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The MLB trade deadline is the ultimate benchmark in a Major League Baseball season, so it's never too early to start thinking about how and when the action might unfold. With under two months to go until July 31, that day when frenzied trades continue to flow in right up until 6 p.m., we at ClutchPoints thought it might be fun to rank the most impactful players we feel confident will be on the move.
“Confident” is a funny word at this stage, because there are a number of names excluded from the list that it still wouldn't be a huge surprise to see moved. The Miami Marlins could choose to trade Jazz Chisholm Jr., but we didn't quite see that happening. The Blue Jays could open for business and sell Bo Bichette and even Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Heck, if true chaos ensues, Kyle Tucker could be on the move from Houston.
But when looking into our crystal ball, we just didn't see those trades coming to fruition. The 10 players you're about to read about, however, look to be up for grabs. Based on the value they could bring to contending teams looking for reinforcements, here is how the ranking of the top 10 players likely to be dealt unfolds.
10. Tanner Scott, Marlins RP
We wanted to get a reliever on this MLB trade deadline list because they're always a super hot commodity, and left-handers in particular are a sparse and desirable market this season. The Rays' Garrett Cleavenger, Rockies' Jalen Beeks, and the Angels' Matt Moore should also be available, but Tanner Scott is leaps and bounds ahead of the others. The Marlins' closer has a 2.12 ERA and 11.4 K/9 since the start of last season and should have every contender hot on his tail when Miami opens for bidding.
Best fits: Orioles, Yankees, Phillies
9. Trevor Williams, Nationals SP
An impending free agent, Trevor Williams has been stupendous for the Washington Nationals this season, posting a 2.22 ERA/2.78 FIP through 11 starts thus far. With a revamped arsenal featuring a devastating sweeper, Williams' late-career resurgence appears to be the real deal. The Nats have to be overjoyed internally that he's been so effective in his walk year and teams looking for back-of-the-rotation additions at the deadline should be all over Williams.
Best fits: Guardians, Brewers, Braves
8. Elias Díaz, Rockies C
There might not be the most robust catching market at the MLB trade deadline this season, but Elias Díaz is the clear-cut number one available at the position this season. The 33-year-old free-agent-to-be has a 113 OPS+ and has also dramatically improved his defense, ranking in the 90th percentile of caught stealing above average. We've seen in recent years that teams with two quality options at the position (think 2022 Astros and 2023 Rangers) can be lethal in October and as such, perhaps teams that feel confident in one of their catchers but lack depth will make a push for Díaz as well.
Best fits: Padres, Yankees, Cardinals
7. Erick Fedde, White Sox SP
The latest American to find career rejuvenation pitching in the Korean Baseball Organization, Erick Fedde's awesome start to the 2024 campaign should land him a chance to contend for a playoff spot. The 31-year-old righty has a 3.12 ERA and is seventh among all pitchers with 2.6 bWAR. And because the White Sox had the foresight to sign him to a two-year deal, worth just $7.5 million per season, he should be able to generate a pretty solid prospect haul.
Best fits: Braves, Orioles, Diamondbacks
6. Tyler Anderson, Angels SP
Trying to figure out what Tyler Anderson is going to do in any given season is beginning to become an impossible task. He was awesome as a Dodger in 2022, dreadful as an Angel in 2023, and now looks awesome again with the Halos in 2024. Though you won't get many strikeouts with Anderson, he's been going deep into games and the 2.37 ERA speaks for itself, even if it comes with a 4.66 FIP. With a year and a half remaining on his contract, Anderson should be appealing to big- and small-budget contenders alike.
Best fits: Guardians, Padres, Braves
5. Brent Rooker, Athletics DH
The downside to acquiring Brent Rooker is that he's a pretty abysmal defender, so most of the time he's likely going to be relegated to DH duties. But on the other hand, he's been absolutely raking in 2024 and still has 3.5 more years of team control, so if the Athletics see the light and agree it's not worth keeping Rooker around in faint hopes of debuting him on the Las Vegas roster, he's a goner. Plenty of good teams are surprisingly light on right-handed hitting and would love to see Rooker hit the market at the MLB trade deadline.
Best fits: Royals, Giants, Diamondbacks
4. Jesús Luzardo, Marlins SP
The 26-year-old lefty has outstanding raw stuff, racked up 207 strikeouts in 2023, and was starting to build some real momentum coming into Tuesday's start against the Tampa Bay Rays. Unfortunately, he then got lit up for nine earned runs to skyrocket his season ERA to 5.30. But teams make trades based on potential and Jesús Luzardo could end up the best pitcher moved this season if he returns to his 2023 form.
Best fits: Braves, Brewers, Padres
3. Garrett Crochet, White Sox SP
In his first season as a starting pitcher, Garrett Crochet has shattered any and all expectations for what he could be after an injury-riddled career to this point. He leads all starters with 12.0 K/9 and has a 2.87 FIP that suggests his already superb season could keep getting better. Because the White Sox are such a disaster, he doesn't meet the organization's timeline despite not being a free agent until after 2026 and as such, it's already rumored that the San Diego Padres are poking their noses around.
Best fits: Padres, Braves, Orioles
2. Pete Alonso, Mets 1B
It's hard to say where the winds are blowing when it comes to the New York Mets and selling at the deadline, but based on recent play and his $20.4 million salary, it feels like the time might well be coming for Pete Alonso to leave Queens. Adding to that notion, ESPN's Jeff Passan noted in his recent trade deadline preview that multiple general managers now expect the deal to happen. And it makes sense because the Mets would only get a fourth-rounder as compensation if he were to leave in free agency, but they're sure to make a killing by trading him, especially if he has a big June.
Best fits: Mariners, Giants, Twins
1. Luis Robert Jr., White Sox
Thank goodness Luis Robert Jr. is healthy and smashing home runs again. Not only is the game a better place when “La Panterra” is shining in center field, but it will be even a better one when he's away from the dark cloud of the Chicago White Sox organization. As a two-way star with the potential to change the outlook of any team looking for some added firepower, Robert is going to be the hottest commodity on the market if Chicago has the gumption to trade him away now. Some of the league's best teams need outfield help and would be eager to pay top dollar for it if Robert is made available.
Best fits: Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers
