Opening Day looms for every team but the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, but Yardbarker MLB writers are already thinking about the MLB trade deadline on July 31.
Way ahead of that day, let’s identify a trade candidate for every American League team for this summer.
AL East
BALTIMORE ORIOLES | 3B Coby Mayo | The Orioles’ No. 2 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) is reportedly “frustrated” over his recent demotion to Triple-A after arriving at spring training as one of Baltimore’s more promising young players. Perhaps the Orioles can deal him for pitching help, giving both sides what they want.
BOSTON RED SOX | DH Masataka Yoshida | Yoshida has little present value following surgery for a torn right labrum, but the left fielder still could be a tradable asset in several months. The 31-year-old slashed .280/.349/.415 in 378 at-bats in 2024, demonstrating his above-average hitting skill that could resurface on a new team.
NEW YORK YANKEES | RHP Marcus Stroman | The Yankees may be glad they didn’t trade the previously disgruntled Stroman after a litany of injuries to their starting rotation. However, if the veteran right-hander with a career 3.72 ERA pitches well this season, trade talks with other clubs could restart this summer, especially as teams seek pennant-chase depth.
TAMPA BAY RAYS | 1B Yandy Diaz | Diaz is getting to the point in his three-year, $24M contract where the financial burden becomes too great for the cash-strapped Rays to bear. With two years remaining on that deal, the 33-year-old who hit 14 home runs in 2024 could be an attractive trade piece for a team seeking a longer-term lineup upgrade.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS | SS Bo Bichette | Rather than buying at this summer’s trade deadline, the Blue Jays may trade players on expiring contracts. That includes Bichette, who becomes a free agent at the end of this season and could benefit from a change of scenery and a pennant chase to help unlock his prior All-Star form. Dealing him could ensure Toronto nets an asset in return for a player who is likely to depart for nothing otherwise. — Seth Carlson
AL West
ATHLETICS
| Third baseman Gio Urshela | The A’s are spending money, but they are likely a year or two away from contending. Urshela is on a one-year contract for $2.125M and is a stopgap at third, making him a prime trade candidate.
HOUSTON ASTROS | RHP Miguel Ullola | The Astros are desperately looking to keep their window of contention open despite a period of transition. Ullola, the team’s sixth-ranked prospect per MLB.com, has a solid arsenal headlined by an impressive fastball but is held back by command issues. He is the type of talent a rebuilding team could covet.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS | Pitcher Tyler Anderson | The 35-year-old is in the final year of his three-year, $39M contract. Because the Angels are not likely to contend this year, Anderson could be the perfect back-of-the-rotation rental option.
SEATTLE MARINERS | Infielder Donovan Solano | Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is willing to trade anyone at any point. Solano appears to be the most obvious trade candidate, especially if young infielder Cole Young looks ready to make his big league debut.
TEXAS RANGERS | Reliever Chris Martin | Martin has been a solid reliever since returning from a two-year stint in Japan ahead of the 2018 season. He is listed as the closer and will draw plenty of attention should Texas falter. — David Hill
AL Central
CHICAGO WHITE SOX | Reliever Mike Clevinger | The White Sox signed Clevinger for the third time to make him a reliever, a role he has taken to with a strong performance in spring training. Teams are always looking for bullpen help at the trade deadline, potentially making Clevinger an unexpected asset.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS | Infielder Juan Brito | Brito’s best chance to establish himself in Cleveland may have passed him by. With prospect Travis Bazzana viewed as the future at second, Brito could be most valuable as a trade chip.
DETROIT TIGERS | First baseman Spencer Torkelson | Trade rumors have swirled around Torkelson throughout the offseason. Although he has played his way onto the Opening Day roster, a slow start could land him right back on the trade block.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS | Catcher Blake Mitchell | The Royals have an embarrassment of riches behind the plate in their system, with catchers accounting for two of their top three prospects. Mitchell’s potential could headline a deal to land a needed bat as the Royals look to contend.
MINNESOTA TWINS | Utility man Willi Castro | Castro is a valuable player for any contending team, capable of playing second, third, short and all three outfield spots. However, Castro is making $6.4M this season and will be a free agent next offseason. He had been mentioned in trade rumors during the offseason, so a slow start could put Castro on the trade block. — David Hill
