In a transaction landscape predicted to feature a surplus of purchasers relative to available properties, the squad garnering considerable focus from contenders across the major leagues is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Industry insiders have conveyed to Yahoo Sports that Arizona has risen as the paramount team of interest and possesses the capability to emerge as a pivotal entity influencing the impending trade deadline.
The D-backs harbored aspirations of contention this campaign but have instead been plagued by a series of injuries. High-profile free-agent addition Corbin Burnes, starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, and relief pitchers Justin Martinez and AJ Puk have all undergone Tommy John surgery, resulting in a disappointing 47-50 record and a fourth-place standing in the NL West as the season’s second half commences. Within a division characterized by intense competition, prioritizing the long-term future likely serves Arizona’s optimal course of action at this juncture.
Arizona boasts a multitude of tradable assets, encompassing both starting pitchers and position players slated for free agency at the conclusion of the season. This roster includes right-handed pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and first baseman Josh Naylor. As Yahoo has documented in recent weeks, the market for starting pitching is projected to be notably expensive this July, a dynamic further amplified by the reality that numerous contenders require not merely one, but multiple starting pitchers.
Kelly has quietly established himself as one of the National League’s most reliable starting pitchers this season, amassing an 8-5 record with a 3.34 ERA across 20 starts. Gallen, in contrast, encountered difficulties throughout the first half, posting a 5.40 ERA through 20 starts. Nevertheless, Arizona could potentially secure above-market compensation for both pitchers, given the limited availability of starting pitching in this year’s market.
The Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Dodgers are all potential suitors for starting pitching as they strive to solidify their positions among baseball’s elite. Both Kelly and Gallen possess considerable postseason experience and could represent the solutions that several teams seek, while simultaneously affording their prospective teams future contractual flexibility, given their expiring contracts.
What’s the current situation with the Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs presently occupy the top position in the NL Central, holding a narrow, one-game advantage over the Milwaukee Brewers, who have demonstrated exceptional performance since the beginning of May. Despite the Cubs’ commendable play, it appears they require one or two trade deadline acquisitions as much as any team to secure their standing for the final two months of the season and into the postseason.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer affirmed Friday that the Cubs, consistent with other teams throughout the league, are actively seeking to bolster their starting pitching depth. He also indicated that his team would not be averse to acquiring additional depth at the third base position. Rookie Matt Shaw has served as the team’s primary third baseman this year but has encountered some challenges during his inaugural season in the major leagues.
“Matt [Shaw] has undeniably showcased exceptional defensive abilities for us,” Hoyer stated. “However, I believe that’s a position [where we could potentially add talent]. And, naturally, when assessing the position-playing group, we are focused on ensuring its overall strength. Incorporating depth is an aspect we will also consider.
“We are not aiming to completely overhaul the 26-man roster, but rather to explore avenues for potentially enhancing depth and fortifying certain areas of the roster in a logical manner.”
Third base represents another position that will attract numerous potential acquirers throughout baseball at the trade deadline. The D-backs’ Suárez has emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned names in connection with the position. Other third-base options potentially available on the market include the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes, the Rockies’ Ryan McMahon, and potentially the Royals’ Maikel Garcia.
What are the considerations regarding Luis Robert Jr.?
This year has proven disastrous for Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. Despite maintaining relatively consistent health this season, the former All-Star has experienced a substantial offensive decline. Robert’s .600 OPS ranks sixth-worst in MLB among qualified hitters. The White Sox’s star was initially projected to be one of the most coveted assets on this year’s trade market, but instead, identifying a viable market for him might prove challenging for the Sox.
Robert remains an above-average defender in center field, but the power that once established him as such a compelling talent has largely dissipated, and with his elevated strikeout rate of 30.4% in 2025, assessing his value at this juncture is difficult.
The Phillies, Mets, Astros, and Tigers could all benefit from an upgrade in center field. Other center-field options potentially available include the Orioles’ Cedric Mullins and Ramon Laureano, the D-backs’ Alek Thomas, and the Twins’ Harrison Bader.
Are there teams that would still consider acquiring Robert? Certainly. However, would the obtainable return be substantial enough for the White Sox to forgo the options of trading him in the offseason or at the subsequent year’s deadline? That remains to be determined. Following this season, Robert holds $20 million club options for 2026 and ‘27.
