Detroit Tigers Pitcher Tops Updated MLB Trade Deadline List

ESPN published an updated ranking of MLB's top 100 trade deadline candidates on July 21, 2026. The list covers players discussed in potential trades with two weeks remaining before the deadline.

Skubal, a left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, ranks first on the list. ESPN assigned Skubal a 60 percent chance of being traded and described his rest-of-season impact as game-changing. Skubal returned from midseason bone chip surgery and reached 99.9 mph with his fastball, according to the report.

The article states that the Tigers trail by 4½ games for the final American League wild card spot and sit behind six other teams. Best-fit teams listed for Skubal include the Dodgers, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Phillies and Rays. The scouting report notes a four-seam fastball between 95 and 98 mph, a plus changeup, and above-average secondary pitches.

Buxton, a center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, ranks second. ESPN lowered his trade probability to 10 percent after the player and team both stated he would remain with Minnesota. The scouting report describes Buxton as an elite runner and defender with 30-plus homer potential. The article notes his contract runs two years beyond 2026 at slightly more than $15 million annually.