5 MLB Players Who Should Change Teams Before the Trade Deadline

Jerry Beach|published: Sun 2nd August, 14:42 2026

Jun 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) pitches against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The biggest trade deadline domino fell late Saturday night, when the Los Angeles Dodgers shocked absolutely nobody by not only acquiring Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers but doing so without paying a hefty price (prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith).

Skubal going Hollywood should jumpstart a trade market has thus far been long on rumors and short on action, Here’s five more stars who should change addresses before Monday’s 6:00 p.m. EST deadline.

Casey Mize, Tigers

May as well stay in Motown, where the underachieving Tigers did the painful but correct thing by beginning to dismantle a team that is just 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot but also five games under .500. Mize is not Skubal, but the former No. 1 overall draft pick is putting together a second straight solid season (4-6 with a 2.70 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, each of which would be career-bests) despite two stints on the injured list due to a right groin ailment.

Clay Holmes and Freddy Peralta, New York Mets

Jul 20, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With Skubal off the board, even overmatched Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns should be able to figure out a way to get something for Holmes and Peralta.

Holmes hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 15 because of a broken right leg, but he’s ready to return and was putting together an All-Star caliber season (2.39 ERA in nine starts) prior to his injury. Peralta has a career-worst 4.99 ERA but is a classic change of scenery candidate a la former teammate David Peterson, who has fashioned a 4.36 ERA in six starts since escaping New York and the Mets’ poor defense (sorry, “run prevention”).

Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels

Jul 21, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) and right fielder Jo Adell (7) celebrate the victory against the St. Louis Cardinals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

This would require Angels owner Arte Moreno allowing interim general manager John Mozeliak to, you know, actually do his job, so don’t hold your breath. Neto leads the American League with 153 strikeouts and his .747 OPS is 46 points lower than a year ago.

But shortstops who are three years away from free agency while batting leadoff, inching towards a third straight 20-20 season (19 homers, 14 stolen bases) and playing plus defense do not grow on trees.Dealing Neto could jumpstart the Angels’ long-awaited rebuilding job, if only Moreno allows it.

Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants

Jun 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) catches the ball after pitching against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

The most intriguing trade deadline candidate in the National League West is the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, but the Rockies should hang on to a catcher who might hit 50 homers and isn’t due for free agency until 2029. Ray, who is unsigned beyond this season, may never again perform as he did while winning the AL Cy Young for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. But he’s 7-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last 12 starts for a team that’s 17 games under .500, He can certainly stabilize the middle of a contender’s rotation.

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