The MLB trade deadline is near and Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Tyler Anderson could soon be on the move. Sources say that the Pirates are looking to move the 31-year-old lefty this week with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies named as the most likely candidates to land him, according to Jon Morosi.
Anderson's 2021 season has so far been a respectable one with a 4.35 ERA over 18 starts to go along with 86 strikeouts. Anderson is on a one-year $2.5M deal which makes him extra affordable and extra desirable.
There are several teams that are looking to make a trade for Anderson and add another starter to their rotation, with the Giants and Dodgers once again battling to trade for a starter. Anderson spent the 2020 season with the Giants, so they may have an advantage in trying to bring him back.
The biggest unknown player in the MLB trade deadline thus far is the Philadelphia Phillies, who sit at 49-49 but only 4 games back from the National League East-leading New York Mets. With Dave Dombrowski at the helm there's no way that the Phillies will be selling anytime soon, so expect them to be active in the market and expect them to go after Anderson.
There are other outside pitching needy teams that may make a run at Anderson. The Boston Red Sox have struggled throughout the year with their starting rotation and could look to add some consistency through Anderson.
Get ready, the MLB trade deadline is almost here.