MLB Trade Deadline 2024: Top 5 Buyers to Watch

The anticipation is palpable with the MLB Trade Deadline looming at the end of this month. 

For most MLB contenders, it’s a race against time. This is their final opportunity to bolster their rosters and enhance their chances in the crucial October games.

Here is a look at the top buyers at this year’s trade deadline and how they might improve their 2024 World Series odds:

MLB Trade Deadline 2024: Top 5 Buyers to Watch

Baltimore Orioles

• Biggest need: SP

After winning 101 games last year, the Baltimore Orioles failed to record a playoff victory. They will be aggressive this month to ensure that doesn’t happen again, especially while in control of the American League East.

Baltimore added ace Corbin Burnes in a blockbuster trade before the season, but could still use more rotation help. 

Fortunately, the Orioles’ loaded farm system should allow them to land anyone they want, perhaps even Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, the top target in the latest MLB trade deadline player rankings.

They have also been rumored to be interested in another blockbuster move involving Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, who is the AL Cy Young odds favorite.

New York Yankees

• Biggest need: Lineup depth

The New York Yankees have stumbled of late. While their starting rotation has dropped off, the more significant issue is the lack of quality batters in the back end of the lineup. 

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto need help behind them, especially since both have been AL MVP odds contenders all year.

Soto could leave for free agency this winter. New York hasn’t won a World Series since 2009. 

The Yankees figure to be aggressive at the deadline.

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Biggest need: Another star?

The Dodgers spent $1.21 billion this offseason, so there is no way this team won’t make a move at the deadline. They have dealt with rotation and lineup injuries, so they could honestly use help for both.

But I see no reason why Los Angeles shouldn’t swing for a big move this summer, especially since a World Series is all that matters to a team with one ring since 1989.

With names like Crochet, Luis Robert Jr., and Jazz Chisholm Jr. available, the Dodgers should try to make one of the biggest splashes at the deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies

• Biggest need: CF

The dream of Mike Trout joining the Philadelphia Phillies is dead, but the best team in baseball does need to trade for a center fielder.

Robert and Chisholm are the prominent names to watch, but don’t be surprised if the Phillies target Cody Bellinger, given his three-year contract, has a player option after the next two seasons.

The Phillies have made it to the NLCS in each of the last two years, but this may be their time to win it all.

Cleveland Guardians

• Biggest need: SP

Despite boasting one of the worst rotations in baseball, the Cleveland Guardians are contending for the No. 1 seed in the AL. That’s a testament to an elite combo of bullpen and defense, which could prove crucial in the postseason.

The Guardians have plenty of ammo to make a move, particularly with the comfort of having the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft that they used on Travis Bazzana. I would expect them to be in the market for any starting pitcher.