MLB Trade Deadline: Four Under-the-Radar Players Whom Contenders Could Target

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The week leading up to the MLB trade deadline typically generates significant excitement, but 2025 may prove different. With 12 American League teams and 10 National League clubs within 5.5 games of a playoff spot entering Thursday's action, the usual superstar movement appears unlikely. However, this competitive balance doesn't diminish the potential impact of strategic acquisitions.

History teaches us that the biggest names dealt at the trade deadline don't always deliver the most significant impact. Sometimes, the most valuable additions come from players acquired with minimal fanfare who subsequently become playoff heroes. The Atlanta Braves exemplified this perfectly in 2021, trading for Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler to tepid reviews, only to watch Rosario claim NLCS MVP honors and Soler capture World Series MVP as the team surged to a championship.

The Hidden Value in Deadline Deals

These under-the-radar acquisitions represent one of baseball's most intriguing dynamics. Players overlooked by media and fans can become difference-makers when placed in the right organizational context. Some are frequently mentioned trade candidates who don't receive proper recognition for their abilities, while others operate completely beneath the radar.

The following four players may not generate newspaper headlines when traded, but they possess the talent and circumstances to significantly impact the 2025 season for their new organizations.

Edward Cabrera: The High-Upside Starter

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera represents the ideal trade deadline target - a player with an established floor, untapped potential, and multiple years of team control. The 6-foot-5 right-hander has long carried the "if he ever figures it out" label, and recent developments suggest he's finally solving the puzzle.

Cabrera's breakthrough has coincided with strategic adjustments to his approach. This season marks the first time he's utilized a sinker as his primary fastball while dropping his arm slot, generating consistently solid results with a 3.48 ERA and 3.56 FIP. These numbers reflect competent major league production, but advanced metrics suggest significant untapped potential remains.

His strike+ rating ranks eighth among pitchers with minimum 75 innings, measuring effectiveness at generating whiffs or called strikes based on pitch types. However, Cabrera's value primarily stems from his ability to generate called strikes, ranking sixth league-wide in looking strike percentage. His Whiff+ rating places him 70th among the same group, indicating room for improvement in generating swings and misses despite his impressive arsenal.

The increased sinker usage has enhanced his fastball's effectiveness, though the pitch still gets hit hard despite above-average velocity from his imposing frame. Teams believing they can optimize his grip or mechanics might pay premium prices for a pitcher with three years of team control remaining beyond 2025.

Concerns exist regarding Cabrera's age (27) and injury history - he's never thrown 100 innings in a season and has logged 88.0 innings this year. However, organizations confident in his medical evaluation could acquire a pitcher finally healthy enough to harness his considerable upside.

Brock Stewart: The Specialist Weapon

Minnesota Twins reliever Brock Stewart operates so far under the radar that many informed MLB fans haven't heard his name. Yet dismissing him as a depth piece would be a significant mistake.

Stewart's journey through baseball's margins includes time with independent league team Chicago Deep Dish, hardly a traditional pipeline to major league success. His second MLB stint began promisingly with a 0.65 ERA and 2.20 FIP across 27.2 innings in 2023, though injury limited him to 15.2 innings in 2024.

This season has marked Stewart's resurrection. His moving fastball and sweeper from an unconventional arm angle create devastating effectiveness against right-handed hitters. His OPS allowed against righties ranks second-best among pitchers facing at least 50 such hitters, trailing only Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski.

While the three-batter minimum rule complicates deploying specialists with dramatic splits, Stewart's dominance against right-handed hitting represents enormous playoff value. Few pitchers would be preferable in crucial situations against elite right-handed threats like Aaron Judge or Fernando Tatis Jr. His overall 2.51 ERA and 3.12 FIP reflect consistent excellence.

With two years remaining on his contract, the Twins might retain Stewart, but financial constraints could motivate them to seek prospects who might develop into affordable everyday players. Smart organizations will recognize his unique value if made available.

Austin Slater: The Proven Platoon Option

Without marquee offensive talents available, contending teams may pursue proven platoon specialists like Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Slater. The veteran has built his career mastering left-handed pitching, though a down 2024 season led to his one-year deal with rebuilding Chicago.

Slater's career .797 OPS against lefties has improved to .852 in 2025, demonstrating sustained effectiveness against southpaws. His overall production has been impressive despite missing time with a torn meniscus. Among MLB hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, his RV+ ranks 15th, indicating superior contact quality.

The strategic value becomes more apparent considering lefties dominate modern baseball more than ever. Teams seeking the short side of an outfield platoon will find Slater's proven track record appealing, particularly given the White Sox's likely willingness to deal from their rebuilding roster.

Ramon Laureano: The Overlooked Power Threat

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramon Laureano represents perhaps the deadline's most surprising omission from widespread trade discussions. His transformation into a legitimate offensive threat deserves significantly more attention.

Laureano's profile combines below-average contact rates (94.8 contact+) with above-average discipline (107.7 discipline+). However, his true value emerges in damage potential when making contact. His 157.8 BIP+ ranks 33rd among qualified major league hitters, reflecting exceptional ability to generate hard contact.

Concerns exist regarding sustainability, as July performance has declined following a hot May-June stretch. He also hasn't posted an OPS+ of 110 or greater across a full season since 2021. However, his performance since joining Atlanta last year provides nearly a full season of .800+ OPS production between late 2024 and early 2025.

With difference-making hitters at a premium, Laureano's power potential becomes increasingly valuable. The Orioles hold an affordable $6.5 million team option for 2026, but would likely move him for appropriate compensation.

The Strategic Advantage

These four players illustrate why successful organizations look beyond headline acquisitions. Teams that identify and acquire undervalued talent often gain competitive advantages over those pursuing obvious but expensive targets. In a deadline market lacking superstar availability, organizations emphasizing scouting and player development may find significant value in these overlooked contributors.

The 2025 trade deadline may lack the usual fireworks, but smart teams will recognize that championships are often built through strategic accumulation of underrated talent rather than blockbuster deals.

Thanks to Stats Perform for providing statistical data and photography

More information:24live.com