2024 MLB Trade Deadline: Live Big Board For Top 25 Trade Candidates

The 2024 MLB season is in full swing, and with the trade deadline looming, the rumor mill is churning! Who will be on the move? Who will be staying put? It’s time to dive into the hottest names in the league and see who might be packing their bags before the August 1st deadline.

This year’s trade deadline is shaping up to be a blockbuster event. Teams are looking to make their final push for the playoffs, while others are looking to rebuild and acquire young talent. With a plethora of talented players hitting free agency next year, there are plenty of opportunities for teams to make bold moves.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 trade candidates, with a mix of proven stars, young guns, and even some veterans who could be looking for a change of scenery. This list will be updated throughout the season as the trade landscape evolves. Let’s get to it!

Top 25 Trade Candidates

1. Shohei Ohtani (SP/DH, Los Angeles Angels)

The undisputed king of the trade market, Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent. With his incredible pitching and hitting prowess, Ohtani is the most coveted player in the league. While the Angels have expressed their desire to keep him, the allure of a World Series contender might be too tempting to pass up.

• Recent Case Study: In 2023, the Padres made a historic trade for Juan Soto, a young star with immense potential, showcasing the willingness of teams to go all-in for top talent. The Ohtani deal could be even bigger.

2. Francisco Lindor (SS, New York Mets)

The Mets have faced some early-season struggles, and whispers of a rebuild are starting to emerge. Lindor, a proven All-Star shortstop, could be a prime trade target for teams looking to add an impact bat and a defensive wizard.

• Recent Case Study: The Chicago Cubs’ 2023 trade deadline saw them move veteran players like Marcus Stroman, showcasing a shift towards a younger, rebuild-focused roster. A similar scenario could play out with the Mets and Lindor.

3. Luis Arraez (2B, Miami Marlins)

Coming off a historic batting title win in 2023, Arraez is a prime candidate for a team looking to boost their offense. The Marlins, facing a rebuilding phase, might be open to parting ways with the gifted hitter.

• Recent Case Study: The Marlins themselves were a seller in 2023, trading away veterans like Sandy Alcantara. The team’s recent performance could dictate their strategy for Arraez.

4. Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals)

After a stellar 2023 season, Arenado’s consistent production and leadership make him a valuable asset to any team. The Cardinals, facing some tough decisions, might consider trading the star third baseman if their playoff aspirations fade.

• Recent Case Study: The Cardinals have a history of making bold moves at the deadline. In 2022, they acquired José Quintana, a key piece in their playoff run. Their willingness to make deals could make Arenado a hot commodity.

5. Tyler Glasnow (SP, Tampa Bay Rays)

The Rays, a perennial playoff contender, are known for their ability to build and rebuild on the fly. If Glasnow’s health concerns linger, they could opt to move the talented pitcher for prospects or a proven closer.

• Recent Case Study: The Rays have a proven track record of trading key players for future assets, showcasing their commitment to building a sustainable program. Their strategy could see Glasnow become a trade asset.

6. Max Muncy (1B/2B, Los Angeles Dodgers)

While the Dodgers are a perennial powerhouse, they have a deep roster and Muncy could be a valuable trade chip if they need to free up salary or add a specific type of player.

• Recent Case Study: The Dodgers have shown a willingness to trade even key players in the past. Their acquisition of Mookie Betts in 2020 involved parting ways with several talented prospects.

7. Justin Verlander (SP, New York Mets)

Verlander’s age and injury history could make him a trade candidate, especially if the Mets falter. Teams looking for a veteran leader and a proven playoff performer could make a run for the former Cy Young winner.

• Recent Case Study: The Mets have a history of making big moves at the deadline, showcasing their commitment to winning now. Their willingness to make deals could make Verlander a hot commodity.

8. Randy Arozarena (OF, Tampa Bay Rays)

Arozarena’s power and speed make him a valuable asset. While the Rays are always looking for ways to improve, their commitment to building a competitive team could see them retain Arozarena.

• Recent Case Study: The Rays have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Arozarena a trade target for the right team.

9. Brandon Belt (1B, Toronto Blue Jays)

Belt’s veteran presence and experience could be valuable to a contending team. The Blue Jays, a team looking to make a playoff push, might decide to move the veteran first baseman to acquire a younger player.

• Recent Case Study: The Blue Jays have shown a willingness to make big moves at the deadline, showcasing their commitment to winning now. Their willingness to make deals could make Belt a trade candidate.

10. Shane Bieber (SP, Cleveland Guardians)

Bieber’s consistent performance and proven track record make him a valuable asset. The Guardians, a team looking to rebuild, could consider trading Bieber for a package of prospects.

• Recent Case Study: The Guardians have a history of trading key players for prospects, highlighting their focus on rebuilding the team. This could make Bieber a trade target.

