Just because the 2023 MLB trade deadline is 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 1 doesn’t mean all the wheeling and dealing has to take place on that day.
Already, we’ve seen some huge deals, with the Anaheim Angels shoving all-in and surrounding Shohei Ohtani with help on the mound and in the lineup.
And as of Monday morning, there are still some noteworthy names left despite the fact that our first version of this list is now outdated — Ohtani’s not getting dealt, Max Scherzer is now a Ranger, and Jordan Montgomery is joining him in Texas.
Let’s run through who could be left with the clock ticking:
1
SP Justin Verlander, New York Mets
Will he waive his no-trade clause? If so, he could be the crown jewel for a contender that needs pitching.
2
3B Jeimer Candelario, Washington Nationals
Any team needing a bat and a good third baseman should look his way.
3
SP Blake Snell, San Diego Padres
The Mets are waving the white flag. Will the Padres do the same given their struggles? They’re not THAT far out of the Wild Card, but if they feel that way, they could deal the ace.
MORE: The Blue Jays decided to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani four times after Matt Chapman’s outburst
4
SS Paul DeJong, St. Louis Cardinals
He could be a lineup-changer for a team in need of a bat.
5
SP Eduardo Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers
He’s having a terrific year and could be an underrated trade target.
6
SP Michael Lorenzen, Detroit Tigers
He’s broken out this year, which is good timing for a sell-high for the rebuilding (and budding) Tigers.
7
RP Josh Hader, San Diego Padres
See above with Snell — if the Padres are sellers, then the closer has to go.
8
OF Lane Thomas, Washington Nationals
Another really solid bat in the middle of a great year.
9
RP Scott Barlow, Kansas City Royals
A late-inning arm is ideal for a playoff team.
10
SP Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals
Another intriguing name for the Cardinals to deal as part of their fire sale.