In Major League Baseball, a key element in determining a player‘s trade value is whether he is a short-term rental for the playoff push or a controlled asset under team contract beyond the current season. While rental players often dominate trade talks, the most impactful deals usually involve controllable non-rental players, who bring higher returns especially for teams rebuilding through young prospects. This article focuses on the top 25 non-rental <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB trade candidates expected to be available during the 2025 trade deadline, highlighting their performance, contractual control, and trade likelihood.
Players Unlikely to Be Moved Despite Trade Rumors
Some players have appeared in trade speculation throughout the year but are expected to remain with their current teams during the 2025 deadline, although the possibility of offseason deals remains. This group includes several relief pitchers such as Félix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles), Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians), Carlos Estévez (Kansas City Royals), Kyle Freeland (Colorado Rockies), MacKenzie Gore (Washington Nationals), Mason Miller (Atlanta Braves), Luis Severino (Atlanta Braves), and Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians).
On the hitting side, names like Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves), Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals), Yandy Díaz (Tampa Bay Rays), Maikel García (Kansas City Royals), Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pittsburgh Pirates), Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians), Nathaniel Lowe (Washington Nationals), Bryan Reynolds (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jesus Sanchez (Miami Marlins), and Kyle Stowers (Miami Marlins) also seem secure in their current roster spots for now.
Players Ranked 25 to 21: Veteran Presence and Stability
Among the players ranked from 25 to 21 are experienced professionals and reliable contributors who could be valuable additions for contenders willing to cover salary costs.
At No. 25, Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox holds a $32.2 million commitment for 2026 and 2027, which the White Sox may partially absorb to facilitate a trade. Despite this, his veteran bat, featuring a 103 OPS+ and 11 home runs, might attract teams struggling for offense.
No. 24 is relief pitcher Pierce Johnson of the Atlanta Braves. With a $7 million club option and only a $250,000 buyout, he carries value as a bullpen arm for 2025 and possibly 2026. Johnson emerged late into MLB success after a stint in Japan, posting a 2.80 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in parts of three seasons with Atlanta.
No. 23 is starting pitcher JP Sears (Athletics), a dependable innings eater with arbitration eligibility through 2028. Since 2023, he ranks 17th in innings pitched across the MLB, posting a 4.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, solid if unspectacular production similar to Marco Gonzales in his early years with Seattle.
Jake Bird of the Colorado Rockies is No. 22, a left-handed relief pitcher under team control through 2028. Bird has been one of the Rockies’ more effective pitchers with a 4.01 ERA and strong strikeout rate, although his tendency to allow hits tempers his late-inning reliability.
At No. 21, Lars Nootbaar (St. Louis Cardinals) is dealing with injury setbacks this year, including a costochondral sprain, but the Cardinals’ willingness to trade an injured player like Tommy Edman last year raises questions about Nootbaar’s future. His reduced 2025 output contrasts with his previous strong performance.
Players Ranked 20 to 16: Emerging Talent and Bullpen Assets
This range of players includes a mixture of strong young arms and productive role players who could contribute immediately to playoff hopefuls.
Ronny Henriquez (Miami Marlins) stands at No. 20 as an intriguing late-inning candidate. At just 25 years old, he boasts an impressive 2.68 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 12.4 K/9 rate with a fastball averaging 96.4 mph. His late-inning potential with a sweeping breaking ball generating a high whiff rate makes him a notable trade target.
No. 19 is Jeffrey Springs (Athletics), who the team appears willing to trade alongside starter JP Sears. Springs, aged 32, carries a $10.5 million salary for 2026, with a $15 million club option in 2027. His 4.18 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 114 innings reflect solid durability in a rebuilding pitching staff.
Reliever Dennis Santana (Pittsburgh Pirates) is No. 18, showing strong form with a sub-1.50 ERA this season for Pittsburgh. Although his strikeout numbers have dipped, his cost-controlled contract and recent success increase his appeal.
At No. 17, Taylor Ward (Los Angeles Angels) offers one of the more potent bats expected in the trade market. Despite defensive struggles and a 26.8 percent strikeout rate, Ward possesses a 116 OPS+ with 23 home runs, including power that remains appealing to teams seeking offense.
Reliever Reid Detmers (Los Angeles Angels), No. 16, has had an uneven history as a starter but has flourished recently as a reliever with an ERA of 1.45 over his last 30 appearances. A former top draft pick, his youth and revitalization in a bullpen role make him a noteworthy candidate for teams seeking pitching upgrades.
Players Ranked 15 to 11: Potential Game Changers With Varied Upside
These players offer some combination of upside, control, and team need that could lead to impactful trades.
Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox) at No. 15 sees limited value this year despite his talent, as his .206 batting average and high strikeout rate limit his appeal. Still, his power-speed combination and defense could make him a trade possibility if the White Sox are willing to offset his expensive $20 million club option.
