The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline could feature several players capable of changing the playoff and World Series races.

Teams have until Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET to complete trades. With contenders searching for starting pitching, dominant relievers, catchers and impact bats, the top available players could command major returns.

Some players are likely to move. Others would require an overwhelming offer. Here are the biggest names to watch before the deadline.

Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers

Tarik Skubal is the most important player in the 2026 MLB trade market.

The two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner could immediately become the Game 1 starter for nearly any contender. Detroit remains close enough to the Wild Card race to justify keeping him, but Skubal’s trade value may never be higher.

The Dodgers, Brewers and Rays are among the teams that could pursue him. Any deal would likely require premium prospects and young major-league talent.

Mason Miller, RP, San Diego Padres

Mason Miller would give a contender one of baseball’s most dominant late-inning weapons.

His velocity and strikeout ability make him capable of closing games or entering whenever the most important matchup appears. That type of flexibility would be especially valuable in October.

Miller remains under team control through 2029, so San Diego would need a major return. The Padres may ultimately decide he is more valuable as part of their own playoff push.

Freddy Peralta, SP, New York Mets

Freddy Peralta may be one of the best starting pitchers who is realistically available.

The Mets are expected to sell, and Peralta offers strikeout ability, experience and postseason value. He could become a popular target for teams unwilling to meet Detroit’s asking price for Skubal.

Peralta would not create the same headline as Skubal, but he could still become a major difference-maker for a contender.

Sandy Alcantara, SP, Miami Marlins

Sandy Alcantara could emerge as another major rotation target.

Miami’s recent struggles have created uncertainty about its deadline plans. If the Marlins decide to sell, Alcantara would appeal to contenders seeking a proven frontline starter.

His ability to handle a heavy workload and pitch deep into games would make him especially valuable during a postseason run.

Luis Arraez, 2B, San Francisco Giants

Luis Arraez is one of the best pure hitters who could be traded.

His elite contact ability would give a contender a consistent offensive presence without relying on home runs or high-variance production. He could contribute at second base or designated hitter depending on the team.

As a pending free agent, Arraez is one of San Francisco’s most logical trade candidates.

Francisco Alvarez, C, New York Mets

Francisco Alvarez could attract strong interest because impact catchers are difficult to find.

He offers power and remains under team control through 2028. That makes him more than a short-term rental and gives the Mets additional leverage in negotiations.

The Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers could all make sense as potential fits, but New York would need a significant return.

CJ Abrams, SS, Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams would be one of the most valuable controllable players on the market.

Abrams offers speed, offensive upside and several years of team control. Washington does not need to trade him, but a strong offer could create one of the deadline’s biggest deals.

Any team acquiring Abrams would be adding both an immediate upgrade and a potential long-term solution at shortstop.

Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins

Ryan Jeffers could benefit from a limited catching market.

The Yankees have been connected to him, and other contenders may also show interest. His power and ability to play a premium position make him a valuable deadline option.

Catching upgrades can be difficult during the season, but the demand may be strong enough for Minnesota to consider offers.

Robbie Ray, SP, San Francisco Giants

Robbie Ray is a more affordable starting-pitching option for teams unwilling to move top prospects.

The veteran left-hander offers strikeout ability and postseason experience. He may not have the same upside as Skubal or Alcantara, but he could stabilize the middle of a contender’s rotation.

With San Francisco expected to sell, Ray could be one of the more likely starters to move.

Zach Neto, SS, Los Angeles Angels

Zach Neto would require an enormous return because he remains under team control through 2030.

The Angels have little reason to trade him, but teams seeking a long-term shortstop could still make calls. Neto offers athleticism, power and value at a premium position.

A deal remains unlikely, but a Neto trade would immediately become one of the biggest moves of the deadline.

Other Trade Candidates to Watch

Who Could Make the Biggest Impact?

Skubal would likely have the biggest effect on the World Series race because a true ace can reshape an entire postseason rotation.

Miller could have a similar impact in the bullpen, while Alvarez, Abrams and Arraez could solve major lineup weaknesses.