9 Under-the-Radar MLB Trade Candidates to Watch Before the Deadline

David Brown|published: Thu 23rd July, 13:08 2026May 24, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Athletics at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Everybody knows the big names in Major League Baseball circulating in trade rumors, including Tarik Skubal, Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan. Looking beyond the obvious, let's check some under-the-radar possibilities who could be traded before the deadline on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.Adrián Morejón, San Diego PadresThe Padres are postseason contenders as usual, but they're also hovering round .500, and seem suited for a reshuffling. They have several players to trade who could help general manager A.J. Preller reset quickly. The best available relief pitcher not named Chapman is probably another left-hander born in Cuba. One of the league's hardest throwers, Morejon has 58 strikeouts, 12 walks and three home runs allowed in 50 innings heading into second-half action. A free agent in the offseason, he turns 28 in February.Michael King, PadresKing isn't frequently mentioned as likely to be traded, but he's been one of the 25-30 most effective starters in the league since 2024. Not as good as Ryan, but about as effective as Freddy Peralta. King figures to opt into free agency in 2027, but if he doesn't, he is owed $28 million. The Padres ought to consider moving him, regardless of his contract decision.Ty France, PadresA number of contenders could use a strong defensive first baseman who hits well vs. left-handed pitching (.344/.406/.574). The Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rangers, and Marlins are among them. France recently turned 32 and will be a free agent in the offseason.Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets May 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) leaves the game with an injury during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images It has been written that everyone on the Mets but Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and Juan Soto are available. Alvarez hits for more power than most catchers, doesn't turn 25 until November and won't reach free agency until 2030. He also hasn't stayed healthy and his overall defense seems to be regressing, but he's got a solid history of pitch framing. With Shea Langeliers, Hunter Goodman and Adley Rutschman seemingly less likely to be traded, Alvarez could help any number of contenders.Antonio Senzatela, Colorado RockiesIt's funny, but Senzatela actually has (slightly) better career numbers at Coors Field than on the road. This season, he's pitching well everywhere, allowing a .240/.303/.344 slash line over 49 innings after converting to the bullpen at age 31. About three years removed from Tommy John surgery, he still throws hard (87th percentile) but he's not a big strikeout pitcher compared to some late-inning relievers. He'll be a free agent after the season.Jeffrey Springs, AthleticsWe talk about the effect Coors has on pitchers, but somebody needs to rescue this guy from Sutter Health Park. Springs, 33, had a career 3.64 ERA with 497 strikeouts in 484 2/3 innings coming into this season, which includes mediocre results with the A's a year ago. This season, he has allowed a league-worst 26 home runs, including 16 homers in 10 starts in West Sacramento, yielding a 6.08 ERA overall. His 4.59 expected ERA isn’t great, but better results seem possible. He has a $10.5 million team option for 2027.Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Reds central fielder Spencer Steer (7) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sunday, July 12, 2026. With a .333/.436/.603 slash line against lefties, Steer figures to be one of the most sought-after right-handed hitters at the deadline. He hasn't been effective against righties this season, but he has performed well there previously. He plays multiple positions, but first base is the only one where he's a plus defender. At 28 years old, he's not a free agent until 2029.Jo Adell, Los Angeles AngelsHe's great against left-handed pitching, and is capable of performing better against righties, like he did in 2025. His defensive metrics are poor in right field, but he's also capable of robbing multiple home runs in a single game. He's still just 27 years old and not a free agent until 2028.Matt Shaw, Chicago CubsShaw would be a strong addition for a team focusing on the future. The Cubs have deep needs in the starting rotation, and Shaw should be one of the better MLB-ready chips available to deal. A onetime top 20-30 overall prospect who's still just 24 years old, Shaw has shown improved hitting (.415 slugging) this season and the ability to play right field -- though his future could still be at second base or third.