beyond the 2025 season.