MLB Trade Deadline Could Be Busier Than Expected
The All-Star Game and Major League Baseball Draft are over, which means we're officially less than two weeks away from the upcoming trade deadline.
This year, the deadline falls on July 30, meaning teams have just over a week and a half to determine whether they're buyers or sellers, which prospects are untouchable, evaluate existing injuries, future projections and what their biggest needs might be. It's no wonder that experienced front office executives have long said that coming together on deals at the deadline is one of their toughest challenges.
Teams have different valuations on individual players, prices are high given the importance of building playoff rosters, and the importance of team control becomes even more paramount. This year's deadline has widely been viewed as disappointing; few teams are outright sellers, and top players might not be available.
At least it looked that way. But in the latest round of trade deadline updates, there's a growing sense that a few surprise teams could be active at the end of the month, placing more big name players on the block.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 23: Max Scherzer #31 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Globe Life Field on June 23, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Rangers, Rays Could Be Sellers At The Trade Deadline
The New York Post's Jon Heyman posted late Tuesday evening that the Chicago White Sox are in fact expected to deal both starter Garrett Crochet and outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
While that's been oft-rumored in recent months, it's an indication that Chicago might be more aggressive with incoming offers, looking to seize on the value of both players. Crochet's been one of the best pitchers in the sport, and virtually every top contender could use more pitching.
Speaking of the best pitchers in the sport, Tom Verducci reported that sources from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles acknowledged that both teams are "putting together packages loaded with top prospects" for Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal. Though Verducci also said it's not clear if the Tigers front office is willing to trade Skubal, the fact that opposing teams feel he's available is notable.
And as one of Verducci's sources said re: Skubal's availability: "Everything has a price."
Heyman also reported that the Marlins are officially making Jazz Chisholm and closer Tanner Scott available. Chisholm has a mixed reputation across the sport, but according to anonymous former Marlin, "Jazz is a good kid, he just needs direction," Heyman reported. "He is a really good worker — first one to the park. All the antics is just a show. Deep down, he is humble."
The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays could also impact the deadline. Tampa sits at 48-48, on the fringes of playoff contention. But given their miniscule payrolls, obsession with cost effective team control, and injury issues, the Rays are viewed as likely to sell, if the next two weeks don't go perfectly.
Isaac Parades, Randy Arozarena and Zach Eflin are all productive players that could be made available if the Rays don't make improvements quickly.
Texas is the flip side of the discussion; coming off their 2023 World Series win and with exceptional financial backing, the Rangers would seemingly be obvious buyers. But injuries and underperformance have placed them under .500 heading into late-July. As one of the teams currently over the luxury tax limit, selling could provide some financial relief. Especially if Max Scherzer, Kirby Yates, Andrew Heaney or Nate Eovaldi is made available.
Ken Rosenthal reported that some in the Rangers camp believe retooling for a 2025 run would be better than trying to force their way through the injuries they've had in 2024. And if that view prevails, there could suddenly be a lot more big name players available.
The headliners of the deadline will almost certainly be Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet. Most top contenders need pitching, and with just a few potentially available starters, bidding could get high. The Dodgers have a strong incentive to shore up weaknesses, given their high payroll and aging stars, while the Orioles know their window of contention might be smaller considering the challenge in extending young players.
With front offices now fully focused on the deadline, the moves might start flying. Stay tuned.