No. 14 is Pete Fairbanks, a Tampa Bay Rays reliever with 64 saves in 75 opportunities since 2023 and a solid 3.03 ERA. The Rays may be motivated to trade him given his $7 million club option alongside a cost-conscious payroll strategy.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon (Colorado Rockies), No. 13, could be available despite previous inaccessibility in trade talks. His batted-ball metrics are elite even if his overall numbers are marred by a high strikeout tally, making a change of scenery beneficial.
David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates), No. 12, is a two-time All-Star bouncing back from a down year with strong 2025 numbers. However, with only one year of team control remaining, the Pirates may consider dealing him for prospects.
At No. 11, Trevor Rogers (Baltimore Orioles) has reclaimed effectiveness after a rough stretch and minor league stint. With a 1.74 ERA and strong strikeout profile this season, his future in Baltimore is uncertain, and the team might consider selling high.
Players Ranked 10 to 6: Prime Contributors With Valuable Control
This tier includes players who offer steady contributions and remain under team control for several years, making them highly valuable trade assets.
Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays), at No. 10, carries a $10.5 million salary and has been named an All-Star. His 121 OPS+ with 19 homers and 50 RBIs make him a sought-after bat, although his salary is a factor in the Rays’ decision-making.
No. 9 Edward Cabrera (Miami Marlins) shows promise as a starting pitcher with electric stuff, posting a 3.61 ERA and career-best control improvements. With Sandy Alcántara uncertain to move, Cabrera could become the centerpiece trade piece for Miami.
Reliever Taj Bradley (Tampa Bay Rays), No. 8, is an attractive young arm with club control through 2029. Amid the long-term injuries to Shane McClanahan and others, the Rays are reportedly entertaining offers for Bradley and other pitching assets.
At No. 7, Griffin Jax (Minnesota Twins) has shown elite setup relief potential, with strong recent performance following an uneven start to 2025. Multiple teams have shown interest, and the Twins could move one of their two frontline relievers.
No. 6 Jhoan Durán (Minnesota Twins) stands out as a dominant reliever with a 100.3 mph fastball and devastating breaking pitches. Despite arbitration eligibility through 2027, his extraordinary effectiveness and reasonable salary make him an invaluable piece to contenders, though the Twins may be reluctant to trade him.
The Top Five Non-Rental MLB Trade Targets for 2025
The elite tier consists of players with the highest impact potential and trade value due to their talent, control, and team circumstances.
5. Sandy Alcántara (Miami Marlins, SP)
The reigning 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery, sporting a 7.14 ERA over 97 innings with some tough luck reflected in a more forgiving 4.66 FIP. Despite recent difficulties, Alcántara’s upside remains unmatched by most pitchers in the trade market, though the Marlins may demand a premium that exceeds his perceived current worth.
4. Sean Murphy (Atlanta Braves, C)
Murphy’s early 2025 injury led to the promotion of top prospect Drake Baldwin, who has performed impressively. Although Murphy is a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner having signed a six-year, $73 million extension, the Braves may entertain trading him if they receive a suitable pitching prospect in return. Buster Olney reports he will not be moved without clear value in return, but a swap for a controllable starting pitcher remains possible.
3. Kris Bubic (Kansas City Royals, SP)
Bubic has broken out unexpectedly this season with a 2.38 ERA and his first All-Star appearance, demonstrating marked improvement after earlier struggles. The Royals, with free agency looming after 2026, could look to capitalize on his value to address offensive shortcomings around Bobby Witt Jr., potentially orchestrating a trade akin to their offseason transaction involving Brady Singer.
2. Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox, OF)
Unlike many on this list, Duran plays for a team not expected to sell aggressively. However, his expendability due to a prospective outfield group including Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu makes him a prime candidate for trade. Coming off an 8.7 WAR season and an eighth-place finish in AL MVP voting last year, Duran has a solid 108 OPS+ in 2025 and could be part of a deal targeting an upgrade in Boston’s pitching rotation. Speculation includes a possible swap with Marlins starter Edward Cabrera.
1. Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates, SP)
Keller is the most valuable non-rental trade asset on the market, combining solid recent performance with favorable contract terms. An All-Star in 2023 and a consistent starter, Keller has a 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a strong strikeout total this year. Pittsburgh, flush with young pitching prospects, could seek to trade Keller’s final three years and $55.7 million on his contract to strengthen their offensive lineup. His ability to function as part of a playoff rotation makes him highly sought after.
Implications and Forecast for the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is poised to deliver intense action focusing on controllable, non-rental players who offer long-term value to contending teams. Individuals like Jarren Duran present a unique dynamic, given their team’s reluctance to sell outright but openness to strategic upgrades. Meanwhile, prospects, bundled with key veterans such as Mitch Keller and Sean Murphy, highlight the complex decision-making processes for teams balancing performance and payroll.
As the deadline draws closer, the anxious anticipation surrounding these players could provoke significant roster shifts that reshape the postseason landscape. Clubs looking to strengthen pitching rotations or boost their lineups face difficult choices, weighing talent, control, and cost-effectiveness amid a competitive and restless market.