5 under-the-radar MLB trade targets, from Reid Detmers to Gavin Sheets
This year’s trade deadline will be full of known commodities. From the likes of Tarik Skubal and Aroldis Chapman to Joe Ryan and Freddy Peralta, there will be no shortage of big names swirling in the rumors over the next six weeks.
But sometimes, it’s the under-the-radar moves or even the off-the-radar trades that end up being the most impactful splashes in the push for the playoffs.
With that in mind, here are five under-the-radar trade targets who could make a big difference for a contender at this year’s trade deadline.
Reid Detmers, SP, Los Angeles Angels
Ever since Detmers was the 10th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, there has been belief that the left-hander has the stuff to be a frontline starter. And over his first few years in the big leagues, there were flashes, including when Detmers tossed a no-hitter during his rookie year in 2022. Since then, however, the lack of consistency in his production led first to him being demoted in 2024 and then to a full-time move to the bullpen last year.
But this season, Detmers has begun to reemerge and show the electric stuff that made him a top-10 pick. The Angels’ southpaw is 2-5 with a 4.00 ERA and 2.87 FIP in 14 starts. And while he has pitched to a 3.86 ERA over his past seven outings, what really makes Detmers stand out is his big-time stuff. He’s currently sixth in MLB in strikeouts this season, and he showed how electric he can be in his start on May 24, when he allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 14 batters across eight innings against the Rangers.
The Angels will certainly be sellers at the trade deadline. For any contenders looking to add big-time swing-and-miss to the rotation without going the rental route, Detmers could be their guy.
Taylor Ward, OF/DH, Baltimore Orioles
Ward was one of the more under-the-radar acquisitions this past offseason. The 32-year-old was traded to Baltimore for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez after eight years with the Angels. Ward has always been a productive player, particularly the past four years, but in his first season with the O’s, the left fielder has taken one area of his game to another level.
Ward has become an on-base machine this season. He’s currently third in MLB with 63 walks and a .404 on-base percentage. He’s hitting .258 with 3 homers, 20 RBI and 16 doubles. Ward, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, could be the perfect low-cost rental for a team looking to add a right-handed bat.
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
In his first two seasons with the Diamondbacks, Rodriguez didn’t make the impact that many thought he would after signing a four-year, $80 million deal in 2023. Those first two seasons in Arizona saw him deal with both injuries and underperformance, leaving a lot to be desired. But so far in 2026, the D-backs’ southpaw looks like he has gotten back to his old ways. Rodriguez, 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA, has quietly been one of the best starters in the National League. The D-backs’ lefty has allowed three or fewer runs in 11 of his 14 starts this season.
Rodriguez does have a limited no-trade clause, which shortens the list of potential suitors. But if the right fit comes along, acquiring a veteran left-hander with postseason experience is the type of move many contending teams would and should make.
Gavin Sheets, 1B/DH/OF, San Diego Padres
On a roster full of All-Stars and some of the largest contracts in the sport, the Padres’ best hitter in 2026 has been slugger Gavin Sheets. The 30-year-old is putting together another strong season in 2026 after a career year in his first season in San Diego. The Padres’ designated hitter and outfielder is slashing .232/.322/.458 with a team-leading 11 homers and 30 RBI.
Sheets is the type of ancillary piece who could be a solid contributor in an established lineup, providing thump and a strong left-handed option in a platoon. The Padres are having a weird season and just can’t seem to find a way to get consistent offense. While Padres president of baseball operations AJ Preller is never one to wave the white flag, if San Diego continues to fall back in the standings, he could get some calls on his designated hitter.
Anthony Bender, RP, Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins have quietly developed into a pitching powerhouse over the past few seasons, and one of their recent success stories is Bender, who emerged as one of the best relievers in MLB last season. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.07 ERA this season and has increased his strikeout rate to 30%, up from 20.6% last season, when he had a 2.16 ERA.
The Marlins are likely to hang around in the NL wild-card race, as they’ve proven themselves to be a competitive team over the past two seasons. But the front office has also shown a willingness to make a move that helps the team’s future. Every contender needs bullpen pieces, and Bender could yield a strong return as one of the best relief arms moved at this deadline.
