Most Likely Moves Before MLB Trade Deadline
Scott Morris | July 4, 2024
It has started already. Starting pitcher Aaron Civale, who was moved at last year’s trade deadline, was traded from Tampa Bay to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 3. The right-handed Civale adds depth to a Brewers rotation that has been thin this season. Milwaukee is fighting to stay atop the NL Central and needed another reliable starter in the rotation.
The move was another of many that will occur between now and the July 30 MLB trade deadline. A number of teams have been identified as buyers or sellers. The buyers appear to be targeting key pieces to ramp up for a second-half run into the postseason. Here’s a look at the most likely moves to be made by the July 30 deadline.
Crochet Will Leave Chicago
Garrett Crochet is the best pitcher on the worst team in the majors. He’s only 6-6, but has a 3.02 ERA. In May, his ERA was 0.93 and in June, it was 1.91. He has allowed two earned runs or less in 11 of his last 12 starts. Crochet gives the White Sox a chance to win every time he pitches.
The Dodgers have been linked to Crochet. Los Angeles is without Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler. Tyler Glasnow (8-5, 3.23) and Gavin Stone (9-2, 2.73) have been carrying the Dodgers rotation. James Paxton is 7-2, but his ERA (4.28) continues to rise. Crochet would be a great addition and would get much better run support in LA.
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Speaking of the Dodgers
Dodgers star Mookie Betts has been out of the lineup since June 17 with a wrist injury. It is expected that Betts will miss six to eight weeks. That could make the Dodgers a buyer in the shortstop market. The Toronto Blue Jays could be a top seller at the deadline as they are sitting in last place in the AL East, 15 games out of first place and eight out of a playoff spot.
The Blue Jays will likely shop SS Bo Bichette, who isn’t having all that great of a season. Bichette is hitting .228 with just four home runs so far in 2024. He would fill a great need for LA right now, though. Even when Betts returns, he could go back to second base with Bichette at short.
Toronto may also look to move slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He is also not enjoying his best season (.298, 13 HR, 50 RBI), but he is still the guy who hit 48 dingers in 2021. The Yankees are always looking for sluggers and Texas or Houston could be a player in the Vlad sweepstakes.
Rays of Sunshine
The Tampa Bay Rays are another likely seller. As mentioned, they’ve already shipped off Civale to Milwaukee. Don’t be surprised if Tampa Bay dumps a few more pitchers. Starters Zack Littell (3-5, 3.94) and Zach Eflin (4-5, 3.92) could be trade bait since Tampa has a stockpile of pitchers.
Shane Baz and Jeffrey Springs will return from the IL after the All-Star break. Ace Shane McClanahan had Tommy John surgery last August and could also return after the All-Star break. When is unclear, but one thing is very clear. Tampa Bay has an abundance of pitchers and could stand to trade a few before July 30.
Should the Rays become sellers – they are in fourth place in the AL East – they may also shop former AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena. The outfielder is having the worst season of his career. Arozarena is batting just .196 and has 11 homers and 28 RBIs.
Houston, We Have a Buyer
If there is a team looking to bolster its chances at a World Series run, it’s the Houston Astros. Left for dead at the end of May, Houston was struggling at 25-33. They had an outstanding June and are now a game over .500 at 43-42 and are in second place in the AL West.
The Astros have had their share of injury problems all season long. Their best hitter, Kyle Tucker, has missed a ton of games. Justin Verlander is back on the injured list. Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier will both have Tommy John surgery and miss the 2024 season. Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are close to returning to the Astros rotation.
In the meantime, the Astros might opt to bring in another top-tier starter. Some names come to mind – Erick Fedde (5-3, 3.23) of the White Sox is one. Tyler Anderson (7-8, 3.03) of the Angels is another. The Astros could also use some help at first base where veteran Jose Abreu was released in mid-June. Houston is eyeing another young White Sox player. Andrew Vaughn hit .337 in June and had an OPS of .933, one of the top numbers in baseball for the month.
