As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches on August 3, several All-Star players lie at the center of potential transactions that could reshape rosters across the league. With the 96th All-Star Game set for July 18 in Philadelphia, focus is already shifting toward the heavy trading expected in the weeks that follow.

One of the most notable players likely to be on the move is Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has recorded a 4-4 record with a 3.15 ERA this season, returning recently from arthroscopic elbow surgery that sidelined him for five weeks. Despite the Tigers’ disappointing campaign, Skubal remains a highly sought-after talent. Rival executives have identified the Atlanta Braves as the leading candidate to acquire him, though the final decision could come down to the deadline’s closing hours.

Boston’s bullpen veteran Aroldis Chapman is also expected to draw significant trade interest. The 38-year-old reliever is 16-for-18 in save opportunities with a 2.19 ERA but has struggled recently, blowing two saves and allowing runs in three of his past six outings. The Red Sox, who hold a 37-47 record, are within 5½ games of a wild-card spot despite their overall disappointing season. Chapman, who has played for seven teams over his 17-year career, is widely predicted to be the marquee reliever traded at the deadline.

Another Red Sox pitcher, Sonny Gray, has been a standout with a 9-1 record and a 2.69 ERA. He has exceeded expectations since Boston acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals, who partially subsidized his contract. However, Gray’s complete no-trade clause and financial considerations—owing about $11 million in salary plus a $10 million buyout on his mutual option—complicate potential moves. Should the Red Sox decide to trade him, Gray’s preferences and the team’s need to stay competitive in the wild-card race will be key factors, with the Braves and Chicago White Sox among the possible destinations.

The San Francisco Giants have signaled their openness to trading high-priced players except for ace Logan Webb. Among their valuable assets is infielder Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion hitting .331 this season with an exceptionally low strikeout rate. Arraez has also developed impressive defensive skills, emerging as a Gold Glove candidate at second base. Despite his popularity within the clubhouse, the Giants appear prepared to trade him and allow him to enter free agency next year, aiming to capitalize on his increased market value.

The Los Angeles Angels’ pitcher Jose Soriano has experienced a more mixed season, going 8-5 with a 3.42 ERA after an outstanding April start. With over two years of team control remaining and a relatively modest $2.9 million salary this year, Soriano’s fate may hinge on owner Arte Moreno’s willingness to allow interim general manager John Mozeliak to execute a trade. Moreno has historically been reluctant to trade young players under team control, though a rebuilding approach could alter that stance.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez stands out with a 7-2 record and a 2.21 ERA, marking the strongest season of his career. The right-hander looks poised for his first All-Star selection. The Diamondbacks are precariously positioned 2½ games outside the playoff picture, excelling against some opponents but struggling overall. Should they fall further behind, they may be compelled to consider trading Rodriguez, despite his $21 million salary projected for 2027.

Finally, Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, who was previously placed on the trade block, has seen his value increase with a .273 batting average, 18 home runs, and a .866 OPS this season. The Nationals, currently 44-43 and only 2½ games out of a playoff spot, face public relations risks if they trade Abrams, who remains under team control through 2028. As a result, the team is unlikely to move him immediately but may explore trade options in the future if a contract extension is not reached.

As the trade deadline nears, teams will weigh immediate competitive needs against longer-term strategic goals, setting the stage for one of the most active trading periods in recent memory.