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These Three Players are Potential Trade Candidates: Let's Check In

  • Writer: Mason Linken
    Mason Linken
  • 36 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

As June comes to an end, we stand just over a month away from one of the most exciting moments of a major league baseball season: the trade deadline. In a year that's seen the development of an uber-competitive National League and a wide-open American League, there will undoubtedly be a flurry of moves on the trade market come August 3.


What makes the deadline period so fun, though, are the rampant rumors that fly through social media. They've already begun to circulate, with one of the most prominent being a reported connection between the New York Yankees and Ryan Jeffers (one of our potential trade candidates).


Those rumors become even more exciting after the first domino has fallen. This year, that came last week, with the Chicago Cubs swinging a deal for LHP David Peterson.


With the trade market officially open for business, there's no better time to discuss some of the most likely trade candidates in the league.


Without further ado, here's an update on the performance of three players who fall into that category:


All stats are reported prior to play on June 29. Additionally, each player on this list is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent come year's end.



A.J. Minter - RP, New York Mets


Since the 2022 MLB season, A.J. Minter has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers in the game. The 32-year-old hasn't posted an ERA over 3.76 in that four-year span ('22-'25), with an 116 ERA+ or higher in each of those seasons.


This year, the story isn't any different. Through 12.2 IP, Minter has yet to allow an earned run, and owns a 2.11 xERA and 3.87 xFIP. The southpaw's limited playing time comes as a result of a left lat strain, which he returned from in late May. Now, fully healthy, Minter could be one of the most reliable bullpen options on the market.


He doesn't seem due for much regression, with opponents managing just a .187 xBA, and walking just 2.2% of the time against Minter. His most effective pitch thus far has been the cutter, which has accumulated +5 RVAL and held opposing hitters to .158 xwOBA.


Contending teams can never have too much bullpen help, and the Mets seem inclined to deal the pending free agent, given their 35-49 record. Minter may very well end up cementing a contender's reliever core for a deep playoff run.


Potential landing spots: Tampa Bay Rays, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees



Ryan Jeffers - C, Minnesota Twins


Although he currently resides on the 10-Day Injured List, Ryan Jeffers has been one of the best catchers in all of baseball this season when healthy. He's accumulated 1.7 fWAR, ranking seventh among catchers, even after missing over a month of play.


The majority of Jeffers' value comes from his bat, which has been above-average in each season since 2023. In fact, he was on pace for his best offensive season yet prior to fracturing his left hamate bone. In 37 games, the right-hander slashed .295/408/.541, with an 163 wRC+ and Baseball Savant page covered in red.


Upon his return from injury, Jeffers will have reached his peak value on the trade market. He's played exceptionally well this season and has been consistently reliable over the last few years. His contract ($6.75M in 2026) is inexpensive and wouldn't be a burden on the majority of teams.


Plus, the Twins are already five games under .500, and 4.5 games back of the division lead. Admittedly, the front office may be enticed to take advantage of an open opportunity given this year's weak American League landscape. They know, though, that not dealing Jeffers could come back to bite their future, especially with the return he could haul in.


Potential landing spots: New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres



Luis Arraez - 2B, San Francisco Giants


This past offseason, Luis Arraez was only able to ink a one-year $12M deal after several insiders and analysts expressed concerns with his "one-tool" approach and defensive inabilities. Since then, Arraez has become a completely different player, receiving defensive coaching from Ron Washington and slugging at the second-highest clip of his career.


Through 78 games played in 2026, Arraez has managed a 123 wRC+ while continuing his past trend of striking out at one of the lowest rates in the league. He's also been worth 3.1 fWAR--which ranks second among second basemen in all of major league baseball--thanks to the aforementioned defensive turnaround.


Prior to this season, he'd never recorded higher than -3 OAA and had often been a defensive liability. However, in 2026, Arraez ranks sixth among all position players with 10 OAA. His newfound defensive ability has quickly become the most valuable part of his game, and makes Arraez all the more appealing as a trade target.


With the Giants currently 13 games below .500, they'll likely try to maximize Arraez's value and ship him to a contender before the deadline. With the league's current landscape, he may end up as one of the best position players on the trade block.


Potential landing spots: Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres




Cover photo: All-Pro Reels via Wikimedia


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