The MLB trade deadline is on July 31, and buyers and sellers are starting to become clearer. The deadline is usually full of some surprises, but every year, there are a few names that seem destined to be moved. Here are five international stars who could be wearing different uniforms when August rolls around.
Sandy Alcántara, P, Miami Marlins – Alcántara may not be the same pitcher he was when he won the 2022 National League Cy Young Award. However, the Dominican Republic native could benefit from a fresh start on a team with postseason aspirations. In 2022, Alcántara had a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts, along with a league-leading six complete games and 228 2/3 innings of work. However, since then, he has a 5.03 ERA in 40 starts and has undergone Tommy John surgery. This year, he has a 7.89 ERA and is not necessarily looking like a superstar. However, some teams may be willing to take a chance in hopes of him finding his stride again. He is under club control through 2027 after signing a five-year, $56 million extension before the 2022 season, which includes a club option for 2027.
Potential Suitors – Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs
Freddy Peralta, P, Milwaukee Brewers – The Milwaukee Brewers have seemingly found their rhythm after an underwhelming start to the season. They have won 14 of their last 20, but they could still find themselves as sellers at the trade deadline. The Brewers have shown they would rather trade pitchers a year before a contract year, as they did with Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams and Josh Hader. As a small market team, trading Peralta might be a tough decision they have to make if they are not a contender by the deadline. Peralta has an $8 million club option for 2026 and would be one of the best pitchers available at the deadline. He has a 2.69 ERA in 14 starts and could be a great addition for a team in need of an elite starter. The Dominican-born ace could find himself on a World Series contender if the Brewers decide they are do not have a realistic chance at winning the World Series this season.
Potential Suitors – Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians
Luis Robert Jr., OF, Chicago White Sox – Robert was an All-Star in 2023. The biggest knock on him has been his lack of ability to stay healthy, but in 2023, he showed what he could do when he played a full season. In 145 games, he hit 38 home runs and had a .857 OPS. This year, he is not playing well, despite being healthy. In 57 games, he has a .181 batting average. However, he does have 21 stolen bases. Right now, not many teams are going to see him as a piece that can get them over the top. The Cuban outfielder signed a six-year, $50 million extension before he ever made his debut. He has a $20 million club option in each of the next two seasons, and right now, he is playing like someone the White Sox will not want to exercise that option for. A change of scenery and being surrounded by better hitters could do him some good. His value is at an all-time low, and teams could be willing to take a chance on his potential.
Potential Suitors – Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets
Tomoyuki Sugano, P, Baltimore Orioles – Sugano signed with the Baltimore Orioles last offseason after spending 12 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yomiuri Giants. He had a 2.43 ERA in NPB and was a two-time Sawamura Award winner, two-time Central League MVP and a four-time ERA champion. The Orioles seem poised to be sellers at the trade deadline. They are 26-37 and have already fired Brandon Hyde. Sugano has a 3.04 ERA in 12 starts and will be a free agent after the season. The 35-year-old veteran has been one of the bright spots on the Orioles and can be a key player on a contender.
Potential Suitors – Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs
Aroldis Chapman, P, Boston Red Sox – The “Cuban Missile” is still lighting up the radar gun at 37 years old. He has a 1.73 ERA and 10 saves this year. The Boston Red Sox are not quite sellers yet, but are heading in that direction thanks to injuries and some inconsistent pitching. Chapman will be a free agent after the season and his experience and dominance this season make him a prime candidate for any contender.
Potential Suitors – Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers
Photo: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Baltimore, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Could Sugano be traded at the deadline? (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
