10 Players Who Could Be on the Move Following MLB Trade Deadline
Grant White
Host · Writer
10. Rowdy Tellez, DH - Texas Rangers
Alas, the most infamous casualty of last season, Rowdy Tellez, was cut from the Pirates ahead of reaching a substantial bonus for plate appearances. Unfortunately, he could be doomed to a similar fate in 2025.
The Texas Rangers have employed an all-hands-on-deck approach as they fight for their playoff lives. But if they continue to fall in the wrong direction, they could be tempted to cut ties and move on. With Tellez's pro-rated $1 million contract, there's minimal financial burden to relieve him from his duties as DH.
MLB Trade Deadline
The MLB Trade Deadline came and went with a flurry of action, but that doesn't preclude teams from making moves ahead of the postseason. Whether players are returning from injury and roster spots need to be made available, veterans are underperforming, or teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, want to pinch a few pennies, players could still be on the move.
Check out which 10 players could be playing with new teams before the end of the 2025 season!
1. Sandy Alcantara, RHP - Miami Marlins
Rumors were running rampant at the deadline that Sandy Alcantara would be on the move. Ultimately, no team elected to trade for the righty, but the Miami Marlins could still elect to cut ties with their former Cy Young winner in the form of a buyout.
Considering the $2 million buyout that lies on the horizon, it may be premature for the Marlins to move on from Alcantara. Still, $17 million for an ERA close to 7.00 is hardly worth the investment.
2. Travis d'Arnaud, C - Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels signed Travis d'Arnaud to a two-year, $12 million deal ahead of the 2025 season, but the early returns aren't promising.
d'Arnaud is slugging a career-worst .365, and Logan O'Hoppe has proven his worth as an everyday catcher. The Angels could elect to move on from d'Arnaud, allowing him to potentially sign with a playoff contender.
3. Kyle Farmer, 2B - Colorado Rockies
Never an offensive threat, Kyle Farmer's defensive versatility could make him an attractive get for many playoff teams.
The veteran made a name for himself on the infield, but he's taken reps in the outfield and has moonlighted as a relief pitcher late in games.
If the Colorado Rockies give some of their youngsters a go, Farmer could be flipping through the wanted ads before September.
4. Dylan Carlson, OF - Baltimore Orioles
Dylan Carlson's play this season is akin to what the Baltimore Orioles are going through as a team.
The 26-year-old outfielder has a .607 OPS, which would be reason for termination on most other teams. If the O's decide to cut their losses before the end of the season, Carlson could still have an opportunity on another squad.
5. Josh Lowe, OF - Tampa Bay Rays
Never afraid to make moves, the Tampa Bay Rays could grow tired of Josh Lowe's underperforming antics before the end of the season.
Lowe continues to struggle at the plate, logging just seven home runs and a .369 slugging percentage this season.
The Rays have flashed their outfield depth all season. We wouldn't be surprised if they decide to move on from Lowe, creating more space for some of their prospects.
6. Alek Thomas, OF - Arizona Diamondbacks
Alek Thomas is still young, making it less likely that the Arizona Diamondbacks decide to part ways. However, if the D-Backs do cut ties, there will be no shortage of teams looking to add the former highly-touted prospect on a cheap deal.
7. Michael A. Taylor, OF - Chicago White Sox
Michael A. Taylor is a defensive stalwart, albeit with limited offensive upside. While he's found a spot on an underachieving Chicago White Sox side, there could be a desire to move on from the outfielder to create a roster spot for one of their up-and-coming prospects. If that's the case, Taylor would be a prime candidate to be picked up as a late-game defensive contributor on a contender.
8. Michael Conforto, OF - Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't been fully healthy at any point this season, and that's allowed Michael Conforto to sleep comfortably. But with several roster players eventually on their way back, the veteran outfielder could find himself on the outside looking in.
Conforto has a .193 average and a .633 OPS, neither of which has been of any use in the Dodgers' mighty lineup. If they value offense over his defensive ability, Conforto's championship aspirations would come to a screeching halt.
9. Jake Burger, 1B - Texas Rangers
Jake Burger hasn't enjoyed his usual level of offensive success with the Texas Rangers. Toting a career-worst .692 OPS, Burger could be an unsuspecting casualty before the end of the season.
The Rangers have three other players they can turn to at first base, all of whom have more to offer than Burger. With a nominal salary, it could be easy for Texas to DFA Burger and move on.
10. Rowdy Tellez, DH - Texas Rangers
Alas, the most infamous casualty of last season, Rowdy Tellez, was cut from the Pirates ahead of reaching a substantial bonus for plate appearances. Unfortunately, he could be doomed to a similar fate in 2025.
The Texas Rangers have employed an all-hands-on-deck approach as they fight for their playoff lives. But if they continue to fall in the wrong direction, they could be tempted to cut ties and move on. With Tellez's pro-rated $1 million contract, there's minimal financial burden to relieve him from his duties as DH.
MLB Trade Deadline
The MLB Trade Deadline came and went with a flurry of action, but that doesn't preclude teams from making moves ahead of the postseason. Whether players are returning from injury and roster spots need to be made available, veterans are underperforming, or teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, want to pinch a few pennies, players could still be on the move.
Check out which 10 players could be playing with new teams before the end of the 2025 season!
