MLB
2024 MLB trade deadline: Available pitchers and teams that need them
We cast an eye around the league to see which pitching arms are on offer ahead of the MLB trade deadline and what teams could use them.
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the stove is getting hotter than a midsummer day at Dodger Stadium, and it’s time to talk pitchers. We’ve got a colorful cast of hurlers potentially switching uniforms, and teams across the league are eyeing these arms like kids in a candy store. So, who’s available, and who’s shopping? Let’s take a look.
Here are the pitchers from around the league who are making the most noise in the media coming up to the trade deadline.
Starting Pitchers:
- Tyler Anderson (Angels)
- Garrett Crochet (White Sox)
- Zach Eflin (Rays)
- Erick Fedde (White Sox)
- Jack Flaherty (Tigers)
- Yusei Kikuchi (Blue Jays)
- Cal Quantrill (Rockies)
- Tarik Skubal (Tigers)
Relief Pitchers:
- Carlos Estévez (Angels)
- Andrew Chafin (Tigers)
- Pete Fairbanks (Rays)
- Kyle Finnegan (Nationals)
- Michael Kopech (White Sox)
- Mason Miller (Athletics)
- Trevor Richards (Blue Jays)
- Tanner Scott (Marlins)
You have to start with the biggest name in Tarik Skubal. The Detroit Tigers have a diamond on their hands, and they know it. They will test out the waters around the league and there will be no lack of interest in the AL Cy Young favorite. The Tigers are not likely to let him go at any price, but there are teams with pockets deep enough to make it tempting.
The Minnesota Twins are a team who will be looking for a starting pitcher and several arms around the league have been mentioned. Nathan Eovaldi, Garret Crochet, and Jack Flaherty have all cropped up, with the most likely pitcher to be traded Crochet. The Rangers are unlikely to let Eovaldi go and the White Sox are more likely to cash in on their outstanding reliever-turned-starter and MLB strikeout leader. There are rumors that indicate interest in Crochet by the Dodgers, Padres, Orioles and Yankees.
No team has had their starting rotation thinned out more than the Houston Astros. With Cristian Javier, José Urquidy and J.P. France all out for the year, Lance McCullers Jr. suffering a recovery setback, Luis García still working his way back from Tommy John and Justin Verlander suffering with a neck issue, the Astros will be shopping for a quality starter. Tyler Anderson might be a target and the Dodgers are likely to entertain offers.
The Rangers will need to shed payroll after an uncertain TV future, and while Max Scherzer is not likely to waive his no trade clause, there are possibilities elsewhere. Nathan Eovaldi might be a trade of last resort, but Andrew Heaney, Michael Lorenzen, Kirby Yates, José Leclerc and David Robertson are all veteran arms headed for free agency.
The Orioles are cruising near the top of the standings, but there’s a hole in the rotation behind ace Corbin Burnes. Grayson Rodriguez has the chops to take the mound in a playoff series, but they need a solid number two starter to bridge the gap. With Burnes eyeing free agency soon, grabbing a controllable arm now is the savvy move.