5 MLB stars most likely to be traded at the deadline ft. Jarren Duran and Alex Bregman

With the MLB trade deadline drawing closer, teams are quietly positioning themselves to get the best deals possible for their players and prospects. While some clubs had gigantic expectations in the offseason (Red Sox) and others have outperformed projections (Rays), player movement is inevitable.

In 2024, stars such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yusei Kikuchi and Jack Flaherty were dealt at the 11th hour and flourished in their new surroundings. This year, several key MLB stars could be moved on or before the deadline, as teams either gear up for the postseason or reset to make room for future contracts.

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5 MLB stars most likely to be traded at the deadline

1) Alex Bregman - 3B, Boston Red Sox

Although just signed by the Red Sox ahead of the 2025 season, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awardee Alex Bregman could realistically be dealt by the Fenway Sports Group brass in a move to bolster their other ventures.

Boston recently dealt club stalwart Rafael Devers to the Giants in one of the most surprising trades of the last decade. Even reputable journalists such as Kendall Baker have tried to connect the dots between Devers' move and Liverpool Football Club’s (also Fenway-owned) recent acquisition of highly touted German midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Fans and pundits alike have speculated that Devers’ contract was dumped to fund the soccer star’s reported $145 million transfer fee. If Red Sox management can move a nine-year veteran like Devers, a big-contract player like Bregman is certainly not safe. Teams such as the Cubs, Tigers and Yankees could be strong fits for the All-Star.

2) Jarren Duran - OF, Boston Red Sox

Although teammates with Bregman, Duran's potential departure could signify a different strategic pivot. The 2024 All-Star Game MVP had a breakout year, leading the league in triples and earning a spot on the All-MLB Second Team.

With a crowded outfield and Boston’s season slipping away, the Red Sox could flip Duran’s value into a haul of younger prospects. The Padres and Guardians, both outfield-needy, are likely destinations for the fiery star.

3) Sandy Alcantara - SP, Miami Marlins

After setting the world alight in his Cy Young-winning 2022 campaign, Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara has not been the same since. Adding to the fact he underwent Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2024 campaign, it has been all downhill for the former pitching star.

Although he holds a 4-8 record and a 6.69 ERA, Alcantara is slowly stabilizing as evidenced by a 2-1 record with a 2.74 ERA this month. While he can’t be trusted as an ace or top-of-the-rotation starter, the hurler can still be utilized in the backend of starting rotations for teams with banged-up staffs, such as the world champion Dodgers and AL pennant-contending Astros.

4) Luis Robert Jr. - OF, Chicago White Sox

Yet to reach his peak as he's just 27 years old, Luis Robert Jr. provides the most upside among the likely candidates to be dealt at the MLB trade deadline. Excluding 2025, Robert has tallied a 14.4 fWAR in five seasons with the Southsiders.

However, time is of the essence, and a player of Robert’s caliber shouldn’t spend his peak years with a team like the White Sox, given their current situation. A move to Philadelphia or Queens could rejuvenate the young star’s career.

5) Pete Fairbanks - RP, Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are currently 2.5 games ahead in the wild-card spots and are in hot pursuit of the Yankees for the top seed in the AL East. Logically, trading one of their best relievers would be counterproductive as they are projected to reach the postseason this year. However, Tampa Bay is known across MLB for manufacturing stars — particularly on the mound — out of thin air.

Fairbanks currently holds a 3-1 record with a 2.15 ERA across 30 games this year. With the necessity of bullpen arms in the Dodgers’ and Phillies’ pens, the Rays reliever could certainly be traded for above-market-value players at the deadline.