MLB · 3 months ago

Most Surprising 13 Players Not Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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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.
Joe Ryan – The Deadline’s Final Hour Shock
Joe Ryan had the buzz. With a 2.82 ERA and the seventh-best mark in the AL, he was a premier target. The Minnesota Twins' fire sale had everyone expecting a move. The Boston Red Sox reportedly pursued hard, but the return didn’t meet the Twins’ asking price. Still, after dealing so many others, keeping Ryan was among the deadline’s biggest curveballs.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
Joe Ryan – The Deadline’s Final Hour Shock
Joe Ryan had the buzz. With a 2.82 ERA and the seventh-best mark in the AL, he was a premier target. The Minnesota Twins' fire sale had everyone expecting a move. The Boston Red Sox reportedly pursued hard, but the return didn’t meet the Twins’ asking price. Still, after dealing so many others, keeping Ryan was among the deadline’s biggest curveballs.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Most Surprising 13 Players Not Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline

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