MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Unexpected Trade Candidates This Summer

The biggest and most-frequently mentioned names are taking up all the oxygen on the trade market as we approach the summer: Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcantara, Jarren Duran. They have all been discussed ad nauseam over the last few months.

But what about the names that weren't expected to have a lot of trade buzz around them this summer, for a variety of different reasons?

Here are three that are becoming potential trade candidates as the season progresses:

Christian Walker, Houston Astros

Coming into the season, Walker didn't have a lot of buzz around him, mainly because teams weren't that interested in a 35-year-old first baseman who had an underwhelming season last year, with a career low average and OPS, and two years to run on a bloated $20M salary.

But Walker has had a renaissance season in 2026, now posting a career-HIGH OPS of .850, along with 15 homers and 40 RBIs, on pace for 43 dingers and 115 RBIs, which would also be career bests.

The only caveat here is that the Astros aren't out of the race yet, so they might not put him on the block.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

The once top prospect in baseball (2022), Rutschman could be a massive trade piece for the O's if they decide, finally, that they just don't have what it takes to be a serious contender in 2026. They're on the periphery of the playoff race, but let's face it, Baltimore is not going to be the beast of the AL postseason with a rotation of Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers and Shane Baz.

21-year-old Samuel Basallo has proven that he's the real deal behind the plate, and with an .805 OPS, he could be the catcher of the future for this team.

Rutschman has recovered from a brutal 2025 to post solid numbers himself, with an .831 OPS while being on pace for 20 homers. And that elite prospect pedigree should still be worth something on the trade market. It would have been unthinkable a couple of years ago for Baltimore to ever even consider trading Rutschman, but with Basallo on hand, it's a possibility.

Pete Fairbanks, Miami Marlins

He was out there for the taking on the free agent market, but many teams with closing needs didn't bite. The Marlins had hoped to be competitive this season with a strong starting staff, as usual, and wanted Fairbanks to close for them.

Then he went out and posted a 9.00 ERA up until a week ago. Certainly an unexpected trade candidate if ever there was one. But he's now posted three straight scoreless innings, with a win and a save, and has his ERA down a couple of runs to 7.07. And the Marlins are not in contention.

For teams that are, who are looking for high-leverage help come the end of July, Fairbanks should be a legitimate option.