Last week we wrote about how Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho was among the most interesting potential trade deadline acquisitions for a team because of his defense. MLB Trade Rumors agreed and noted that he’ll probably be the top center fielder moved in the next few days.
Here are three other interesting trade candidates whose defense could have a notable impact for the team that acquires them.
Ty France
The most notable of those is Padres first baseman Ty France. The Padres are currently caught in a conundrum. They are hovering around .500 and have been within a few games of the third wild card spot with a veteran team. They could buy, but they’d be doing so knowing they have no real chance to catch the Dodgers, which means having to play in the wild card round.
If they sell, they’ve got a highly-appealing player in first baseman France. France went from barely making the team to being one of its stars. He’s currently the first base leader in Defensive Runs Saved despite ranking 21st in innings. It is his second straight strong season in Runs Saved after a run of years in which he rated below-average. He won the AL Gold Glove at first base last year.
One potential landing spot could be one with which he is quite familiar. The Mariners have Josh Naylor locked up long-term but Naylor ranks tied for last in Runs Saved at first base this season. France would certainly be a capable rental. France played for the Mariners from 2020 to 2024.
Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez has looked good at second base even if his Runs Saved hasn’t shown it. It was higher earlier in the season but currently stands at -1 for the season (MLB’s Fielding Run Value rates him among the best second basemen).
Arraez would be an upgrade for a lot of teams just because he’s been so good as a hitter. He’s currently hitting .325 for the Giants, who will almost surely be looking to trade him.
The Rangers seem like a fit both for his bat and his glove. After trading former defensive standout Marcus Semien to the Mets, the Rangers have not been able to replace Semien’s defense. Their -18 Runs Saved at second base is the worst total for any team at any position this season. Even a player who was average defensively should help.
Luis Robert & Tyrone Taylor
Luis Robert returned to the Mets lineup on July 20 after missing nearly three months with a back injury. He entered Wednesday 3-for-21 since his return with two home runs, including one that traveled an estimated 451 feet.
In terms of defense, Robert has basically been an average defensive player since 2024 but he has a track record, with past seasons of 9, 7, and 5 Runs Saved in center field.
Type “Luis Robert trade target” into Google and a lot of teams come up both for him and his teammate, Tyrone Taylor (who has been on an offensive tear lately). Taylor also has a good track record and unlike Robert has a good defensive history at all three outfield positions (Robert has played only center field).
The Yankees, Phillies, and Diamondbacks make some sense, as would the Marlins if they decide they’re in the race and commit to making trades to try to make the playoffs. The Marlins have -12 Runs Saved from center fielders this season, the second-worst total in MLB. Where Robert or Taylor go may depend on where Varsho ends up.
It also may depend on how much trade capital teams have to go after upgrades to their lineup and defense. MLB Trade Rumors put out a list of the Top 50 Deadline Trade Candidates. Of the top 20, 16 were pitchers. Those who miss bats may be prioritized over those who make plays.
Most Defensive Runs Saved – First Basemen in 2026
| Player | Runs Saved |
| Ty France | 12 |
| T.J. Rumfield | 9 |
| Vinnie Pasquantino | 5 |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 5 |
| Ildemaro Vargas | 5 |
| Matt Olson | 5 |
Fewest Defensive Runs Saved By Center Fielders – Teams in 2026
| Team | Runs Saved |
| Royals | -14 |
| Marlins | -12 |
| Pirates | -9 |
| Rockies | -9 |
| Astros | -8 |
