4 Players That Should Be Moved By The MLB Trade Deadline

Garrett Crochet, LHP, Chicago White Sox

A lot of attention will go to Tarik Skubal, but I still think it is more likely Detroit will trade Jack Flaherty. Mason Miller is another pitcher that everyone will be eyeing, but again, I do not see Oakland parting with him due to having five years of control left on his deal.

It is no secret that the White Sox are the worst team in baseball this season, with an abysmal record of 27-71. They are the first team ever to lose 70+ games before the All-Star break, and I fear for the health of fans after the Trade Deadline passes. This is because they actually have several players that could net them very valuable prospects to jumpstart a rebuild to an already pretty good farm system. However, it will likely make certain that they will finish as the worst team in the history of the game in 2024.

The first guy you look at is LHP Garrett Crochet, who was the only White Sox player to make the All-Star game. He has been dominant for them this season, posting some wicked advanced numbers. He owns a 2.44 xERA and 2.40 xFIP, with a 12.58 K/9 rate, and has been one of the best pitchers in the American League. He's also young, and on a very team-friendly deal right now with two years of control left, and any team that trades for him will likely have to fork over a fortune.

Still, Chicago will be getting plenty of phone calls for him, and I would expect some contender to say screw it and make the deal. He would immediately make any starting rotation better, and Baltimore (+800 to win the World Series) might be a good look. They have the deepest farm in the league, and they need starting pitching more than anything.

Luis Robert Jr., OF, Chicago White Sox

I can't say for certain that Chicago will be having a fire-sale, as the owner of this team is totally incompetent and for some reason thinks he can win now while refusing to spend money. It is very clear that he has no intentions of shoveling out cash to Crochet, so I think he is more likely gone. Robert is more of a question mark, but if this team is smart (they are not), they would sell off every one of value and build the best farm in the league.

Every contender in the league would love to add Robert, who is on a deal that offers three more years of control at a reasonable price. Much like Crochet, he would also demand a good prospect haul to get. For a team as good as the Los Angeles Dodgers (+330) are, they don't have a very good outfield. They also are dealing with a million injuries right now. Robert could be a good fit for a team that is undoubtedly playing for a title. The Braves (+900) also need outfield help, but I am not as sure of them being buyers as I am L.A.

I'd put his odds at 50/50 of being dealt, but he is one of the biggest names on the market for sure.

Tyler Anderson, LHP, Los Angeles Angels

The Angels are a very stupid baseball franchise that makes far more bad decisions than good ones. However, they would be extremely smart to unload Anderson while his value is at its peak, coming off an All-Star appearance. Not only that, but every advanced indicator says that he is actually terrible, so letting him go now would really help them in the future when he blows up. He's on a bargain deal, in the second year of a 3-year, $40 million contract, and some contender will want to add him.

The Angels need all the prospect help they can get, as they have what is widely regarded as the worst farm system in the league. Once again, if the Orioles (+800) fail to land Crochet, their next option could be Anderson. I don't think the Blue Jays would send Yusei Kikuchi to their division rival.

Tanner Scott, RP, Miami Marlins

There is no one at the deadline that I am more confident in being traded than Scott, who I hope already has his toothpaste in the suitcase. Barring some EXTREME incompetence by Marlins management (still very possible), the All-Star closer will be gone at the deadline to a contender that needs a great arm out of the bullpen. Truthfully, that is every contender, but it will likely be a team that needs a true closer.

The Dodgers (+330) are an extremely obvious choice here, as their bullpen has been decimated by injuries. Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, and Ryan Brasier are all out when they should be pitching important innings out of the bullpen. L.A. is always willing to shell out assets to get who they want, and money is never a problem. The Padres are another team that always is spending at the deadline, and they could do so again this year. They are 50-49, and they need arms, badly. They have already had a trade for a star Miami player when they acquired Luis Arraez, so the sides are familiar with each other. The problem with them is that San Diego now has very limited prospect capital after giving up so much over the last few seasons.