MLB trade deadline heats up with Peralta, Greene, Marlins and Angels at centre of rumours
MLB trade deadline preview: teams circle Freddy Peralta, Hunter Greene, Otto Lopez and Liam Hicks as buyers and sellers shape the market before Monday’s cutoff.
The MLB trade deadline is poised to erupt after a relatively quiet early week, with several high-profile pitchers and breakout position players drawing sustained interest from contenders and sellers alike. Freddy Peralta, Hunter Greene and Miami’s emerging duo Otto Lopez and Liam Hicks headline a flurry of rumours that could reshape playoff races before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline. Clubs are balancing immediate roster needs with long-term control, and the weekend is likely to determine whether rebuilding clubs cash in or hold their key assets.
Peralta drawing multi-team interest despite struggles
Freddy Peralta’s time in New York has not matched preseason expectations, yet multiple teams continue to monitor the right-hander closely. Peralta’s ERA and peripheral declines have raised questions, but scouts and front offices believe usage tweaks or pitch adjustments could restore his upper-rotation form. Tampa Bay, both Chicago clubs, San Diego and Arizona have been linked to scouting reports, suggesting Peralta remains viewed as a fixable asset rather than a lost cause. With a scheduled start before the deadline, Peralta will have one more chance to showcase traits that made him an elite strikeout pitcher just a season ago.
Reds shopping Hunter Greene amid heavy interest
Cincinnati’s decision-making at the deadline appears to include Hunter Greene among their most valuable trade chips, according to league reports identifying significant interest in the flamethrowing righty. Greene’s underlying metrics — notably his elite fastball velocity and high strikeout rate — keep him attractive despite a higher ERA this season. The 26-year-old is under team control through 2028, making him a coveted, controllable starter capable of returning a substantial prospect package. The Reds face a classic deadline calculus: trade a future-building asset now to accelerate a rebuild or hold Greene as the cornerstone of the next contending window.
Marlins list Lopez and Hicks among available pieces
Miami’s midseason slide has prompted a shift toward a more open-market posture, with the club reportedly making most players available aside from its two premier starters. Among the names drawing attention are Canadians Otto Lopez and Liam Hicks, who have emerged as breakout contributors. Lopez ranks among league leaders in hits and has combined average with speed and versatility that appeals to playoff-bound teams seeking offensive insurance. Hicks offers a patient offensive profile with power and on-base skills, prompting speculation that a buyer such as Boston could assemble a costly package to acquire both infielders.
Angels willing to discuss Neto Detmers and Soriano
Under interim general manager John Mozeliak, the Los Angeles Angels are signaling a new willingness to explore trade conversations involving controllable talent rather than only expiring contracts. Shortstop Zach Neto and pitchers Reid Detmers and José Soriano are under club control beyond 2026, which raises the possibility of significant returns if Los Angeles opts to move any of them. The Angels are reportedly assessing market value for each player while stopping short of committing to trades, leaving the door open for last-minute deals that could alter both the Halos’ future and the deadline landscape. Any departures would also create immediate needs that the Angels could address by reloading their farm system.
Contenders outline urgent deadline targets
Several playoff hopefuls continue to identify specific roster needs as the clock winds down, with some clubs focused on rotation upgrades and others chasing bullpen depth or left-handed hitting. The Yankees, after a hamstring injury to a key outfielder, remain active in seeking a catcher, a right-handed power bat and relief reinforcements. Other contenders are reported to be pursuing high-upside arms and controllable position players who can slot into October lineups. The market’s supply of tradable, team-controlled starters like Greene and potentially Peralta will be a major determinant of how aggressive buyers can be this weekend.
Nationals weighing extension for Foster Griffin
Not every deadline storyline centers on trades; the Washington Nationals are reportedly exploring a contract extension for Foster Griffin after his All-Star resurgence. Griffin’s performance since returning to the major leagues has shifted team calculus from immediate sale to potential retention, reflecting how standout returns from rehabbing or rebound players can change deadline dynamics. Teams now face more complex decisions as performance spikes can convert trade candidates into core pieces, reducing available inventory and intensifying competition for proven veterans.
As the deadline approaches, the interplay between controllable high-upside players and short-term rentals will define how front offices price assets and pursue deals. Buyers must weigh playoff urgency against long-term cost, while sellers must judge whether the return packages justify parting with young talent. Expect increased activity through Sunday and a likely flurry of finalized deals in the hours before the MLB trade deadline closes on Monday.
