25 MLB players most likely to be traded by the deadline

The Nationals have been surprisingly competitive early in the season, but any slippage in June and July could put Abrams' name back in trade rumors. The star shortstop is signed through 2028, but he's likely to net a much bigger payday next season and could fetch a huge package for the Nats after starting the season with an OPS above .900.

Alcantara's name has been the constant subject of trade rumors since last season, and it's likely to only get louder before this year's trade deadline. The former Cy Young winner has been inconsistent this year, but remains one of the most durable pitchers in the game. He has a $21 million team option on his contract next season.

Arraez is in contention for the Batting Title again this year, and his defense has been a pleasant surprise after moving back to second base. A free agent after this season, Arraez could be a hot commodity at the deadline.

Chapman continues to be one of the top closers in baseball, with a sub-1.00 ERA through May. The hard-throwing lefty shows no signs of slowing down and is likely a pending free agent with a mutual option of only $13 million this offseason.

Civale has been an early bargain for the A's and might remain in Sacramento if the team can stay in playoff contention through the trade deadline. If not, he has a market for his services as an eight-year veteran with a career 4.15 ERA that he nearly matched before going on the IL in May.

Contreras was traded from St. Louis to Boston in the offseason, and he could be on the move again if the Red Sox don't get out of their early-season hole. He's been one of the team's few bright spots, hitting .290-11-33 to start the year and has a reasonable $18.5 million contract for next year.

Miami signed Fairbanks to help solidify the backend of their bullpen, but he's struggled early this year. Still, the experienced closer could be attractive for a competitive team as a pending free agent.

Flaherty has had a very rough first two months, posting a 5.81 ERA while going 0-7 in 12 starts. His control has been a mess, but Flaherty has fanned nearly 11 batters per nine innings. He's in the second year of a two-year deal.

Gray was traded from St. Louis in the offseason and continues to pitch well with a 3.27 ERA through nine starts. The veteran has a sizable $35 million contract this year, with a $5 million buyout next year, though the Red Sox could include some money in the right deal.

Griffin has been a key part of Washington's success early this year after three seasons in Japan. The right-hander is drawing a very reasonable $5.5 million salary and would be a fit for a contender if Washington's start fades.

Jansen has shown signs of age early this season, with struggles on the field and injuries. His late-game experience is likely to be valued by playoff teams, however, and Detroit is likely to move him if it doesn't get back into contention.

Jeffers was one of Minnesota's top hitters early this season before suffering an injury. The backstop has a strong offensive track record and could help down the stretch before entering free agency.

Littell signed late in Spring Training and got off to a terrible start for the Nationals. He's rounded into form during May and could slot in as a backend starter for a team searching for an innings eater.

Peralta was added by the Mets to be the team's ace during the offseason. While he's held up his end of the bargain, New York's struggles made Peralta a trade candidate again. The right-hander is a free agent after this season and could be a nice consolation prize for teams that fail to acquire Tarik Skubal.

Like much of San Francisco's starting rotation, Mahle has had a rough go this season. The veteran started with a 6.04 ERA in 11 starts before going on the IL, but his long track record should make him attractive if the Giants decide to move on from the pending free agent.

While Tarik Skubal gets most of the headlines among the Tigers' pending free agent pitchers, Mize is also notable. The former No. 1 overall draft choice had a 2.27 ERA in nine starts before going on the IL and could net a similarly high-impact trade package if he's able to get healthy before the deadline.

Moniak has revitalized his career in Colorado, hitting 24 home runs last season and 12 in 43 games this year before going on the IL. There could be some skepticism that the former No. 1 overall draft choice can keep up the pace outside of Coors Field, but he's signed for only $4 million this year with one additional season before free agency.

Ray is in the final season of his five-year deal, making him an almost certain trade candidate if the Giants don't improve before the trade deadline. The lefty has struggled with his control this season, but he has a strong track record and could help a team in a big park.

Ryan was mentioned in trade rumors during the offseason and could be moved before this year's deadline if the Twins don't improve. He's pitched as well as ever through 12 starts, with a sub-3.00 ERA and a 5.00 K/BB ratio. Ryan is likely to be a free agent after this season.

Senzatela has made the most of his shift to the bullpen this year, showing additional velocity and posting a 1.36 ERA in 16 appearances. He also has a reasonable team option for $14 million next season.

The back-to-back AL Cy Young winner is unlikely to win for a third time this year after elbow surgery, but the Tigers hope to have the lefty back in mid-June. He's continued to dominate through seven starts and will be the biggest prize of the deadline if the Tigers opt to trade him.

Soler doesn't offer as much upside as he once did, but still has a potent power bat with nine homers in 53 games this year. He'd be a fit off the bench for a team with his track record of crushing lefties.

Sugano was somewhat of a disappointment for the Orioles in his first MLB season, but has performed better for the Rockies early this year. The veteran right-hander is a free agent after this season and a fit at the back end of a starting rotation.

Torres accepted Detroit's qualifying offer in the offseason, but hasn't been worth his $22 million-plus payday yet. The Tigers hope he gets on a tear after returning from the IL in June, and his proven offensive skill set could help a contender.

Verlander's return to Detroit this year was shaping up to be a great story, but the 43-year-old right-hander has made only one start this season due to injury. Health remains an issue that could eliminate his trade stock, but a return before the All-Star break could draw interest from a potential playoff team.