A trio of powerful pitching arms — those belonging to Mason Miller, Freddy Peralta and two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal — highlight the intriguing candidates who could switch teams as Major League Baseball’s trade deadline for the 2026 season approaches.
The deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander who will be a free agent in the offseason, is in the midst of another strong year for the Detroit Tigers after winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards. The left-hander missed about five weeks earlier this season because of surgery to remove loose bodies in his pitching elbow, but he has bounced back quickly.
Skubal has been excellent over his past five starts, posting a 2.03 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 31 innings.
One thing complicating Skubal’s availability is the Tigers have played better of late and are hanging around in the AL wild-card race. They were just 4 1/2 games back for the final playoff spot going into Friday’s games, albeit with five teams ahead of them. But if a juicy offer is presented, it would be hard for Detroit to say no.
Uncertain playoff fate is a common problem for multiple teams as the deadline approaches.
There are a handful of obvious buyers at the deadline, among them the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. There are also a small group of obvious sellers such as the Athletics, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants
Still, that leaves nearly 20 other teams who are in the middle and could be buyers, sellers or a combination of both.
Here’s a look at some of the top trade candidates as Monday’s deadline approaches.
STARTING PITCHERS
Freddy Peralta, Mets: The 30-year-old right-hander has had a disappointing season, which is a common refrain for the Mets, but his strikeout numbers are still good. He was excellent for the Brewers over the previous three seasons. If he can fix his command issues, he could help a contender this year.
Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: Another powerful pitcher, the right-hander was an MLB All-Star this year for the second straight season. It’s unclear if the Twins are buyers or sellers in a crowded AL race — they added reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets on Friday, so continued buying seems more likely. If the Twins decide to move Ryan, though, it could bring back a solid return.
Foster Griffin, Washington Nationals: The 30-year-old lefty has been outstanding in his return to MLB after spending three seasons in Japan with a 12-2 record and 2.76 ERA. The Nationals are still in the mix for a playoff spot in the National League, but they will likely still be willing to listen to offers for Griffin, who is technically a rookie based on MLB service time.
Reid Detmers, Angels: The lefty has been a bright spot in a mostly dismal season for the Angels with 145 strikeouts in 125 innings pitched. Los Angeles will want a sizable return for the 27-year-old, who is still under team control for the next two seasons.
Clay Holmes, Mets: The 33-year-old made a successful transition from reliever to starter in 2025 and was having another solid season before he fractured his right fibula on a comeback liner in May. The right-hander is in the midst of a minor-league rehab assignment and nearing his return.
Robbie Ray, Giants: The two-time MLB All-Star and 2021 AL Cy Young winner doesn’t have the wipeout strikeout stuff he possessed early in his career, but he’s been very good for San Francisco this season with a 10-6 record and 3.08 ERA.
RELIEF PITCHERS
Mason Miller, San Diego Padres: Currently the game’s most dominant closer, Miller has a jaw-dropping 85 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings this season with 28 saves and an 0.79 ERA. Relievers usually don’t command huge returns during trade deadline deals, but Miller is an exception, particularly because the 6-foot-5 righty is still under team control for three more years.
Adrián Morejón, Padres: The left-handed Cuban has been a key part of the Padres’ bullpen for the past three seasons. He’s a free agent after the season, which means he could be on the move.
Luke Weaver, Mets: The veteran righty has found his niche after making the full-time move to the bullpen in 2024. He’s not necessarily a closer, but he does have some experience in the role. He was very good for the Yankees in the playoffs during their run to the World Series in 2024.
Jeff Hoffman, Toronto Blue Jays: The right-hander lost his job as the team’s closer earlier this season, but his strikeout numbers are still excellent with 72 punchouts in 46 innings.
POSITION PLAYERS
Luis Arraez, second baseman, Giants: The three-time National League batting champion and four-time MLB All-Star is in the midst of one of his best seasons and has been better with the glove than in the past. He is an elite contact hitter who rarely strikes out and is a free agent after the season.
Ryan Jeffers, catcher, Twins: Jeffers recently returned from the injured list and has a career-high .928 on-base plus slugging percentage this season. His ability to provide pop from the right side will make him a popular trade target, though the Twins might not be willing to make a deal since they’re still in the playoff hunt.
Daulton Varsho, outfielder, Blue Jays: The 30-year-old slugger is one of the game’s better athletes and won a Gold Glove in 2024. He’s an upcoming free agent, but he has playoff experience and can still provide great defense with some left-handed power.
CJ Abrams, shortstop, Nationals: Washington will want a big return for their MLB All-Star, who is in the midst of his best year and is under team control for the next two seasons. But if a contender is willing to offer a big package of prospects, the ascending Nationals will likely listen.
Zach Neto, shortstop, Angels: Neto has been one of the Angels’ best players over the past three seasons. He’s a solid defender and provides a good amount of right-handed power, though his strikeout numbers have been high this season.
Luis García Jr., first baseman, Nationals: The left-handed slugger has quietly put together his best season with 23 homers and 76 RBIs. He doesn’t walk much, but he also has one more year of team control and is still just 26 years old.