11. Kodai Senga (SP, New York Mets)

Senga’s unique pitching style and growing dominance make him an intriguing trade candidate. The Mets, looking to make a playoff push, might decide to keep Senga, but a team looking for a dominant pitcher could make a strong offer.

• Recent Case Study: The Mets have shown a willingness to make big moves at the deadline, showcasing their commitment to winning now. Their willingness to make deals could make Senga a trade candidate.

12. Liam Hendriks (RP, Chicago White Sox)

Hendriks’ return from injury could make him a key asset to a team looking for a dominant closer. The White Sox, facing a rebuild, might be open to trading the veteran reliever for prospects.

• Recent Case Study: The White Sox have shown a willingness to trade key players for prospects, highlighting their focus on rebuilding the team. This could make Hendriks a trade target.

13. Lucas Giolito (SP, Chicago White Sox)

Giolito’s consistent performance and ability to pitch in big games make him a valuable asset. The White Sox, facing a rebuild, could consider trading Giolito for a package of prospects.

• Recent Case Study: The White Sox have shown a willingness to trade key players for prospects, highlighting their focus on rebuilding the team. This could make Giolito a trade target.

14. Kyle Tucker (OF, Houston Astros)

Tucker’s power and speed make him a valuable asset to the Astros, a perennial playoff contender. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic outfielder could make a strong offer for Tucker.

• Recent Case Study: The Astros have a history of making bold moves at the deadline, showcasing their commitment to winning now. Their willingness to make deals could make Tucker a trade candidate.

15. Christian Yelich (OF, Miami Marlins)

Yelich’s proven track record and consistent performance make him a valuable asset. The Marlins, facing a rebuilding phase, might be open to trading Yelich for prospects or a younger player.

• Recent Case Study: The Marlins have shown a willingness to trade key players for prospects, highlighting their focus on rebuilding the team. This could make Yelich a trade target.

16. Will Smith (C, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Smith’s strong hitting and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset to the Dodgers, a perennial playoff contender. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic catcher could make a strong offer for Smith.

• Recent Case Study: The Dodgers have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Smith a trade target.

17. Clayton Kershaw (SP, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Kershaw’s veteran presence and consistent performance make him a valuable asset to the Dodgers. However, a team looking for a veteran leader and a proven playoff performer could make a strong offer for Kershaw.

• Recent Case Study: The Dodgers have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Kershaw a trade target.

18. Trevor Story (SS, Boston Red Sox)

Story’s return from injury could make him a valuable asset to the Red Sox, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic shortstop could make a strong offer for Story.

• Recent Case Study: The Red Sox have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Story a trade target.

19. Giancarlo Stanton (DH/OF, New York Yankees)

Stanton’s power and ability to hit for average make him a valuable asset to the Yankees, a perennial playoff contender. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic outfielder could make a strong offer for Stanton.

• Recent Case Study: The Yankees have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Stanton a trade target.

20. Josh Hader (RP, San Diego Padres)

Hader’s dominant pitching and ability to close out games make him a valuable asset to the Padres, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a dominant closer could make a strong offer for Hader.

• Recent Case Study: The Padres have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Hader a trade target.

21. Luis Castillo (SP, Seattle Mariners)

Castillo’s consistency and ability to pitch in big games make him a valuable asset to the Mariners, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a dominant pitcher could make a strong offer for Castillo.

• Recent Case Study: The Mariners have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Castillo a trade target.

22. Robbie Ray (SP, Seattle Mariners)

Ray’s veteran presence and ability to pitch in big games make him a valuable asset to the Mariners, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a veteran leader and a proven playoff performer could make a strong offer for Ray.

• Recent Case Study: The Mariners have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Ray a trade target.

23. Matt Chapman (3B, Toronto Blue Jays)

Chapman’s consistent performance and ability to hit for power make him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic third baseman could make a strong offer for Chapman.

• Recent Case Study: The Blue Jays have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Chapman a trade target.

24. George Springer (OF, Toronto Blue Jays)

Springer’s veteran presence and ability to hit for power make him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a veteran leader and a proven playoff performer could make a strong offer for Springer.

• Recent Case Study: The Blue Jays have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Springer a trade target.

25. Mike Clevinger (SP, San Francisco Giants)

Clevinger’s ability to pitch in big games and his consistent performance make him a valuable asset to the Giants, a team looking to make a playoff push. However, a team looking for a young, dynamic pitcher could make a strong offer for Clevinger.

• Recent Case Study: The Giants have shown a willingness to trade key players in the past, especially if it benefits the team’s long-term future. This could make Clevinger a trade target.

Conclusion:

The 2024 MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be an exciting one. With a plethora of talented players potentially on the move, teams are looking to make their final push for the playoffs. This list of trade candidates is sure to change as the season progresses. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and be ready for a flurry of activity as the deadline approaches!

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