MLB Trade Deadline Player Rankings: Top Targets for 2024

The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is just around the corner, and plenty of teams are eager to boost their World Series odds by adding some talent to push them over the top.

Here are the 10 best players still available ahead of this year’s deadline on July 30:

MLB Trade Deadline Player Rankings

1. Garrett Crochet – White Sox

Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet didn’t make his first MLB start until this year’s Opening Day. But he’s no longer a mystery as an AL Cy Young odds contender.

Every team could use a player with his strikeout ability, even if there are reasonable concerns about his workload after throwing 73 big-league innings before this year.

2. Tarik Skubal – Tigers

Tarik Skubal is a recent addition to this list, as rumors are starting to heat up that he could be moved. He’s the betting favorite to win the AL Cy Young, so he should be the top target on the board.

The problem is that the Orioles or Dodgers might be the only teams with enough capital to get the Tigers to even pick up the phone. Consider me skeptical that Skubal is actually moved.

3. Luis Robert Jr. – White Sox

The White Sox could accelerate their rebuild by trading away their top talent. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr., 26, certainly won’t be cheap, given his offensive production and a contract that runs through 2027.

4. Yandy Díaz – Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have been among the more active sellers at this year’s deadline, trading away Isaac Paredes and Randy Arozarena. Teams should be calling about first baseman Yandy Díaz, who generated 5.2 WAR at 31 years old last season.

5. Bo Bichette – Blue Jays

Toronto might be selling low on shortstop Bo Bichette, who is underperforming in his age-26 campaign. Still, the two-time All-Star would be a solid addition for any MLB odds contender with the capital to intrigue the Blue Jays.

6. Yusei Kikuchi – Blue Jays

After a recent 13-strikeout performance against the San Francisco Giants, the trade chatter will only heat up for Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. He will be a free agent this winter.

7. Jack Flaherty – Tigers

Right-hander Jack Flaherty was moved from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Baltimore Orioles at last year’s deadline. His stock is even higher this season, posting many of his best marks since 2021.

8. Brent Rooker – Athletics

Despite being just a designated hitter, Brent Rooker could be one of the best hitters to target at this year’s deadline. The 29-year-old righty has demonstrated his power with Oakland during the past two seasons and even earned an All-Star nod in 2023.

9. Tanner Scott – Marlins

After trading away A.J. Puk, the Marlins are open to dealing all of their relievers. Left-hander Tanner Scott is the top target in Miami’s bullpen, especially after earning an All-Star selection this season due to his impressive results as the team’s closer.

10. Erick Fedde – White Sox

After a 2023 season in South Korea, right-hander Erick Fedde is having a career year at 31 years old. That’s just the kind of profile the White Sox should be selling high on, even if he’s under contract through next year.

When is the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline?

The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, set for Tuesday, July 30, at 6 p.m. ET, is a highly-anticipated event. As the clock ticks toward the final minute, the baseball world will be buzzing with completed trades.

Who is the Top MLB Trade Candidate in 2024?

Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet is MLB’s top trade candidate in 2024. He made his first-ever MLB start on this year’s Opening Day and has been one of the best pitchers in the league at generating whiffs this season.