When Is the MLB Trade Deadline? (Top Targets, Buyers and Sellers for 2022)
By Peter Dewey
Major League Baseball has returned from the All-Star break, which means the league’s trade deadline is getting closer.
Every year, contenders try to put together deals to improve their playoff chances to either make a run at a wild card spot or solidify themselves as a World Series contender.
This year, there aren’t going to be as many sellers with the addition of the third wild card team, but teams like the Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs will likely look to deal a few players at the deadline.
Will buyers like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and others go all in? It’s possible. Let’s jump into the timing and top targets at this year’s deadline:
When Is the MLB Trade Deadline in 2022? (MLB Trade Deadline Date)
- Date: Tuesday, Aug. 2
- Time: 6 p.m. EST
This year’s MLB trade deadline is later than the usual July 31 deadline, as it falls on a Sunday this year. Commissioner Rob Manfred has the power to set the date of the trade deadline as long as it is between July 28 and Aug. 3.
The extra days this year could give teams a better sense of what they need for the stretch run of the 2022 season.
2022 MLB Trade Deadline Potential Targets
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals
Juan Soto has 2.5 years left on his contract, but after rejecting the Nationals’ 15-year $440 million offer, it appears he could be on the move. The Nationals would get the most for Soto by trading him with more time on his deal, but is the organization really ready to move on from the superstar?
Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds
Luis Castillo has been fantastic in the 2022 season, posting a 2.77 ERA in 13 starts. The Reds are in last place in the NL Central, and moving on from Castillo with 1.5 years left on this deal could help jumpstart an obvious rebuild.
Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have progressively blown up their World Series team from 2016 by trading Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo last season, and they could do even more this season.
Willson Contreras is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, but the All-Star catcher would be a major upgrade for any team seeking help behind the plate.
Frankie Montas, Oakland Athletics
The A’s have traded away just about everyone over the past year, but Montas remains. He is having a solid year (3.16 ERA in 18 starts) and could help several contenders in need of another proven starter.
Andrew Benintendi, Kansas City Royals
Andrew Benintendi is hitting over .300 this season, and the All-Star outfielder could be on the move with the Royals out of the AL Central race.
Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs
Ian Happ is another Cub who is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, and it may make more sense for the team to deal him for prospects than continuing to attempt to work out a long-term deal.
Josh Bell, Washington Nationals
If the Nationals really decide to blow things up, the switch-hitting Josh Bell would be a valuable power bat for several lineups.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.