PHOENIX — As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, Mitch Keller and several other key players have become highly sought-after assets as teams look to strengthen their rosters for a potential playoff push. The Arizona Diamondbacks initiated deadline activity by trading All-Star Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners, signaling that this offseason period will be full of significant moves.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, with a disappointing 51-57 record this season, are emerging as one of the most active sellers. They have placed several valuable players, including third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, on the trade block. Various teams aiming for deeper playoff runs such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers are closely monitoring these assets to enhance their rosters.
Arizona’s Strategic Position in Trade Discussions
The Diamondbacks appear undecided between buying or selling as they have displayed inconsistent performance since the All-Star break, going from a balanced 50-50 record to a series of losses against teams like the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers. Nevertheless, Arizona’s decision to trade Josh Naylor, who will provide offensive power for Seattle’s lineup, is just the beginning of their deadline activity.
Eugenio Suárez stands out as one of the top bats available, boasting 36 home runs in 104 games this year, and an impressive 312 career homers. His right-handed power hitting and positive presence in the clubhouse make him a leading candidate for acquisition by playoff-contending teams.
Mitch Keller: A Reliable Starting Pitcher with Trade Value
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Mitch Keller, a 29-year-old right-handed starter, remains a significant target at the trade deadline. Despite recent overshadowing by young star Paul Skenes, Keller has been a consistent pitcher over the past four years and earned All-Star status in 2023. His contract, which runs through 2028 at a reasonable five-year, $77 million deal, means any interested team must prepare for a substantial trade package.
Arizona’s Pitchers on the Block: Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly
Zac Gallen has struggled this season with a 7-12 record and an inflated 5.60 ERA, but his past performance as a top National League pitcher, including multiple Cy Young Award top-10 finishes, keeps him attractive to teams needing starting rotation help. At 29, Gallen’s ability to dominate on occasion suggests potential value despite this season’s challenges.
Merrill Kelly, at 36 years old, has proven to be one of the most steady pitchers in MLB. Holding a 9-6 record and a strong 3.22 ERA, Kelly was a key part of Arizona’s postseason success in 2023, delivering a 3-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 24 innings. His diverse five-pitch repertoire consistently produces reliable innings, making him a valuable trade candidate.
Additional Noteworthy Players Drawing Trade Interest
Beyond Arizona and Pittsburgh, several other players are attracting attention at the deadline. Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, has shown some resurgence with dominant recent starts, allowing only one unearned run over 12 innings. His rotation partner, Edward Cabrera, also presents appeal with a solid 3.35 ERA in 18 starts.
Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn is enjoying a career-best season with a .284 batting average, a .375 on-base percentage, 12 home runs, and his first All-Star selection. His left-handed hitting ability adds value for contending teams looking to strengthen their offensive lineup.
Mixed Strategies Among Interested Teams
While many clubs actively pursue trades, some are choosing to retain their players. For example, the Kansas City Royals surprised some by signing right-hander Seth Lugo to a two-year, $46 million extension through 2027, instead of trading him as initially expected. This highlights varying approaches in balancing immediate playoff pushes with longer-term roster stability.
The trade market is rapidly evolving as teams like the New York Yankees have already secured third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, and the Mets and Blue Jays have made bullpen moves involving Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez, respectively. Such activity underscores the urgency and intensity as the deadline nears.
Implications and Outlook for the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline
Mitch Keller’s availability represents a crucial opportunity for playoff hopefuls seeking to strengthen starting rotations with a dependable, experienced arm under a manageable contract. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ shift toward selling valuable pieces signals a potential rebuild or reset in the near future. Teams across the league are weighing their chances carefully, balancing the need for immediate reinforcements against long-term goals.
As the trade deadline draws closer, fans can expect an increase in high-profile deals that will shape the remainder of the MLB season and influence postseason matchups. The decisions made in this period could define the success or struggles of multiple franchises aiming to contend in 2024 and beyond.