The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and several players are on the trade block ahead of Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. As the playoff push starts to heat up, teams are looking to buy or sell, with potential playoff-changing moves soon to be made. Several trades have been made to this point, and more are likely to come. Here are the ten top players who could be moved before the deadline.
1. Tarik Skubal, LHP Detroit Tigers
In Skubal’s fifth season in Detroit, the left-hander has risen to the top of Major League Baseball. After a stellar first half, the Tigers ace was selected to his first All-Star team in 2024. The 27-year-old is atop the Cy Young race with an MLB-leading 2.35 ERA through 21 starts. Skubal is 12-4 for Detroit with 154 strikeouts, which is third in the MLB. A strong lefty arm like Skubal could provide a much-needed arm for a team looking to make a deep run into the postseason. Reports indicate that the Dodgers and Orioles have been the two teams making the most calls about Skubal. Baltimore has remained in active conversations with the Tigers about their star left-hander. Skubal’s name has rightfully been atop the potential trade candidates due to his play and the Tigers hovering around .500 for much of the season. It will likely take a substantial package for Detroit to move off their ace.
Prediction: Stays Put
2. Tanner Scott, LHP Miami Marlins
The Marlins have already been active before this year’s deadline, trading away former All-Star outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees. Scott has put up impressive numbers out of the Marlins bullpen, posting a 1.18 ERA through 44 appearances. A 6-5 record in his eighth season in the MLB helped Scott land his first All-Star selection. Miami has struggled this season and currently sits in last place in the NL East at 39-66. Seeing how the team has already begun to sell, the Marlins will likely elect to move one of their most sought-after arms. Scott could immediately make an impact on the bullpen of a team hoping to make a postseason push.
Prediction: Red Sox
3. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP Toronto Blue Jays
Kikuchi is a name that has gotten a lot of traction as the trade deadline looms closer. Kikuchi started the season with a 2.64 ERA through his first ten starts before a struggle over his last 11. Overall, he has a 4.74 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. While Kikuchi’s sixth season in the MLB hasn’t been his best, several playoff contenders have called about the Japanese lefty. Kikuchi could slot into a rotation for a team hoping to make a run in the playoffs. Reports suggest that the conversations around Kikuchi have heated up over the past hours as teams expect better days ahead than his season numbers suggest. With free agency looming for the lefty, Kikuchi is one of the most popular rentals available.
Prediction: Dodgers
4. Jack Flaherty, RHP Detroit Tigers
The Tigers took a gamble when they signed Flaherty during the last offseason. The 28-year-old right-hander struggled last season with the Cardinals before he was traded to the Orioles in August of last year. After signing a one-year deal with Detroit, Flaherty quickly raised his value. This season, he appeared in 18 starts for the Tigers, posting a 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA. Flaherty has been the most popular name among two-month rental players this deadline. The team that trades for him would only get his services for the remainder of this season before having to resign him or let him walk. Despite this, Flaherty has been pursued heavily by teams in the mix of the playoffs. A starter with good stuff, he could fill a spot in the rotation for a team needing another arm. It remains to be seen if Detroit will let Flaherty leave, but teams are still making calls. He is scheduled to start Monday against the Twins.
New Report: Flaherty was scratched from making his scheduled start on Monday night.
Prediction: Guardians
5. Luis Rengifo, UTIL Los Angeles Angels
Several teams have expressed interest in the Angels veteran utility player Luis Rengifo. The 27-year-old can play anywhere on the field and is a switch hitter. Rengifo has had a breakout year in 2024, batting .300 in over 270 plate appearances. He is under contract for another year after this season, which could add value to a team should they land the Venezuelan. Rengifo could provide a much-needed bat to fill a spot in the lineup of teams looking to contend late into the season. It may take a larger package to complete a deal with the Angels regarding Rengifo’s contract situation.
Prediction: Royals
6. Tyler Anderson, LHP Los Angeles Angels
Another Angels potential trade piece that is likely to be highly sought after. Anderson was selected to his second All-Star game this season. The lefty starter has posted an impressive ERA all season. Through 21 starts, he has a 2.96 ERA. Anderson has also impressed with his 6.8 strikeouts per nine. The 34-year-old has experience that could prove vital if he were to land on a contender. A lefty who could anchor a playoff push, Anderson is under contract through 2025. He could impact a future team during the remainder of this season and the entire 2025 season. A potential package to pair Anderson and Rengifo together may be in the works for the Angels. Both players would make a significant impact on a team should they be moved together.
Prediction: Braves
7. Garrett Crochet, LHP Chicago White Sox
Crochet has had a breakout season for the White Sox in 2024. In 22 starts this year, Crochet has a 3.23 ERA. Crochet has been among the best strikeout pitchers throughout the season, ranking second in the league with 160. He has been a highly talked about trade piece since his stellar season started. Months ago it seemed inevitable that the White Sox would deal Crochet before the deadline. The team has been limiting his workload recently to potentially prepare him for a move. However, Crochet recently stated he would insist on a long-term deal before he pitched for a new team in October. Crochet would be a monster get for any team looking to bolster their rotation before the postseason. Should a deal get done, Crochet could play a significant role in the MLB postseason.
Prediction: Stays Put
8. Yandy Diaz, 1B Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have been an active team already. Tampa recently traded outfielder Randy Arozarena, RHP Zach Eflin, and INF Issac Paredes. Yandy Diaz has been the most recent of the Rays to receive interest. The 32-year-old Cuban is batting .270 this season through 97 games. Diaz’s departure from Tampa seems more likely after the Rays have moved several of their promising players in recent days. What appears to be a massive sale from the Rays could help teams hoping to make a push land Diaz. Over recent days, several contenders have called the Rays about the infielder, including the Yankees and Astros.
Prediction: Yankees
9. Pete Fairbanks, RHP Tampa Bay Rays
Fairbanks is yet another Ray who may be on the move before the deadline ends on Tuesday. The Rays closer has continued his success since becoming Tampa’s closer last season. Fairbanks has a 3.11 ERA in 38 games and is in the top ten in the league with 20 saves on the season. As the Rays continue to sell, Fairbanks could be the player on the move.
Prediction: Yankees
10. Elias Diaz, C Colorado Rockies
Diaz has had an impressive season for the Rockies in his tenth season. Diaz is batting .275 in 73 games from the catcher position, which makes him a sought-after target. Teams looking to upgrade behind the plate could gain some experience and a player who hits for average if a deal could be done to land Diaz. The Yankees are among the teams who have called about Diaz, who would immediately impact a struggling lineup. Diaz is set to become a free agent after this season. Should a contender make a move to get him, they could benefit from a two-month rental that could push some teams over the edge in the playoffs.
Prediction: Pirates
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Photo Credit: Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers signals to his teammates during the second inning of MLB game against the Cleveland Guardians. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
