Mets 1B Pete Alonso (20) - David Banks/USA Today Sports
With the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, many players are still looking for positions on teams. While there is no way of telling who will go where, we thought we’d put together a list of 8 MLB trade candidates who could be traded before the deadline. (in no particular order)
8 MLB Trade Candidates
1. Garrett Crochet, White Sox-LHP – Crochet displays an interesting body of work filled with ups and downs while with the White Sox.
He debuted in 2020, his rookie season, with the southpaw heading straight to the White Sox. Therefore, the 25-year-old did not have to start in the minors.
After being in the bullpen in 2021 and missing all of 2022, the recovered Tommy John surgery pitcher broke out as the best pitcher of the worst rotation in the MLB.
Time will tell where Crochet goes, but I would be shocked if he returns with the Sox. No team wanted to acquire him.
2. Michael Kopech, White Sox-RHP – Overlook his 5.31 ERA. Kopech can throw gas.
The flamethrower started out with the Sox as a top prospect but has fizzled down to comfortability lately. He can throw his pitches up to 101 mph and can give you innings in relief.
The high-efficiency athlete could be either a set-up man or a closer on many teams.
If a contending team is scouting, keep your eye on Kopech. The 25-year-old gives it 100% every day, and you can count on him to be a star, just not with the White Sox.
3. Luis Robert Jr., White Sox-OF – Robert Jr. is above the current trade market.
Entering the trade deadline with three years left on your contract is risky, and going for it on fourth and one from midfield late in the game and not punting the football shows that.
Last year, he had MVP-like numbers, hitting 38 homers and 20 swiped bags. His high production continued until a strained hip flexor canceled two months of Robert’s 2024 season.
His biggest concern is his scary past, which includes injuries and a total salary of $59 million over three years.
Is someone willing to trade for that ballooning contract? That will be the question moving forward in the trade deadline.
4. Jack Flaherty, Tigers-RHP – With no relation to former New York Yankees catcher John Flaherty, this Tiger pitcher roared onto the scene as one of the league’s best.
Right now, he is the premier rental arm in the deadline, as he only signed a now bargain one-year deal worth $14 million.
With one-year contracts not as popular in the MLB, the right-hander proved he could pitch successfully while comfortably living off his salary.
But will his comfortability level be even higher if some contender wants him for a bigger deal?
Nevertheless, Flaherty was a tremendously cost-effective signing for the Tigers. He is the best rental starting pitcher in this trade deadline market.
5. Tarik Skubal, Tigers-LHP – It’s surprising to see the projected AL CY Young favorite on the trade deadline.
If he does get traded, he will be a steal rental player for any contending team that wants him: the Orioles, yes; the Yankees, most definitely; and the Dodgers, uh, no doubt.
Despite being one of the premier left-handers in the league, he’s in doubt about signing his extension.
6. Carlos Estevez, Angels-RHP – As the Reliever of the Month in June, Estevez should seek trade interests from many teams.
The closer is among 13 consecutive scoreless appearances. Despite a tough two weeks in mid-April, he’s been striking in the back of the Angels bullpen.
With a 2.79 ERA in 29 innings, he is holding batters down like the game has never seen. After saving 31 contests last year, he compiles a 16-19 record and will be a free agent next year.
He will be another strong rental player.
7. Kevin Pillar, Angels-OF – Pillar has resurged this season since being with the Los Angeles Angels. The 35-year-old was let go by the Chicago White Sox 17 games into the season.
After Mike Trout was hurt with the Angels, an opportunity came knocking, and Pillar delivered. He has batted .287 with six homers in 147 plate attempts.
The outfielder recently told USA Today’s Bob Nightingale that this season is a good chance to be his last in Anaheim.
His hitting projections should land him on a fourth or fifth-string outfielder with a contending team.
8. Josh Bell, Marlins-1B – While Ben Rice has been shining as a rookie, having a veteran presence like Bell wouldn’t hurt the Yankees either.
He can be inconsistent, but he is a perfect fit to pop the ball up at the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.
He also earned a solid $16.5 million this year. That’s a good amount of money for a 31-year-old, but if he went to the Yankees, he would probably be making $8.1 million a year.
With these 8 MLB Trade Candidates in the mix, let’s see if we’ve gotten any of our predictions right by the end of the month.
