MLB trade deadline: Top 18 candidates to be dealt as rumors swirl around big names

Major League Baseball's July 30 trade deadline is fast approaching, with some relatively big names expected to be involved in trade talks in the weeks to come.

Much attention will be paid to the Chicago White Sox, expected to sell off most – if not all – of their top assets with MLB's worst record at the midway point. The Miami Marlins (29-52) also possess a group of players who will be highly sought-after in the month of July, including All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr.

MLB's expanded playoffs certainly complicate the trade deadline, with just about every team still theoretically in contention for a wild-card spot. Entering Thursday, only two National League teams (Marlins and Colorado Rockies) were more than five games out.

The New York Mets, previously expected to be a seller, have gone on a 12-3 run that got the team back to .500 and their next few weeks will decide whether or not they'll trade players like slugger Pete Alonso.

Here's a look at some of the top trade candidates ahead of the deadline, heavy on White Sox and Marlins:

Garrett Crochet, LHP, White Sox

A first-round pick who debuted months after the draft in 2020, Crochet has been dominant this season, his first as a starter, having missed all of 2022 after Tommy John surgery. He looks like an ace with a 3.05 ERA and leads the American League with 130 strikeouts in 17 starts and isn't a free agent until after the 2026 season. Should fetch Chicago's biggest return.

Luis Robert Jr., OF, White Sox

Formerly MLB's top prospect, Robert has been held back by injuries since his debut in 2020. He broke out with 38 home runs in 2023, but already has missed more than two months of this season with a hip injury. Just 26 years old, Robert has superstar potential and is under team control through 2026, making him perhaps the most valuable player available this summer.

Tommy Pham, OF, White Sox

A third consecutive deadline move looks likely for the 36-year-old veteran outfielder who helped Arizona reach the World Series last season. Can play all three positions and has actually been Chicago's primary man in center, a spot he hadn't manned much in recent seasons.

Michael Kopech, RHP, White Sox

The once highly-touted Kopech's conversion back to the rotation didn't end well (5.43 ERA in 2023), but his strikeouts are up and walks are down through 32 relief appearances this year. Not a free agent until after 2025, so there's some upside here.

Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets

The free-agent-to-be may be the biggest name on the block this summer, though New York's recent hot streak could prevent the team from going full sell. Alonso has been one of baseball's most prolific sluggers since his debut in 2019, averaging 44 homers and 115 RBI per 162 games. His 13.61 AB/HR ranks fifth in history behind Mark McGwire, Aaron Judge, Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds.

J.D. Martinez, DH, Mets

Like Alonso, Martinez's availability is in question with the Mets in wild-card contention. After a return to form last season (33 HR, 103 RBI for Dodgers), Martinez has an .859 OPS and 34 RBI in 52 games playing on a one-year deal in Flushing. Perhaps more likely to be traded than Alonso since the Mets have no emotional attachment.

Elias Diaz, C, Rockies

An All-Star in 2023, Diaz is a free agent after this season and would be a big pickup for any team in need of a starting catcher ahead of the deadline.

Jack Flaherty, RHP, Tigers

The former Cardinals ace is making the most of his one-year deal with the Tigers, posting a 2.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 14 starts, averaging 8.31 strikeouts per walk. He'll be in demand, but his miserable post-deadline turn with the Orioles last season may give teams some pause.

Mason Miller, RHP, Athletics

Normally you wouldn't trade a dominant young reliever under team control for 5½ more seasons! One of baseball's hardest throwers, Miller has a 2.02 ERA and is averaging 15.6 strikeouts per 9 in just his second big-league season. He won't be a free agent until after the Athletics' planned second year in Las Vegas.

Miguel Andujar, LF, Athletics

The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up with the Yankees, Andujar hasn't been able to replicate that success but is enjoying a nice spell in Oakland, batting .328 in 116 at-bats. Could certainly tail off in the weeks to come, but may be a good low-cost bench option for a contender.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., CF, Marlins

The 26-year-old converted infielder is under team control through 2026, making him one of the summer's most intriguing trade candidates. There's no real rush for Miami to deal the 2022 All-Star, but he's healthy and playing well (10 HR, 14 SB, .764 OPS) so the club may want to maximize his value and load up on prospects for the rebuild.

Tanner Scott, LHP, Marlins

The 29-year-old southpaw has a 1.59 ERA and 10 saves for Miami this season after a breakout 2023 saw him rack up 104 strikeouts in 78 innings. He could put a contender's bullpen over the top.

Josh Bell, 1B, Marlins

A Silver Slugger in 2022, the 31-year-old has had a rough first half with eight home runs and a .683 OPS in 79 games. With Bell still due about $8 million for the remainder of the season, the Marlins would probably have to eat a good chunk of money.

Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Marlins

Might have been the best starter available, but the 26-year-old just went on the 60-day injured list with a back problem and won't be eligible to return until weeks after the deadline. It seems unlikely Luzardo gets dealt now but he's under team control through 2026, so expect to hear his name in rumors for a while.

Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Blue Jays

In the final season of a three-year deal, the 33-year-old has been consistent for a struggling Toronto team with a 4.00 ERA in 16 starts.

Taylor Ward, OF, Angels

Ward has 51 homers in 309 games over the past three seasons and is under team control through 2026. He may not be an everyday outfielder on a World Series hopeful, but the 30-year-old hits lefties well (.862 OPS since 2022) and would be a valuable squad player.

Kyle Finnegan, RHP, Nationals

The 32-year-old has 50 saves and a 3.28 ERA in his last 100 appearances, including a 2.23 mark this season. Closing experience is a big plus.

Kenley Jansen, RHP, Red Sox

Fifth on the all-time saves list, Jansen is having a strong campaign at age 36 with 15 saves and a 2.30 ERA in 27 appearances. Boston is in the thick of the wild-card race and may very well end up keeping their closer for the stretch run.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is MLB trade deadline? Top 18 trade candidates as rumors swirl