With the MLB trade deadline just a week away, excitement’s definitely picking up. Teams are scrambling—some trying to patch up holes for a playoff run, others looking ahead and moving assets for the future.
This is the stretch where contenders chase that last piece for a championship, and non-contenders try to get something back for veterans. The latest Trade Deadline Big Board is buzzing with speculation about who might be on the move.
There’s talk of elite relievers, controllable stars, power bats, and defensive upgrades. Honestly, this trade period could get wild. Here’s a closer look at the main storylines shaping the 2023 MLB trade market.
Top Players in High Demand
The Big Board’s loaded with established stars, up-and-comers, and key role players. Teams are circling names like Minnesota’s Joe Ryan and Boston’s Jarren Duran.
These guys have a lot of appeal for both contenders and rebuilding clubs, but let’s be real—their teams won’t let them go without a serious offer. If you want star-caliber players, you’ve got to pay up.
The Attraction of Relievers
Every year, elite bullpen arms become hot commodities at the deadline. 2023’s no different.
Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase and Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran are drawing a lot of attention. Both have been lights-out and come with team-friendly deals, so contenders are eager to boost their bullpens with them.
When October hits, a shutdown reliever can make all the difference. That’s why these two are at the top of so many wish lists.
The Starting Pitching Market
Plenty of teams are searching for rotation help, and guys like Seth Lugo, Merrill Kelly, and Sandy Alcantara are on their radar. Lugo’s probably the best rental arm out there thanks to his steady production and expiring contract.
Alcantara’s had a rocky season, but he’s got playoff experience and could bounce back under pressure. The demand for starters is always high, so teams needing arms need to move fast.
Offensive Power Could Shift the Narrative
Power bats are always in demand, and this year’s market has a few intriguing hitters. Eugenio Suárez, Brandon Lowe, and Marcell Ozuna come to mind.
Ozuna’s been hot and cold, which might ding his value a bit. Still, for teams that need a middle-of-the-order threat, these names could really change things down the stretch.
The Challenge of Scarcity
There’s not much offensive depth on the market this year. That makes players like Boston’s Wilyer Abreu and Colorado’s Ryan McMahon more interesting than usual.
Both bring defensive value and some pop, so teams needing versatility may take a closer look. Sometimes you just need someone who can plug a few holes, right?
The Utility Market
Catcher and utility options are pretty thin too. Atlanta’s Sean Murphy and Minnesota’s Willi Castro stand out in that crowd.
Castro’s versatility and solid bat make him a fit for any playoff hopeful looking for flexibility. Murphy brings strong defense and some pop behind the plate, which is always at a premium.
The Strategies Behind Trades
Some teams with slim playoff odds are obvious sellers, but others are in a weird spot. The Diamondbacks and Rays, for instance, might move important pieces but still try to stay competitive.
Those clubs are known for creative moves, sometimes trading away talent when it seems risky. But hey, that’s how you build for the long haul.
The Fringe Contenders’ Bold Moves
Fringe contenders are always the wild card at the deadline. Their choices—whether to buy, sell, or just do nothing—can shake up the whole market.
With bats scarce and pitching deep, bubble teams might take big swings that change the playoff picture. Sometimes you just have to go for it, even if it feels like a gamble.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 MLB trade deadline feels like it’s got all the ingredients for chaos. Scarcity in some spots, too much demand in others, and, let’s be honest, nobody really knows what’s coming next in late-July baseball.
Elite relievers, big bats, and those sneaky role players—teams are staring down some tough choices as the market heats up. It’s wild to think that what happens now won’t just matter for October, but could shape the league for years.
Here is the source article for this story: MLB trade deadline Big Board 3.0: The Top 50 players who could be on the move
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