MLB Trade: 5 Fresh Thoughts For The MLB Trade Deadline
With just over a month before the yearly frenzy of activity reorganizing the league's landscape for the season's final stretch, the 2024 MLB trade deadline is drawing near.
Many teams are grouped in the middle of the pack, and over the next several weeks, it will become clear if those clubs are buyers or sellers in front of the July 30 deadline.
Let's examine this new batch of trade offers for now, but rumors will still circulate in the days and weeks to come.
Atlanta Braves Takes Taylor Ward
Outfielder Taylor Ward had a breakout season in 2022, but last year, he took a step backward after being sidelined from July 29 to the end of the season due to a hit-by-pitch to the face that resulted in facial fractures.
The 30-year-old has recovered admirably this season, registering a 116 OPS+ in 76 games with a 1.6 WAR, 41 RBIs, 14 doubles, and 14 home runs.
The Angels don't have to deal with him until they receive the desired return because they will have club control through the 2026 season, but it makes sense for them to sell him now for a high price to help a team in dire need of a complete rebuild.
Baltimore Orioles Take Garrett Crochet
Who would have thought that, come the trade deadline in 2024, Garrett Crochet would be the most sought-after prize?
The 25-year-old, who missed the entire 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, made his first career start on Opening Day this year. He had a 2.71 ERA in 72 career relief appearances in the season.
After a few rough outings in April, he has been cruising over the past two months, with a 1.36 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 59.2 innings over his previous ten starts. He threw six innings of five-hit, one-run ball on Opening Day.
With club control through 2026, he has an AL-leading 130 strikeouts in 94.1 innings, a 3.05 ERA, and a 0.94 WHIP. Teams will line up to add him to their starting rotation this summer.
New York Yankees Take Luis Rengifo
Throughout his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, Luis Rengifo has played frequently at second base, shortstop, and third base. The offensive-minded utility guy is batting .305/.354/.413 with 15 extra-base hits, 20 steals, and 116 OPS+ in 62 games.
Due to his controllability through 2025, the 27-year-old may be Gleyber Torres's natural replacement when he becomes a free agency in 2025.
Seattle Mariners Take Randy Arozarena
Given the team's loaded starting lineup and obvious need for an offensive upgrade, it makes sense to revisit Arozarena.
The starting pitcher for the 2023 All-Star Game is only hitting.191/.304/.348 in 77 games with 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and 27 RBI, but he has improved since June and has batted-ball solid statistics. A shift in environment might be beneficial, and his stellar postseason record cannot be disregarded.
Arozarena is the third-highest-paid player on the Tampa Bay roster, making him a $8.1 million contract. The small market Rays will be motivated to consider transferring Arozarena alone.
Milwaukee Brewers Take Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde, a right-hander, was a top prospect in the Washington Nationals organization and was selected with the 18th overall choice in the 2014 draft. After making it to the majors, he never found success, recording a 5.41 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 454.1 innings over six seasons.
The 31-year-old pitched for the NC Dinos in the KBO during the 2023 season. He finished 20-6 with 209 strikeouts, 2.00 ERA, and 0.95 WHIP in 180.1 innings, earning him the league MVP award.
In the offseason, he signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, and his fantastic return to the States has been fueled by his success from the previous season. A 3.53 FIP and outstanding batted-ball stats support his strong surface-level figures, which include a 3.05 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts in 94.1 innings.
With his team-friendly salary and additional club control in 2025, the White Sox will almost surely sell high at the deadline, making him the perfect target for a frugal Milwaukee Brewers organization.
What do you think?
To follow along with the MLB trade, visit MLB.
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