Most Surprising 13 Players Not Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline

Luis Robert Jr. – A Familiar Trade Deadline Tease

Another deadline, another round of Luis Robert Jr. rumors. The Chicago White Sox center fielder was heating up at just the right time (.370, 1.040 OPS in last 13 games), but Chicago held firm. With $20M club options for 2026 and 2027, there was no rush—but his down year (81 wRC+) may have closed the door on a fair return.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.

The Pirates Trio That Stayed Put

The Pittsburgh Pirates were expected to be sellers—especially with Tommy Pham, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Andrew Heaney on expiring deals—but they stood pat. Pham’s July (.189 wRC+, 1.043 OPS) should’ve fetched value in a thin bat market. Heaney’s a veteran lefty, and Kiner-Falefa offered rare middle-infield versatility.

In a seller’s market, keeping all three was head-scratching.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.

Zac Gallen – Arizona’s Odd Deadline Hold

The Arizona Diamondbacks shipped out a flurry of names, but kept Zac Gallen, who trails only Alcantara in ERA futility (5.60) among qualified starters. Yet, his history and QO eligibility may have been enough for the D-Backs to hold onto.

Gallen’s still shown flashes, and Arizona likely valued his rebound potential over a deadline deal.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Marcell Ozuna – Too Risky, or Missed Opportunity?

Despite a nagging hip injury and a brutal July (.154 AVG), Marcell Ozuna still carries pop (15 HR, 117 wRC+). A free agent after 2025, he felt like the type of bat a contender might gamble on. The Atlanta Braves' offensive struggles made it even more surprising they didn’t flip him for bullpen help or depth.

MLB Trade Deadline Mistakes: 5 Teams Who Failed at the Deadline?

Mitch Keller & Dennis Santana, Still in the Steel City

Mitch Keller (3.69 ERA) and Dennis Santana (1.36 ERA, 4th-best among qualified relievers) had real trade value. Santana’s arbitration status and David Bednar already being shipped out made this a perfect time to cash in. Instead, the Pittsburgh Pirates opted to keep both, potentially missing out on prospects in a pitching-starved market.

Top 10 MLB World Series Winner Odds Before and After Trade Deadline

Sandy Alcantara & Edward Cabrera – The Fish Go All-In

Sandy Alcantara’s 6.36 ERA led MLB, but back-to-back scoreless starts hinted at a return to form. Edward Cabrera, meanwhile, is quietly having a breakout year (3.35 ERA, 3.16 BB/9, 9.0+ K/9). The Miami Marlins opted to keep both, believing a playoff push is still within reach—gambling on upside over return packages.

MLB Trade Deadline Tracker a Winners: Every Player Dealt, Every Trade

Dylan Cease – Padres Bet on a Second-Half Surge

Dylan Cease drew heavy interest, with the Houston Astros reportedly chasing hard. But the San Diego Padres held tight. His 4.79 ERA is misleading—he’s still whiffing hitters (11.64 K/9). In win-now mode after adding Mason Miller and JP Sears, the Padres are banking on Cease’s upside being more valuable than what teams were offering.

Steven Kwan – Shockingly Untouchable

A late riser in trade buzz, Steven Kwan drew plenty of interest after back-to-back All-Star seasons. With 4.2 fWAR in 2024 and elite defense, he’d be a prize for any contender. Under team control through 2027, the Cleveland Guardians may have rightly held firm—but in a seller’s market, the Guardians’ choice to stay quiet was a surprise.

Luis Robert Jr. – A Familiar Trade Deadline Tease

Another deadline, another round of Luis Robert Jr. rumors. The Chicago White Sox center fielder was heating up at just the right time (.370, 1.040 OPS in last 13 games), but Chicago held firm. With $20M club options for 2026 and 2027, there was no rush—but his down year (81 wRC+) may have closed the door on a fair return.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.