Three prominent MLB trade chips that are likely to not be traded

Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Skubal is a prized asset to the Tigers as he is a two-time AL Cy Young winner and ace who anchors the rotation. With the Tigers looking to contend as they held a solid 15-11 record in June, followed by a 7-3 record in July so far. 

With their improved performance, Skubal is a core piece that will help them make a postseason run and take advantage of a poor AL playoff picture. 

As well, acquiring Skubal, who is a generational talent, would require a haul of top prospects that teams may not be willing to let go of. 

On July 12, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Skubal responded to the trade rumors by making it clear that he wanted his future to be with the Tigers. 

Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians

Kwan is an elite leadoff hitter who possesses solid bat-to-ball skills and is also a Gold Glove left-fielder. His solid plate discipline has him boasting a 22.1 % chase rate (91st percentile), an 8.8% whiff rate (100th percentile), as well as a 10.2 % strikeout rate (96th percentile). 

The Guardians are also in the midst of a playoff push and lean heavily on their on-base capabilities and reliable defense. 

The idea of the Guardians trading away a controllable asset that is vital to their offense is an unlikely scenario. 

In addition, the Guardians' farm system lacks the established outfield depth that Kwan possesses. Trading him would create a black hole in the outfield that would be difficult to replace. 

Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros

Peña is a premier Gold Glove-caliber shortstop for the Astros, who has spent his whole career with the Astros, winning the World Series MVP in 2022. 

With the Astros looking to make a playoff push, trading away their cornerstone infield talent, who plays elite defense and is an offensive catalyst, could diminish their playoff hopes. 

The notable impact Peña provides is indisputable, as when he was on the injury list earlier this season, the Astros held a 13-20 record, showcasing how vital he is to the Astros lineup. He's batting .287 with eight stolen bases and an elite sprint speed of 29.1 seconds per foot this season. 

Peña's speed also adds to his value, making his impact vastly significant to the Astros. With teams viewing him as a valuable contending addition, teams would have to give up multiple top-tier prospects or an MLB player with several years of club control.