PHOTO USA Today Sports Images As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, several teams remain undecided on whether to buy or sell.
THE potentially big names in sight are getting more and more attention, but there are cheaper options that could prove to be more than worth their value at a relatively low cost.
For teams deciding to prepare for the playoffs, here’s a look at 10 potential candidates for a cheap trade:
Left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson, Angels
Yes, he’s owed about $20 million through 2025, but reliable starters are a valuable commodity at the trade deadline. The 34-year-old, a 2022 All-Star, ranked among the American League’s top 10 starters in ERA (3.03), batting average against (.216) and innings pitched (104.0) through June, boosting his trade value at the right time.
C. Elias Diaz, Rockies
Back from a stay on the IL due to a calf strainHe followed his first All-Star campaign with a solid first half, hitting .307/.355/.446 through June. He’s 33 and set to become a free agent, so he’s not part of Colorado’s future. He’s owed about $3 million for the rest of the season, so he’d be a good short-term investment for a team looking to improve its catcher game.
Left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott, Marlins
He’s the No. 1 reliever on every contender’s trade list, but as an impending free agent who likely won’t re-sign with Miami, the club can’t expect a big haul in exchange for the standout tight end. He turns 30 on July 22 and is owed about $2.7 million for the rest of the season, so he’s worth acquiring, even in the short term.
Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports OF Tommy Pham, White Sox
Will the well-traveled veteran find a new home for the third consecutive deadline? The signs point to Yesespecially given his ability to play all three outfield positions and help teams make a World Series run, like the 2023 Diamondbacks. Plus, a contender would only have to pay the 36-year-old about $1.5 million of his one-year, $3 million contract.
INF Luis Rengifo, Angels
His offensive numbers aren’t eye-popping, but the versatile 27-year-old, who has stolen 21 bases through June, would bolster any contender’s infield depth. Plus, he’s owed about $2.2 million for the remainder of 2024 and is under team control through next season, so he’s a low-risk, low-cost acquisition.
Kyle Finnegan, Nationals: A dominant stopper in the first half of the season, he has stopped 22 of 25 chances through June and would be a perfect fit at the end of any bullpen. He is eligible for arbitration next season and is owed about $2.55 million for the remainder of the 2024 season, which is well worth the small investment for the 32-year-old reliever.
FROM Miguel Andujar, A’s
He fell short after finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year race in 2018 with the Yankees, but the 29-year-old has resurfaced in the West. He’s had a bit of a downturn after a strong start but would only cost a team about $850,000 of his $1.7 million salary, and he’s under team control through 2025.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports 1B Josh Bell, Marlins
He never came close to his 2019 All-Star numbers (37 homers, 116 RBIs), but the 31-year-old slugger averaged 22 homers from 2021-23, so he would provide value to a team looking for a lefty with pop. If Miami pays out part of the $8 million owed to him for the remainder of the season, he will likely be traded for the third consecutive summer.
Right-handed pitcher Tyler Rogers, Giants
The durable submarine reliever has posted a major league-high 2.75 ERA in 43 appearances through June, is making just $3.2 million this season and is under team control through 2025. The 33-year-old led the National League in appearances in 2020 and 2021, so he can be counted on to take the ball and preserve the lead in crucial late-inning situations.
BY Kevin Pillar, Angels
Playing under a one-year, $1 million contract, the 35-year-old has revived his career, hitting .317 with six homers, 26 RBIs and a .911 OPS in 39 games through June. A standout center fielder in his youth, the 35-year-old can play all three outfield positions and would be a reliable bench option.
