MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 Hitters On Trade Market
1. Red Sox Outfielders – Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, or Ceddanne Rafaela
Boston has an outfield logjam, and with top prospect Roman Anthony waiting in the wings, someone has to go. Duran, Abreu, and Rafaela are all young, productive, and under team control through at least 2028, making them extremely valuable trade chips. Abreu’s power, Duran’s speed, and Rafaela’s elite defense give contenders multiple options depending on need. Even if the Red Sox decide to buy at the deadline, moving one of their outfielders for immediate help makes too much sense not to happen.
2. Ryan O’Hearn – 1B/OF/DH, Baltimore Orioles
O’Hearn is putting together a career year at exactly the right time. Slashing .316/.397/.500 with defensive flexibility and a team-friendly $8 million expiring contract, he might be the most plug-and-play bat on the market. His elite contact rate and ability to hit fastballs (.566 SLG) make him appealing to any team needing first base, corner outfield, or DH help. Don’t expect a Juan Soto-sized return, but O’Hearn could be one of the most pursued hitters in July.
3. Marcell Ozuna – DH, Atlanta Braves
The Braves may be surprise sellers for the first time in nearly a decade, and if they are, Ozuna becomes a top target. He’s hit 89 homers since the start of 2023 and remains one of the league's most dangerous right-handed power threats. While his DH-only role limits suitors, teams like the San Diego Padres or Texas Rangers could line up quickly if Atlanta decides to sell. With free agency looming and his walk rate at a career high, Ozuna's bat could tip the scales in a pennant race.
4. Taylor Ward – LF, Los Angeles Angels
Despite a poor on-base percentage, Ward’s 18 homers rank top five in MLB. He’s under team control through 2026 and has been victim to terrible luck on balls in play (.215 BABIP). Add in some of the best raw power numbers in baseball and a resume of more consistent production from previous years, and Ward becomes a strong bounce-back candidate. Teams looking to gamble on upside, like the Philadelphia Phillies or Cleveland Guardians, could find value here at a manageable price.
5. Josh Naylor & Eugenio Suárez – Corner Infield Duo, Arizona Diamondbacks
If Arizona decides to punt on 2025, they could unleash the most powerful corner infield duo on the market. Naylor remains a consistent threat at the plate (.283 AVG, 39 RBI) and brings athleticism rare for a first baseman. Suárez, already with 18 homers, is back to his slugging ways. Together, they could be a game-changing addition for a contender like Seattle, who’s struggling at both positions. Even if only one is dealt, expect major interest from offense-starved teams.
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