Because the standings do not yet provide clarity on which bubble teams will buy or sell, our first trade deadline will focus on which relievers may be “on the block” and potential stash candidates if they are traded. Following the All-Star break, we will provide updates for each league in our more traditional coverage, culminating in the July 31 deadline tracker.
In this post ($) by Jim Bowden, he polled front offices regarding which relievers are most likely to be moved before the trade deadline passes. There are no guarantees they will be. In order of their listing:
- Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
- David Bednar (PIT)
- Dennis Santana (PIT)
- Félix Bautista (BAL)
- Mason Miller (ATH)
- Ryan Helsley (STL)
- Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
- Jhoan Durán (MIN)
- Griffin Jax (MIN)
By team:
Boston Red Sox: A decision on Aroldis Chapman will be difficult. He has been terrific this season, converting 15 of his first 16 save chances with a 0.78 WHIP, a 31.6 K-BB percentage, and a robust 20.7 percent swinging strike rate, currently a career best through his first 39 appearances. He’s on a one-year deal, and if the team’s trying to compete while building an optimal roster for 2026, trading him and bringing him back makes sense.
- Jordan Hicks has emerged as the right-handed complement for Chapman and could be the main beneficiary of a trade since Justin Slaten has been progressing slowly during his rehab from a shoulder injury.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Rumors have circulated that the Pirates are willing to trade Bednar and Santana as a package, with the Phillies among the teams interested. Both are under team control through the end of next year, enhancing their appeal.
- Isaac Mattson has posted a 0.72 WHIP with a 21.2 K-BB percentage. He has a swinging strike rate over ten percent with three pitches: four-seam fastball (11 percent), change-up (13.3 percent), and slider (18.5 percent). He needs to improve against left-handed hitters, but remains an intriguing stash candidate in the event his teammates are traded.
Baltimore Orioles: It’s challenging to ascertain if the Orioles are willing to move “The Mountain” or if teams are trying to talk it into existence. Bautista is under team control through 2027, rounding into past form after returning from Tommy John surgery. However, Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto are pending free agents, making the likelihood they are moved much more certain, even if the Orioles go on a heater.
- I think Bautista won’t be moved. If he is, Bryan Baker would be the last man standing for the second half.
The Athletics: Like Bautista above, teams may be more interested in acquiring Miller than the A’s are willing to trade him. They should listen, and if they get a deal they cannot refuse, he could be traded. However, this feels like a reach right now, but things can change rapidly over the next two weeks.
- If Miller’s moved, Jack Perkins could be transitioned into a one-inning reliever. He has recorded two saves this season, both of which were three-inning outings, although one was a 3.1-inning appearance. Through three games and 9.1 innings, he has a 22.9 K-BB percentage with a 17.2 percent swinging strike rate.
St. Louis Cardinals: Pending free agent Ryan Helsley should be moved if the team remains committed to its rebuild.
- Andre Granillo had a memorable day on June 19, recording his first career win and first career save during a doubleheader. He has returned to Triple-A but could be in the mix for save chances following the trade deadline. His 39.4 strikeout percentage from Triple-A has yet to translate, but with better command of his four-seam fastball, success may follow. Also of interest: Riley O’Brien and Matt Svanson.
Cleveland Guardians: There were undercurrents of discussions about Clase in the preseason, and talks about moving him may resurface. His $4.9 million salary this year rises to $6.4 million in 2026, followed by club options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028. He leads all relievers with 175 saves since 2021 but has posted a career worst 1.32 WHIP through his first 40 games this season.
- Cade Smith lies in wait, though he has implosions. He has been scoreless in 33 of his 39 outings, but allowed four earned runs in two games, accounting for eight of his 13 earned runs through 36.2 innings.
Minnesota Twins: Trading one of Durán or Jax feels strange, but anything is possible depending on the return.
- If either or both get moved, Louis Varland stands to benefit from a fantasy standpoint.
Also Available
Atlanta Braves: Raisel Iglesias has been scoreless in his last 11 appearances since June 9, posting a 0.722 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against one walk (36.1 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings. He is a free agent at the end of the year. Pierce Johnson has a club option for 2026, and Aaron Bummer will be a free agent in 2027.
Baltimore Orioles: Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto are free agents at the end of the season. Andrew Kittredge and Bryan Baker could also be on the market if the team sells.
Colorado Rockies: Jake Bird not only has two options remaining, but he will not be a free agent until 2029, though his arbitration window opens at the end of 2025.
Miami Marlins: Anthony Bender will be under team control until the end of 2026, and Calvin Faucher will not be a free agent until 2030.
Washington Nationals: Kyle Finnegan will enter free agency at the end of the year, but should be moved before the deadline. With a new manager pending, usage patterns over the next two weeks will be pivotal to identify who gets the ninth. The team has signed Luis García, allowing him to enter the mix with Jose A. Ferrer, Brad Lord, and Mason Thompson for leverage opportunities.
Possibly Available
Arizona Diamondbacks: Shelby Miller will be a free agent at the end of the season. Kevin Ginkel would be the beneficiary if Miller’s moved.
**UPDATE: With Miller being placed on the injured list, his trade status will be in limbo based on the imaging results—more bad luck for this team.
Cincinnati Reds: If the Reds falter, Emilio Pagán and Taylor Rogers will be free agents at the end of 2025, and if moved, Graham Ashcraft should audition for the ninth.
St. Louis Cardinals: As mentioned above, Maton will be a free agent in 2026, as will Steven Matz; both should be traded if the team is in sell mode.
Texas Rangers: If the Rangers abandon chasing the playoffs, Chris Martin, Shawn Armstrong, and Hoby Milner will be free agents at the end of the season.
Check back after the All-Star break for updates by leagues with our buy+, buy, sell+, and sell recommendations.
Closer Monkey Emails for 2025
This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.
Premium subscribers can still use this link for daily, ad-free content or submit a $25 payment via Venmo to @gjewett9.
If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to the address above.
Thanks for being part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits: