As Opening Day approaches, MLB executives have identified Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox as the most likely players to be traded before the July 31 trade deadline.

Alcántara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery but returned as Miami's Opening Day starter on March 27, 2025, striking out seven in a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Marlins president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, indicated that while Alcántara is a key player for the organization, they remain open to trade discussions.

After a season of injuries, Robert is seen as a trade candidate if he performs well; possible suitors are the Astros, Phillies, and Reds.

1B/DH Josh Bell of the Nationals has been traded at every deadline for the past three years and could be moved again, especially as the Nationals look to open up the DH spot for younger players.

Robert is in the final guaranteed season of his contract, earning $15 million, and has two team option years for $20 million each in 2026 and 2027.

The article identifies ten players likely to be traded, ranked by the likelihood of their departure from their current teams.

SP Erick Fedde of the Cardinals, an affordable rental starter, could be moved as the Cardinals navigate a 'reset' phase.

Other early trade candidates mentioned include RP José Leclerc (Athletics), SP/RP Steven Matz (Cardinals), OF Tommy Pham (Pirates), UTIL Josh Rojas (White Sox), and SP Max Scherzer (Blue Jays).

If Alcántara maintains his health and performance, he could yield a significant return in a trade, as he is under contract through 2026 with a $21 million team option for 2027.

Luis Robert Jr. is still with the White Sox despite missing two months in 2024 due to a hip injury, which affected his trade value.

Miami's payroll for 2025 is the lowest in MLB at $67.9 million, with Alcántara's salary of $17.3 million making up over 25% of that total, while no other player earns more than $3.5 million.