Precisely sixty-two days remain until the Major League Baseball trade cutoff date. As the calendar shifts into June, several athletes have distinguished themselves during the season’s initial segment. For some of these individuals, considering the teams they represent, their strong showings could attract the attention of prospective acquiring teams as the trade deadline approaches this year.
Here are five athletes that potential acquiring teams should monitor closely.
The offseason proved quiet for Arraez, who garnered limited interest on the free-agent market. Nevertheless, the experienced second baseman found his destination in the Bay Area, securing a one-year contract valued at $12 million with the San Francisco Giants. In a year marked by numerous questionable decisions from Buster Posey and his management, Arraez might be remembered as the team’s most effective acquisition.
The three-time All-Star has experienced a resurgence with the Giants. Arraez has consistently been recognized for his exceptional ability to make contact with the ball, but his limited power often made his offensive contributions seem somewhat singular. However, in 2026, Arraez has demonstrated his continued capability as a run producer. As of Monday, he boasts a .321 batting average and ranks fifth among second basemen with a 121 wRC+, which would represent his highest figure since 2023.
Furthermore, the most significant revelation from Arraez this season has been his remarkable defensive improvement. In recent seasons, he was compelled to play first base for San Diego due to his perceived lack of versatility at other positions. But now he has reverted to a full-time second baseman role, and he has fully leveraged the instruction of Ron Washington, widely regarded as one of baseball’s premier infield coaches. Arraez currently sits second among second basemen with nine outs above average.
Regrettably for San Francisco, this Giants roster isn’t progressing rapidly, and with few contracts on the books that are easily transferable, Arraez could represent their primary asset for gaining value from this year’s trade deadline.
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was among numerous individuals whose names circulated in trade discussions during the offseason. With a new leadership group in the front office, headed by president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, and an ongoing rebuilding effort, it was understandable why Abrams’ name frequently emerged.
Yet, the Nationals opted to retain their 25-year-old shortstop to commence this season, and their offensive unit has benefited considerably. Abrams appears to be a transformed player so far this season, serving as a vital contributor for the Nationals, who have accumulated more runs than any other MLB team and stand out as one of the season’s major surprises to date.
Abrams has played a pivotal role in that prosperity, and offensively, he has performed as one of the league’s top shortstops. As of Monday, his slash line stands at .294/.391/.542 with 12 home runs and 47 runs batted in over 59 games, and he leads all shortstops with a 160 wRC+. The surge in output might be attributed to a more patient approach at the plate, as the Nationals’ shortstop has nearly doubled his walk rate, which currently registers a career-high 10.7%.
The Nationals, currently holding a 31-29 record and sitting second in the NL East, have performed far better than many anticipated in the first year of their reconstruction and are contending in the NL wild-card picture. As they continue to redevelop the organization, moving Abrams this summer could assist the team in accelerating that timeline. The shortstop still has two years of team control remaining and could command a substantial return, especially if his performance levels persist.
A good player on a bad team often makes for a strong candidate to be traded.
(Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports)
While Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, arguably the globe’s finest pitcher, could be available by this year’s trade deadline, he is not the sole premier starter who might be on the market. Twins ace Joe Ryan is a figure highly sought after by franchises for several past seasons, as Minnesota has receded somewhat and entered a phase of reconstruction. Concurrently, the 29-year-old Ryan has established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable starting pitchers, recording an ERA of 3.60 or lower in four of the last five campaigns.
This year, he seems to have advanced further, posting a 3-3 record with a personal-best 2.94 ERA through his initial 12 outings. Even in a season where Skubal is potentially available, a team seeking more than just a short-term rental would be wise to initiate discussions regarding Ryan, who possesses an additional year of team control beyond the current season.
The Twins currently find themselves in an intriguing predicament, as they are merely two games removed from the AL wild-card contention. However, in a year where much of the American League has underperformed, Minnesota may not genuinely ascertain its position as a buyer or seller until closer to the deadline, and numerous other clubs could be motivated to present attractive offers for Ryan.
It’s possible that no starter in baseball is more undervalued than Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha. The 34-year-old, who joined the Royals as a free agent in 2024, has sustained his late-career resurgence, achieving a 3.38 ERA since 2022. Wacha has performed at an elevated standard this season, holding a 4-3 record with a 3.23 ERA across 12 starts.
Sadly for the Royals, they have been unable to capitalize on their right-hander’s excellent start and, at 22-37, currently hold the second-worst record in the American League. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, they have once again underperformed during the initial months of this season.
Should Kansas City continue to struggle in the standings and be compelled to become a seller at the trade deadline, Wacha could emerge as one of the top available options in the pitching market. He is presently in the second year of a three-year, $51 million agreement that includes a team option for 2028.
The first half has been disastrous for the Boston Red Sox, but if any silver lining exists, it is the showing of first baseman Willson Contreras. Contreras, aged 34, has made the most of his inaugural year in Boston after his trade from the St. Louis Cardinals during the offseason. The Sox’s first baseman is leading the team in nearly all significant offensive categories, boasting a .286/.384/.505 slash line with 11 home runs, and he ranks fifth among MLB first basemen with an .889 OPS.
The Sox, with a 25-33 record and occupying the last spot in the AL East, have witnessed their season derail, culminating in the dismissal of long-serving manager Alex Cora back in April. With a roster still struggling to perform and several crucial injuries to prominent players like Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, and Garrett Crochet, a selling strategy at the trade deadline appears to be Boston’s probable course of action.
Teams consistently seek additional power as the trade deadline approaches, particularly right-handed power. Contreras would provide a formidable offensive boost to any roster aiming for the playoffs.
