ESPN analysts outline hypothetical blockbuster trades ahead of 2026 MLB deadline
With the 3 August deadline approaching, experts propose moves involving the Brewers, White Sox and Yankees to address roster gaps and contract obligations.
Major League Baseball experts have published a series of hypothetical trade proposals ahead of the 2026 trade deadline on 3 August, aiming to stimulate market activity during a quiet period. ESPN analysts outlined blockbuster deals involving high-profile players to kick-start discussions, focusing on players ranked in the top 100 MLB trade candidates. The proposals target significant roster changes for franchises including the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
Analysts suggested the Milwaukee Brewers could acquire Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal to pair with Jacob Misiorowski. One proposal involved sending right-handed pitcher Logan Henderson, second baseman Josh Adamczewski and infielder Ricki Moneys to Detroit. Another suggestion from ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel proposed sending catcher Caden Bodine, shortstop Cooper Flemming and right-handed pitcher Michael Forret to Detroit, arguing that teams often value volume of prospects over individual rankings to manage risk.
The Chicago White Sox were also targeted in multiple scenarios. Brad Doolittle suggested the White Sox acquire San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller, who is under club control for three seasons, in exchange for Billy Carlson or Caleb Bonemer. Jesse Rogers proposed a separate deal for the White Sox to acquire right-handed pitcher Mason Adams from the Cincinnati Reds for short-term starter Singer. Eric Karabell added that the White Sox could acquire Clay Holmes from the New York Mets for David Sandlin to bolster their starting rotation.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor was suggested to move from the New York Mets to the New York Yankees. Jorge Castillo noted that Lindor has full no-trade protection and a $160 million contract, which the Yankees would need to absorb. The proposal aims to help the Mets break up the dynamic with Juan Soto while allowing the Yankees to address their shortstop position. Castillo suggested the Yankees might offer shortstop Dax Kilby in return, though they would not offer George Lombard Jr.
Other experts targeted different franchises. Tristan Cockcroft proposed the Philadelphia Phillies acquire Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, who would waive his no-trade clause, for Justin Crawford, Gage Wood and Cade Obermueller. Jesse Rogers also mentioned the Twins’ catcher Ryan Jeffers as a potential target for the Yankees due to their need for right-handed hitting. David Schoenfield suggested the Boston Red Sox acquire shortstop Jeremy Pena from the Houston Astros, potentially including prospect Mayer, in exchange for Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon.
