The MLB trade deadline is a pressure cooker. With the Dodgers’ blockbuster acquisition of Tarik Skubal sending shockwaves through the league, the race to upgrade is on. But while contenders scramble for the final pieces, there are players stuck on teams going nowhere—players whose talents are being wasted, whose contracts are expiring, or whose value will never be higher. These are the players who should be moved, not just for the good of their teams, but for their own careers and the competitive balance of the league.
In this analysis, we look beyond the rumors and examine five players who, for a variety of reasons, are prime candidates to change uniforms before Monday’s deadline. From a superstar in a walk year to a closer having a career season, these are the deals that make too much sense to ignore.
The Skubal Effect and the Thin Starting Pitching Market
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Tarik Skubal was more than just a blockbuster—it was a statement. It signaled that the defending champions are all-in, and it set the market for the remaining starters. With Skubal off the board, teams like the Yankees, Orioles, and Padres are now scrambling for secondary options. This creates a domino effect: contenders overpay for what’s left, and sellers with quality arms can name their price.
But the starting pitching market isn’t the only one heating up. With several teams clearly out of contention, the deadline is ripe for moves that reshape rosters and futures. Here are five players who should be on the move, and why it’s in everyone’s best interest.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – A Superstar Wasting in Toronto
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is having another stellar season, but the Blue Jays are under .500 and fading fast. With Guerrero set to hit free agency after 2025, the Blue Jays face a dilemma: trade him now and get a haul, or risk losing him for nothing but a compensatory pick. For a team that’s not close to contending, the answer is clear.
Guerrero deserves better. He’s never played in a World Series, and at 26, he’s in his prime. A trade to a contender like the Yankees or Mets would give him the stage he’s earned and give the Blue Jays a prospect package that could accelerate their rebuild. It’s a win-win, and it’s the kind of move that defines a franchise’s trajectory.
2. Ryan Helsley – The Closer Every Contender Needs
The Cardinals are sellers, and Ryan Helsley is having a career year. With an expiring contract and elite closing ability, he’s the perfect rental for a team like the Phillies or Orioles that needs bullpen help. Helsley’s value will never be higher, and the Cardinals, who are clearly rebuilding, should cash in now.
For Helsley, a move to a contender means a chance to pitch in October—something he’s never done. For the Cardinals, it’s a chance to add top prospects to a farm system that needs a boost. The logic is so sound that it’s almost surprising the deal hasn’t happened yet.
3. Luis Robert Jr. – The High-Risk, High-Reward Center Fielder
Luis Robert Jr. is a tantalizing talent: elite power, elite speed, and team control through 2027. But he’s also injury-prone, and the White Sox are in the middle of a full-scale rebuild. For a team like the Dodgers or Braves, Robert could be the missing piece in center field—a dynamic player who can change a game with one swing or one stolen base.
But here’s the catch: Robert’s value is at a peak right now. If he gets hurt again, his trade value plummets. The White Sox should strike while the iron is hot, and a contender should be willing to gamble on his upside. It’s a risky move, but in a deadline market where the biggest prizes are already gone, Robert might be the best available bat.
4. Corbin Burnes – The Rent-a-Ace Who Could Tip the Scales
Corbin Burnes is having a solid season, but the Orioles are in a tight AL East race. If they fall out of contention, trading Burnes for prospects would be a smart move—but it’s a big if. The Orioles are contenders, and trading away their ace would be a tough sell to fans. However, if they’re on the fringe at the deadline, moving Burnes for a package of young talent could set them up for years.
For Burnes, a trade to a team like the Padres or Mets would give him a chance to pitch in the postseason and boost his free-agent value. The Orioles, meanwhile, could restock their farm system and remain competitive in the long run. It’s a delicate balance, but if the Orioles aren’t confident in their chances, they should pull the trigger.
5. Tyler Anderson – The Underrated Left-Hander Who Could Anchor a Rotation
Tyler Anderson is having a quietly excellent season, and he’s on a team-friendly deal. The Angels are sellers, and Anderson is exactly the kind of reliable lefty that contenders covet. With a reasonable contract and solid numbers, he’s a low-risk acquisition compared to some of the bigger names.
For the Angels, trading Anderson is a no-brainer: they’re not contending, and his value is high. For a team like the Braves or Dodgers, Anderson could be a stabilizing force in the rotation, providing innings and experience. He might not be the flashiest name, but he could be the difference-maker in a playoff series.
The trade deadline is a time of tough decisions. For these five players, a change of scenery isn’t just a possibility—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a superstar seeking a playoff stage, a closer cashing in on a career year, or a starter providing stability, these moves make sense for the players, their current teams, and the contenders who need them. As the clock ticks down to Monday, expect at least a few of these names to be on the move.
Summary
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be traded by the Blue Jays to maximize his value before free agency.
- Ryan Helsley’s career year and expiring contract make him a prime rental for contenders.
- Luis Robert Jr.’s injury history means his trade value is at its peak now.
- Corbin Burnes could be moved if the Orioles fall out of the AL East race.
- Tyler Anderson is an underrated, affordable starter who could help a contender.
FAQ
Q: Why is the trade deadline important?
A: The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31 at 6 PM ET. After that, trades are restricted, so teams must make their moves by then to improve for the playoff push.
Q: What does ‘should change teams’ mean?
A: It’s an editorial take, not a prediction. It argues that a trade would be beneficial for the player, their current team, or both, based on factors like contract status, team competitiveness, and player value.
Q: Why is the starting pitching market so thin?
A: The Dodgers’ acquisition of Tarik Skubal removed the top starter from the market, leaving fewer quality options for contenders, which drives up prices for remaining pitchers.
Q: Are these trades likely to happen?
A: Some are more likely than others. For example, Helsley and Anderson are strong candidates, while Burnes is less likely unless the Orioles fade. The article focuses on what should happen, not what will.
Q: What is a ‘rental’ player?
A: A player with an expiring contract who is traded for the remainder of the season, often for a prospect haul, with no guarantee of re-signing.