5 Shocking Names Who Could Vault Onto The Trade Block at Deadline

We know all the usual suspects on the rumor mill this baseball season: Luis Robert Jr., Sandy Alcantara, Kyle Finnegan, Nolan Arenado... But what are some of the other more surprising names who currently aren't in danger of being dealt, but who could be propelled onto the trade block as the deadline approaches in July?

Taking from a mammoth list from Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, let's take a look at the 5 most shocking names who could be available come July 31st:

Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs find themselves a disappointing 4th place in the NL West, two games under .500. That just won't cut it if their goal is to make the playoffs. If the Snakes don't turn things around, some huge names could be for sale.

As a recent Cy Young candidate (top 5 in balloting in 2022, 2023), Gallen could ordinarily be expected to land a huge haul for Arizona if he were to be dealt. But two things might temper the return: (1) he'd be a two-month rental only, as he's set for unrestricted free agency after the 2025 season. And (2), he's having a dreadful season. Gallen has a 5.54 ERA in 12 starts, by far his worst in a 7-year career. He'd had ERAs of less than 3.00 in three of his previous six seasons, and in the mid-3.00s in the other trio of years. If he can turn things around, the Snakes could get a nice return.

Josh Naylor, Arizona Diamondbacks

Another D-Back who could be shipped out for future assets if they don't get their act together. Naylor belted a career-high 31 homers to go along with 108 RBIs last season with Cleveland, and he's on pace for around 100 this year. He's also a rental as a pending UFA, and we recently looked at three teams who will be in on him this winter.

Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves

The Braves have had a terrible slog of a season so far, really unable to get on track. They currently sit three games under .500 at 26-29, having lost seven of their last 10 games. They're 9.5 games back of first place in the NL East, though only 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. But if they don't recover, they'll have a couple of major pieces to put on the trade market:

After back-to-back seasons of 100+ RBIs, and 40 and 39 home runs, Ozuna, too, will be a free agent after the 2025 campaign. He's having another fine year, and leads the majors in walks, while posting a 150 OPS+, though his power numbers are down a bit. He could bring in a haul for a team looking for a big boost at DH.

Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves

Closers and high-leverage relievers are always in high demand at the deadline as teams bulk up the back end of their bullpens for the playoffs. Iglesias has been a top closer for many years, with 232 career saves. He's having a tough year, like the rest of his team, with a 5.91 ERA, but many contenders would love to have him as an option out of the 'pen in the postseason.

Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays

This name isn't too shocking to see on this list, as he's been in and out of trade rumors for the last 12 months. His contract is about to expire, and the Blue Jays are once again floundering around in the middle of the pack, at .500. Not good enough to be a true contender, but not bad enough to convince their decision makers to throw in the towel.

But let's just give this a little time, and if the Jays eventually come to their senses and realize that they really aren't a playoff contender by late July, they could try to get something in return for their pending free agent star shortsop.