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With so many teams still in position to make the postseason, this is going to be one of the most interesting MLB trade deadlines we’ve seen. Even with all the rumors that float around leading up to deadline day, there always seems to be shocking trades made every year. Let’s take a look at some potential trades that could catch us by surprise.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Apr 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Luis Robert, we hardly knew you. Not like it should have come as a surprise, but Robert found his way to the 60-day Injured List this season. For as talented as he is, the outfielder simply cannot stay healthy. The fact that the New York Mets thought otherwise this season is laughable, but that’s a story for another time.
From a prospect perspective, the Mets likely won’t regret trading Luisangel Acuna more than having planned to rely on Robert. However, AJ Ewing and Carson Benge have emerged in the outfield for New York, and they deserve to play every day alongside Juan Soto. That means there’s no spot for Robert, so a trade of the impending free agent would be addition by subtraction.
The Astros are trying to tread a fine line between competing and not moving prospect capital, and their outfield is weak. This move makes sense for both teams as Houston gets a low-cost upgrade and the Mets clear a lineup spot.
MORE: 5 MLB pitchers who will be traded before the trade deadline
Jul 11, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) hits a home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Seeing two divisional rivals both competing for the postseason trade with each other is rare, at best.
This past off-season, the Orioles tried to add some right-handed power by trading for Taylor Ward. However, after hitting 36 home runs with 103 RBI last season, Ward is at just seven home runs and 27 RBI this year. The outfielder is headed to free agency, and retaining him is not going to be in Baltimore’s plans.
The Yankees don’t have a legitimate timetable on the returns of both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, which leaves their lineup extremely lacking from the right side of the plate. Acquiring Ward would provide a solid solution at a limited cost.
May 29, 2026; MLB. New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
It must be the Mets. The version of Peralta that the Mets traded for is not the same pitcher who was an All-Star pitcher with the Brewers. He’s going to be a free agent after the season, and there were already major doubts about New York’s ability to resign him. Now that the Mets’ season is off the rails, they need to move on from him.
With Brandon Woodruff on the 60-day Injured List and Milwaukee trying to monitor Jacob Misiorowski, pitching is at a premium as the Brewers look to stay on top of the American League Central. Why wouldn’t they take Peralta back as they know he never wanted to really leave and he’s already comfortable there.
The Mets aren’t going to get Brandon Sproat, and likely Jett Williams, back, but they could at least recover some prospect capital.
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MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Luis Robert Traded to the Houston Astros
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Apr 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Luis Robert, we hardly knew you. Not like it should have come as a surprise, but Robert found his way to the 60-day Injured List this season. For as talented as he is, the outfielder simply cannot stay healthy. The fact that the New York Mets thought otherwise this season is laughable, but that’s a story for another time.
From a prospect perspective, the Mets likely won’t regret trading Luisangel Acuna more than having planned to rely on Robert. However, AJ Ewing and Carson Benge have emerged in the outfield for New York, and they deserve to play every day alongside Juan Soto. That means there’s no spot for Robert, so a trade of the impending free agent would be addition by subtraction.
The Astros are trying to tread a fine line between competing and not moving prospect capital, and their outfield is weak. This move makes sense for both teams as Houston gets a low-cost upgrade and the Mets clear a lineup spot.
MORE: 5 MLB pitchers who will be traded before the trade deadline
The Baltimore Orioles Trade with the New York Yankees
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Jul 11, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) hits a home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Seeing two divisional rivals both competing for the postseason trade with each other is rare, at best.
This past off-season, the Orioles tried to add some right-handed power by trading for Taylor Ward. However, after hitting 36 home runs with 103 RBI last season, Ward is at just seven home runs and 27 RBI this year. The outfielder is headed to free agency, and retaining him is not going to be in Baltimore’s plans.
The Yankees don’t have a legitimate timetable on the returns of both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, which leaves their lineup extremely lacking from the right side of the plate. Acquiring Ward would provide a solid solution at a limited cost.
Freddy Peralta Goes Back to Milwaukee
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May 29, 2026; MLB. New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
It must be the Mets. The version of Peralta that the Mets traded for is not the same pitcher who was an All-Star pitcher with the Brewers. He’s going to be a free agent after the season, and there were already major doubts about New York’s ability to resign him. Now that the Mets’ season is off the rails, they need to move on from him.
With Brandon Woodruff on the 60-day Injured List and Milwaukee trying to monitor Jacob Misiorowski, pitching is at a premium as the Brewers look to stay on top of the American League Central. Why wouldn’t they take Peralta back as they know he never wanted to really leave and he’s already comfortable there.
The Mets aren’t going to get Brandon Sproat, and likely Jett Williams, back, but they could at least recover some prospect capital.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
