Tarik Skubal and Six Other MLB Superstars That Could Be Traded Soon

Left-hander Tarik Skubal's recent elbow surgery went exceptionally well, thanks to an innovative medical instrument now nicknamed after the player. Just two weeks after undergoing a procedure with a nanoscope, Skubal already is throwing full-speed bullpen sessions for the Detroit Tigers.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache's use of the "Skubal Scope" went so smoothly and is shortening Skubal's expected recovery time so significantly that it potentially revised the entire dynamic of Major League Baseball's trade deadline. Due for a big free-agent payday this offseason, Skubal is among several stars in Major League Baseball who could move elsewhere by Aug. 3.

With their record dropping to 20-28 after left-hander Framber Valdez took a lopsided loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night, the Tigers sit tied for last place in the AL Central. If the Tigers stay also-rans, they probably will restock by shipping off their ace. The only thing stopping any team from paying Skubal $350 million this winter would be a lockout by the owners.

Yordan Alvarez, OF

Alvarez has been the best hitter in the majors this season except for Ben Rice of the Yankees. Healthy and hacking, Alvarez came into action Monday batting .316/.423/.638 with 15 home runs. Any contender could use his bat, either in left field or at DH. The Astros, who fell to 19-30 after losing to the Twins, probably are not contenders and could use a reboot. Alvarez, nearly 29 years old, makes $26.8 million this season plus two more years with the same salary before hitting free agency.

Freddy Peralta, RHP

With the Mets bringing up the rear in the NL East, Peralta's name already has been mentioned in the rumor mill. He's pitching typically well, posting a 3.31 ERA with 54 strikeouts over his first 10 starts, but he'll be a free agent come November.

Jarren Duran, OF

One of the seven or eight worst hitters in the league (.183 /.243 ./305) through his first 41 games, Duran obviously can do better. He was an All-Star two years ago, and produced about 25% better than league average at the plate overall from 2023-2025. He's still not a free agent until 2029 but he also turns 30 in September. The Red Sox figure to want Roman Anthony playing left field once his wrist is healthy, but that might not be for a while.

Sandy Alcantara, RHP

Twice an All-Star and the NL Cy Young in 2022, Alcantara has been effective without a lot of strikeouts this season for the Marlins, now two years removed from Tommy John surgery. He makes $17.3 million now, he has a $21 million team option ($2 million buyout) for his age-31 season in '27.

Joe Ryan, RHP

An All-Star a season ago, Ryan has been one of the 15 best pitchers in the league (by Fangraphs WAR) since 2022. Everyone's still in the AL Central race, even if the Twins don't seem all that formidable, but it would make sense to deal him. A free agent after 2027, Ryan has a mutual option for $13 million next season that could be bought out for $100,000. His career second-half performance (4.71 ERA in 235 innings) typically drops off.

CJ Abrams, SS

Already above league average at the plate, he's breaking through offensively at age 25 with a possible 30-30 season ahead. Abrams remains below average defensively at shortstop, with teenage prospect Eli Willits perhaps two years away. The Nationals are improved this season and it would be fun for the fans to grow with Abrams on the roster. But if he won't play short in the long run, maybe the Nats will recycle. He's a free agent in 2029.