Three Big-Swing MLB Trade Deadline Targets That Could Shift The Second Half

Drew Thirion|published: Sun 6th July, 19:31 2025

May 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) celebrates with Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) after the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The All-Star break is just over a week away, and the MLB trade deadline looms. Soon, clubs across the league will decide whether to buy or sell at the end of July.

Since the addition of a third wild-card team in 2022, more teams than ever remain in contention, even after a sluggish start. That parity could lead to an active trade market — and the following All-Star-caliber players are firmly on the radar as potential deadline movers.

Emmanuel Clase, Age 27

Record: 4-2 | ERA: 3.13 | Saves: 18 | fWAR: 0.9

After finishing second in American League Cy Young voting in 2024, Emmanuel Clase raised eyebrows with a slow start this season. But beneath the surface, he’s still producing at an elite level.

Clase’s average fastball velocity has dropped from 100.0 to 98.3 mph, possibly contributing to harder contact and an inflated BABIP (.363 this year vs. .195 last season). Still, his cutter-slider mix remains lethal and continues to miss bats at a high rate.

The Guardians hold team options on Clase through 2028, so the asking price will be steep. But if any team has the prospect depth and urgency to make a splash, it’s the Phillies or Dodgers — both of whom rank in the bottom third of MLB bullpen metrics and are chasing October hardware.

Josh Naylor, Age 28

Slash Line: .303/.358/.470 | HR: 10 | RBIs: 55 | fWAR: 1.4

Jun 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first base Josh Naylor (22) hits a walk off grand slam home run against the Seattle Mariners in the eleventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

From one current Guardian to a former one — Josh Naylor is a rental worth watching.

In the final year of his contract, Naylor has evolved from a traditional power-hitting first baseman into one of the best contact hitters in baseball. He’s sacrificed some bat speed, but it has paid off: his strikeout rate has dropped from a respectable 16.3% to an elite 12.3%. While his BABIP is helping fuel the average, expected stats suggest it’s not just luck.

Because he’ll be a free agent after this season, Naylor could be acquired without teams needing to deplete their farm systems. The Red Sox — if they decide to buy — could use a left-handed bat like his. The Giants are a logical fit as well, though an in-division premium may apply. Don’t rule out the Brewers, either, especially with Rhys Hoskins potentially out long term.

Mitch Keller, Age 29

Record: 3-10 | ERA: 3.64 | IP: 106.1 | fWAR: 2.4

May 30, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

There may be flashier rentals available, but for a contender with a multi-year window, Mitch Keller makes a lot of sense.

Under contract through 2028, Keller is one of the Pirates’ most valuable assets — and ownership’s reputation for thriftiness makes him a sneaky trade candidate. His fastball velocity has dipped slightly, but he’s responded by pounding the zone more effectively, lowering both his walk and home run rates. A career-best 6.3% HR/FB rate and steady command have helped him stay consistent.

Keller might not headline a playoff rotation, but as a rock-solid No. 3 starter, he could be invaluable. The Cubs are in need of an arm, though they may opt for a pure rental. The Giants, lacking rotation depth in a brutal NL West, could be an ideal fit.