MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Stars Likely Staying Put in 2026

Major League Baseball fans are beginning to turn their attention to the 2026 trade deadline, which is set for 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, August 3. While speculation is inevitable, it’s far too early to make definitive predictions about who will be traded or which teams will emerge as buyers or sellers. With months remaining in the season, rosters and team strategies remain fluid.

That said, some players are widely expected to remain with their current teams due to contract structures, long-term value, or their role in team rebuilding plans. Two stars in particular—Pete Alonso of the Baltimore Orioles and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox—are likely to stay put for the stretch run of the 2026 season.

Pete Alonso: Baltimore Orioles Cornerstone

First baseman Pete Alonso, 25, recently signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in December after spending the first seven years of his career with the New York Mets. Known for his power and consistency at the plate, Alonso is a central figure in Baltimore’s long-term plans.

The Orioles are struggling this season, currently 17-21 and nine games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East. While the team is rebuilding and has lost 87 games last year, Alonso’s presence remains critical. Due to his significant contract and status as a cornerstone player, the Orioles are unlikely to consider moving him, even in a rebuilding year.

Alonso is not just an offensive threat; he also serves as a mentor for younger players, helping to cultivate the next generation of Orioles talent. Whether at bat or in the clubhouse, Alonso’s influence is integral to Baltimore’s effort to return to contention. Maintaining him in the lineup ensures that the team retains a foundation around which it can rebuild while remaining competitive in key matchups.

Alonso’s role extends beyond the numbers. As one of MLB’s premier power hitters, he continues to be a fan favorite and a marketing asset for the franchise, further solidifying his position as untouchable heading into the trade deadline.

Jarren Duran: Boston Red Sox Table-Setter

On the other side of the AL East, the Boston Red Sox are experiencing similar growing pains. Currently 16-22 and 10 games behind in the division, Boston has been struggling offensively, ranking 24th in MLB in runs scored with just 153 runs through early May.

Jarren Duran, the team’s 26-year-old designated hitter, has been an integral part of Boston’s lineup. His ability to set the table, create scoring opportunities, and contribute in key situations makes him a valuable asset for the Red Sox. While his name has surfaced in trade rumors, moving Duran would undermine the team’s remaining potential to compete for a wild card spot in the AL.

Duran’s contributions are particularly critical given Boston’s offensive struggles. As a table-setter, he helps ignite rallies and provides consistency at the top of the lineup, a component the Red Sox cannot afford to lose while still in playoff contention. If the Red Sox were to fall out of contention completely, trading Duran could become a consideration, but for now, keeping him in the lineup is the strategically sound choice.

Early Trade Deadline Considerations

While teams are already assessing their rosters, it is important to note that the trade deadline is still months away. With August 3 as the official cutoff, front offices have ample time to evaluate performance, injuries, and team needs. Premature speculation can often lead to misleading assumptions about which players are available or expendable.

For teams like the Orioles and Red Sox, the value of retaining core contributors outweighs short-term trade opportunities. Both Alonso and Duran provide leadership, stability, and performance metrics that are difficult to replace in a midseason deal.

Other factors influencing trade decisions include:

• Contract status: Long-term contracts like Alonso’s make moving the player financially and logistically complex.
• Team rebuilding plans: Players central to a team’s long-term strategy are generally protected from midseason trades.
• Positional scarcity: Both Alonso and Duran occupy roles that are difficult to replace, especially for teams in contention.
• Playoff potential: Teams still within striking distance of a postseason berth are more likely to hold onto key contributors rather than risk trading away critical talent.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 season progresses, MLB analysts will continue to monitor player performance, team standings, and potential trade negotiations. While the trade deadline will inevitably produce surprises, stars like Pete Alonso and Jarren Duran appear poised to remain with their respective teams, barring unforeseen circumstances.

For fans, this means that the core of the Orioles and Red Sox lineups is likely to stay intact, ensuring some continuity in the AL East. Both players are integral to their teams’ offensive strategy and long-term success, and their retention underscores the principle that elite talent is rarely expendable, even in struggling seasons.