The whispers are starting. As some teams solidify their contender status and others see their playoff hopes dwindle, front offices begin the intricate dance of the MLB Trade Deadline. For contenders, it’s about plugging holes and adding firepower for the stretch run. For teams looking towards the future, it’s a crucial opportunity to acquire young talent by trading away established players.
While it’s still early, certain names and teams are already dominating the speculative chatter.
Here’s a look at potential trade candidates, categorized by potential impact:
The Potential Blockbusters (High Impact, High Cost)
These are the names that could significantly alter the pennant race, but acquiring them will require a substantial prospect package.
- Luis Robert Jr. (OF, Chicago White Sox):
- Profile: Dynamic center fielder with elite power/speed potential when healthy. A true game-changer.
- Situation: White Sox are clear sellers. Robert Jr. has team control through 2027 (including options), making him incredibly valuable but also incredibly expensive in terms of prospect return. Injury history is a concern.
- Potential Fits: Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, Orioles – any contender looking for a high-impact outfielder with control.
- Pete Alonso (1B, New York Mets):
- Profile: Pure, elite power hitter. A perennial home run threat.
- Situation: If the Mets decide to sell (a big “if” right now), the pending free agent Alonso would be their most valuable trade chip. He’d instantly upgrade the middle of any lineup.
- Potential Fits: Mariners (desperate for offense), Guardians, Cubs, Giants – teams needing a significant power boost.
- Mason Miller (RP, Oakland Athletics):
- Profile: Flame-throwing closer with absolutely electric stuff (100+ mph fastball, wipeout slider).
- Situation: Athletics are rebuilding. Miller has years of team control left. Trading him would require a massive haul, potentially making him untouchable, but contenders are desperate for elite bullpen arms.
- Potential Fits: Dodgers, Orioles, Cubs, Phillies, Yankees – virtually any contender would empty the farm for a controllable reliever this dominant.
- Garrett Crochet (SP, Chicago White Sox):
- Profile: Converted reliever having a breakout year as a starter with elite strikeout numbers.
- Situation: Like Robert Jr., he’s on a selling team with years of team control. His value is sky-high right now as a potential frontline starter.
- Potential Fits: Orioles, Padres, Brewers, Dodgers, Rangers – teams needing high-upside starting pitching help.
Starting Pitching Market (Always in Demand)
Injuries always create a need for reliable starting pitching down the stretch.
- Jesús Luzardo (SP, Miami Marlins):
- Profile: Talented lefty with good stuff and strikeout potential.
- Situation: Marlins are selling hard. Luzardo has team control through 2026, making him very attractive, though he’s battled injuries and inconsistency this year.
- Potential Fits: Orioles, Padres, Yankees, Brewers, Astros (if buying).
- Jack Flaherty (SP, Detroit Tigers):
- Profile: Former ace enjoying a strong bounce-back season with high strikeout rates.
- Situation: On a one-year deal with a rebuilding (but competitive) Tigers team. If Detroit falls back, he’s a prime rental candidate.
- Potential Fits: Padres, Brewers, Braves, Dodgers.
- Erick Fedde (SP, Chicago White Sox):
- Profile: Having a career renaissance after a stint in Korea. Reliable innings-eater.
- Situation: On a two-year deal with the selling White Sox. Offers affordable rotation depth.
- Potential Fits: Teams needing stable back-end rotation help – Cardinals (if buying), Red Sox, Twins.
- Tyler Anderson (SP, Los Angeles Angels):
- Profile: Veteran lefty innings-eater.
- Situation: Angels are going nowhere. Anderson has another year left on his deal after this season. Solid rental/short-term control option.
- Potential Fits: Braves, Brewers, Padres, Orioles.
Relief Pitching Help (Bullpen Reinforcements)
Contenders always look to shorten the game by adding quality bullpen arms.
- Tanner Scott (RP, Miami Marlins):
- Profile: High-leverage lefty reliever with closing experience.
- Situation: Pending free agent on a selling team. One of the top rental relievers likely available.
- Potential Fits: Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Orioles.
- Michael Kopech (RP, Chicago White Sox):
- Profile: High-velocity arm, moved to the bullpen. Strikeout potential but can be erratic.
- Situation: Controllable reliever on a selling team. High ceiling makes him intriguing.
- Potential Fits: Teams willing to bet on the upside – Padres, Cubs, Yankees.
- Assorted Arms: Look for veterans on expiring deals from teams like the Rockies (Jalen Beeks?), Angels (Carlos Estévez, Hunter Strickland?), A’s (Austin Adams?), and White Sox (Steven Wilson?) to be available.
Impact Bats & Positional Needs
Teams looking for offensive upgrades or specific positional reinforcements.
- Tommy Pham (OF, Chicago White Sox):
- Profile: Veteran outfielder, professional hitter, provides solid at-bats.
- Situation: On a one-year deal, perfect rental bat for a contender needing outfield depth or a DH boost.
- Potential Fits: Mariners, Royals, Guardians, Braves.
- Taylor Ward (OF, Los Angeles Angels):
- Profile: Solid offensive outfielder with some pop and on-base skills.
- Situation: Controllable through 2026 on a selling team. Could bring back a decent return.
- Potential Fits: Phillies, Guardians, Braves, Dodgers.
- Elias Díaz (C, Colorado Rockies):
- Profile: All-Star catcher having another solid offensive season.
- Situation: Pending free agent on the rebuilding Rockies. One of the best catchers potentially available.
- Potential Fits: Padres, Cubs, Rays – teams looking for an upgrade behind the plate.
Final Thoughts:
The trade deadline is a fluid situation. Injuries, hot streaks, and cold streaks between now and late July will drastically alter team needs and player availability. Will the Mets sell Alonso? Will the A’s actually move Mason Miller? Can the Astros claw back into contention and become buyers instead of sellers?
One thing is certain: the rumors will fly, the speculation will intensify, and the deals that eventually get made will shape the outcome of the 2024 MLB season. Let the games (and the hot stove) begin!
Who do YOU think is the most likely player to be traded? Which team desperately needs to make a move? Share your predictions in the comments below!
