MLB Trade Deadline 2024: Key Moves, Market Dynamics, and Last-Minute Strategies…
As the MLB trade deadline week unfolds, the pace has picked up significantly. The Seattle Mariners have acquired Randy Arozarena, while the New York Yankees added Jazz Chisholm Jr. These moves are part of several intriguing trades made over the weekend.
With less than 48 hours remaining before the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, discussions are still ongoing involving notable names like Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty, Los Angeles Angels All-Star Tyler Anderson, and Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott.
Which players will be moved in the final hours? Which teams will go all-in to acquire top talent? ESPN MLB insiders Buster Olney and Jeff Passan share their latest insights as the deadline approaches.
Market Dynamics and Final Hours
Olney: The market has a limited number of players available, leading to higher prices that teams might reluctantly pay. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Yankees are determined to make moves. The Cincinnati Reds, after another tough one-run loss, might become sellers with players like Frankie Montas drawing interest.
Passan: The competitive market has driven up prices, especially after the high returns for Carlos Estevez and Jason Adam. Contenders need reinforcements, and the current sellers’ market is beneficial for teams looking to trade.
Impactful Trades
Olney: The Philadelphia Phillies are already strong contenders with a deep lineup and rotation. Adding Carlos Estevez bolsters their bullpen, crucial for October. They also added outfielder Austin Hays, enhancing their roster further.
Passan: The Seattle Mariners’ acquisition of Randy Arozarena addresses their offensive struggles. Although not as impactful as Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani, Arozarena significantly upgrades their lineup, crucial for their tight race in the AL West.
Plans of Top Contenders
Olney: The Cleveland Guardians are searching for a starting pitcher and a hitter but are hesitant to trade top prospects. The Dodgers are also in the market for a starter, possibly Jack Flaherty or Garrett Crochet. The Baltimore Orioles are looking for a right-handed hitter and willing to spend to get one.
Passan: The Orioles have made strategic trades and still have options to enhance their roster. The Phillies seem content after their recent acquisitions. The Dodgers might target versatile players like Tommy Edman. The Guardians need both pitching and hitting reinforcements urgently.
New York Teams’ Strategies
Olney: The Mets aim to fill roster gaps, while the Yankees have more pressing needs for two relievers and a middle-order bat. They hope Jazz Chisholm Jr. can boost their lineup, but they still need a reliable cleanup hitter.
Passan: Both teams are linked to Blake Snell, whose recent performance has been stellar. The Mets need a high-caliber pitcher like Snell, while the Yankees’ struggling rotation also needs reinforcement, alongside their bullpen and lineup needs.
White Sox’s Trade Prospects
Olney: There’s skepticism about the White Sox trading Garrett Crochet or Luis Robert Jr. now, with some suggesting a multiplayer deal with the Dodgers might be possible, given the Dodgers’ willingness to meet contract demands.
Passan: Crochet’s desire to pitch only in the regular season affects his market value. The White Sox’s future heavily depends on maximizing returns from their key players, which might lead to significant trades by the deadline or in the winter.
Other Notable Players and Teams
Olney: Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins is likely to move due to his strikeout ability. The Angels’ Luis Garcia and Tyler Anderson are also on the market.
Passan: High asking prices for top players might push teams to consider secondary options. Players like Yusei Kikuchi, Tommy Pham, and others are expected to move. Teams like the Astros, Rangers, Rays, and Nationals are anticipated to be active in the final hours.
General Sentiment
Olney: There’s frustration over high asking prices and the limited availability of players.
Passan: Despite the posturing, significant action is expected as teams look to strengthen their rosters for the World Series push.
