Three MLB teams who could get early jump on trade deadline

As the MLB season approaches the quarter mark, several teams are seeing their playoff hopes slip away. Although the MLB trade deadline is not until August 3, these teams could get an early jump on the trade market, potentially maximizing their return. Let's take a look at three teams that may want to put the for sale sign out early.

Three teams who could get start their fire sales early

1. New York Mets (16-25)

The Mets may already be looking ahead to the trade deadline as reports surfaced that they are targeting June 1 as their decision day. Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has already been a hot topic, with Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM reporting that the Cubs are among the teams to reach out to the Mets.

The Mets have other potentially interesting options aside from Peralta. David Peterson has been a solid back-of-the-rotation starter and could be an option for a team looking for a potential bargain. Tyrone Taylor is a solid fourth outfielder who could bolster a contender's bench. Clay Holmes has a $12 million player option for 2027 that he is likely to decline, but could be a difference maker down the stretch. 

2. San Francisco Giants (18-24)

The Giants may have already begun their sell-off, trading catcher Patrick Bailey to the Guardians on Saturday. The Giants also reportedly want to move on from the sizable contracts of shortstop Willy Adames, third baseman Matt Chapman, first baseman Rafael Devers and outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, although moving any of those contracts may be easier said than done.

That does not mean that the Giants are devoid of options. Robbie Ray would be one of the better starting pitchers on the trade block and would be a solid option as a second or third starter. Second baseman Luis Arraez has suddenly become a competent defensive option and could bring back a decent return. 

3. Houston Astros (16-27)

The Astros have been battered by injuries, with 14 players currently on the injured list. Their rotation has been hit particularly hard as they are missing a rotation's worth of starters, a significant factor in their 5.61 ERA entering Wednesday.

Those injury woes do not mean that the cupboard is barren on the trade front. Infielder Isaac Paredes has an affordable $13.35 million team option and could be a solid option for a contender looking for help around the infield. Although reliever Bryan Abreu has struggled this season, he had posted a 2.30 ERA and a 1.133 WHIP over 281.2 innings between 2022 and 2025. Fellow relievers Enyel De Los Santos and Steven Okert could draw interest on the trade front as well.