MLB Rumors: Top 5 Low-Risk High-Reward Trade Targets

July 07, 2025 , , , , , ,
Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia hits the ball during 2025 game.

The MLB trade deadline isn’t always about landing stars, it’s also a time to strike gold on buy-low targets who could turn into game-changers. 

Just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers, who took a flier on Tommy Edman last year and watched him turn into an NLCS MVP. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter identified 10 potential bargain pickups for contenders this summer. Here are the five most intriguing low-risk, high-reward names that could swing October.

1. Luis Robert Jr. – OF, Chicago White Sox

No player on this list has a higher ceiling, or a lower floor, than Luis Robert Jr. The Chicago White Sox outfielder has looked lost in 2025, batting just .185 with a 64 OPS+ and now sidelined by a hamstring strain. But it wasn’t long ago that he crushed 38 homers with 20 steals and a 5.3 WAR season in 2023. If a contender believes it can help him rediscover that form, and if the White Sox are willing to eat salary, Robert could be the ultimate lottery ticket.

2. Mitch Keller – SP, Pittsburgh Pirates

While not listed in Reuter’s top 10, Mitch Keller fits the same mold and has been floated by multiple insiders as a Yankees target. He’s 3-10 this season, but don’t let the record fool you, Keller owns a 3.24 FIP and 3.64 ERA. With team control through 2028 and a contract that looks better with each passing start, he’s a potential long-term rotation piece masquerading as a buy-low arm.

3. Adolis García – OF, Texas Rangers

It’s been a down year for Texas Rangers slugger Adolis García, who sports just a .232 average and 92 OPS+ through 326 plate appearances. But this is still a two-time All-Star with a 30+ homer track record and elite exit velocity numbers. He has team control through 2026 and could easily explode down the stretch in a new setting, especially if a team gets him back in a power-friendly ballpark.

4. Raisel Iglesias – RP, Atlanta Braves

It’s rare you can acquire a reliever with over 230 career saves at a discount, but Raisel Iglesias may be available after losing his closer role in Atlanta. His 4.96 ERA is inflated, but he still boasts a strong strikeout rate and a whiff-heavy changeup. For a bullpen-needy contender, Iglesias could be the kind of post-deadline “fix” that pays off huge, especially since he’ll be a free agent at year’s end.

5. Chris Paddack – SP, Minnesota Twins

Chris Paddack has been up-and-down in 2025, but when he’s on, he still flashes legitimate mid-rotation upside. His 4.70 ERA comes with a more promising 4.47 FIP, and he’s had dominant outings against quality opponents like the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles. As a rental on a reasonable contract, he could be an excellent fallback option for teams that miss out on bigger names.

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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