In the world of baseball, the trade deadline is a pivotal moment, and as we approach the final stretch of the season, the buzz around potential trades is intensifying. With two weeks until the deadline, front offices are busy scouting players who could potentially be available, and their recent results often play a significant role in these assessments. Let's take a closer look at 10 players who are on a tear and boosting their trade stock, and why their performances are making them attractive assets.
The Catchers
One area where teams are in dire need is catching. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers are just a few examples of high-profile teams seeking quality backstops. This scarcity could put teams with available catchers in a strong position to sell. One such player is Francisco Alvarez, who has been a standout for the Mets. Under club control through 2028, Alvarez has been a productive force, with 11 homers, 24 RBIs, and a .766 OPS in 66 games. His recent hot streak, with seven homers and 14 RBIs in 29 games since returning from the injured list, makes him an even more appealing prospect.
The Second Basemen
Another position that has seen some impressive performances is second base. Luis Arraez, a 29-year-old who has been one of the best defensive second basemen in the Majors, is on pace for his third career 200-hit season. His .326 batting average in 94 games is a testament to his consistency, and his .337 batting average and .862 OPS over his past 42 games further highlight his recent form. With approximately $4 million owed for the remainder of the season and a free agent status at the end of the year, Arraez is a player who could be in high demand.
The Power Hitters
The Padres' Jorge France has also been on a tear, with 14 home runs, 39 RBIs, and an .871 OPS in 73 games. However, the bulk of these numbers have come in the past month, with eight home runs, 20 RBIs, and a 1.138 OPS in 22 games since June 19. This surge has kept the Padres in the NL Wild Card race, and with only $450,000 owed for the rest of 2026, France is a bargain for clubs seeking a lineup boost.
The Veterans
The Nationals' Luis García is in the midst of the best year of his career, with 20 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an .857 OPS in 92 games. His past 32 games have seen him look like a different player, with 13 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a 1.096 OPS. With only one year of club control remaining, García is a player who could be in play, and his strong performance makes him an attractive asset.
The Starting Pitchers
The Nationals' Patrick Griffin, a first-time All-Star, is also a player who could be moved. With a 2.68 ERA this season and a 1.47 ERA over his past 10 starts, Griffin is a valuable asset. His 11-2 record and less than $2 million owed for the rest of the season make him a player who could be in high demand, especially given the lack of quality available starting pitching.
The Backup Catchers
The Athletics' Jason Heim, the primary backup to Shea Langeliers, is another player who could be targeted by catching-needy clubs. While Heim got off to a slow start, with a .197 batting average and .632 OPS in 22 games, he has since found his stride, with seven homers, 19 RBIs, and a .790 OPS since the beginning of June. This gives the A's a solid bat from the catcher's position when Langeliers serves as DH.
The Rockies' Star
The Rockies' Sam McCarthy, who is having the best year of his career in his first year with the team, is another player who could be in play. With 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 86 games, McCarthy has been on fire for the past month, with six homers and 28 RBIs in his past 28 games. With approximately $500,000 owed for the rest of the year and arbitration-eligible for two more years, the Rockies may see McCarthy as a significant part of their future, but they could also take advantage of his strong season to bring back some younger talent.
The Giants' Expiring Contracts
The Giants' Ray is another player who could be in play, with an 8-6 record and a 3.33 ERA in 20 outings (19 starts) this season. His recent form, with a 4-0 record and a 1.21 ERA in his last six starts, makes him an attractive asset. With approximately $10 million owed for the remainder of the season before heading back to free agency, Ray is a player who could be in high demand.
The Rising Star
The Rockies' Austin Singer is another player who has been on a tear, with a 2.76 ERA over his past eight starts dating back to the beginning of June. With a 4.56 ERA in 19 starts this season, Singer has been on a roll, and with approximately $4 million owed through the end of the season, he is a player who could be in play.
The Royals' Veteran
Finally, the Royals' Hunter Thomas is a player who could be moved before the deadline. With nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .758 OPS in 85 games, Thomas has been on a roll since June 13, with seven homers, 19 RBIs, and an .864 OPS. With approximately $1.75 million owed for the remainder of the season and headed for free agency, Thomas is a veteran bat that could be attractive to teams looking to add depth.
In conclusion, as the trade deadline approaches, these 10 players are boosting their trade stock with impressive performances. From catchers to second basemen, power hitters to starting pitchers, these players are all in high demand, and their recent results make them attractive assets for teams looking to make a move. As the season winds down, front offices will be busy making decisions, and these players will be at the forefront of those discussions.
