What will happen at the MLB trade deadline? We’re approaching everyone’s favorite time of year in the Major League Baseball season, which means a whole new flurry of MLB trade rumors to track in advance of the trade deadline in July.
Here, we’ll keep you updated on the latest MLB trade rumors from around the league. Whether it’s which players are on the trade block or which MLB teams will be buyers and sellers at the MLB trade deadline, consider this the home for everything you’re looking for this summer. Let’s dive in.
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Houston Astros expected to be strong buyers in July
Similar to the New York Mets, the Houston Astros’ playoff chances seemed dead in the water entering June. Since June 1, the Astros have the best record in baseball. Houston’s pitching has been better and its lineup is top 10 in multiple categories. Thanks to the turnaround, the Astros will be buyers at the MLB trade deadline.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic touched on it, noting owner Jim Crane’s history of wanting to be aggressive buyers in July. Houston will be focused on starting pitching, with previous MLB trade rumors even indicating the Astros could acquire multiple starters this month.
New York Mets poised to be buyers at MLB trade deadline
A month can change things quickly. Entering June, MLB trade rumors all pointed to the New York Mets operating as sellers with Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, JD Martinez and many others available. Now, after recording one of the best records in June, the Mets are buyers.
The New York Post reported that the Mets are focused on buying this summer. New York is specifically focused on strengthening its bullpen and there are several high-end relievers available. It is notable, though, that the Mets reportedly may deal from their starting pitching depth. It could mean a player like Quintana is traded and New York then flips prospects for multiple relievers.
Tampa Bay Rays poised to be sellers, but will only move a few pieces
The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves in the playoff picture with July approaching, but it might not influence their approach to the MLB trade deadline. With the Rays lineup struggling this season and players like Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz already being floated in MLB trade rumors, a few new names are now options to be dealt in July.
The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Patrick Mooney wrote that Rays’ pitchers Aaron Civale and Zack Littell could be traded this summer. While Zafh Eflin has been floated as one of the potential Rays trade candidates, he appears less likely to move. The Athletic also reported that the Rays’ front office is opposed to rebuilding. If Tampa Bay acts as a seller at the MLB trade deadline, it will only move a few pieces.
Los Angeles Dodgers interested in Chicago White Sox’ duo
Injuries will have an undeniable impact on how the Los Angeles Dodgers approach the MLB trade deadline. Clayton Kershaw is working his way back from offseason surgery, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is sidelined indefinitely and both Max Muncy and Mookie Betts are out for a month-plus. In short, Los Angeles has needs at key positions on the roster.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and starting pitcher Garrett Crochet are among the Dodgers trade targets. For their part, Chicago has also reportedly sent some of its scouts to evaluate talent in the Dodgers’ farm system. No deal is imminent, as this is just background work by the White Sox, but two of the best players available this summer are squarely on the Dodgers’ radar.
Chicago Cubs among teams interested in Jack Flaherty
While the Chicago Cubs have received some excellent pitching this season from Shota Imanaga with Javier Assad and Justin Steele also pitching well behind him, the team needs a fifth starter. Ben Brown, Kyle Hendricks and Hayden Wesnecki all have experienced their share of issues, leading to Chicago exploring the market for starting pitching ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
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According to George Ofman, the Cubs are among the teams interested in Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. Once the St. Louis Cardinals’ ace, Flaherty needed to salvage his career after an ugly stretch from 2022-’23. This season in Detroit, the 28-year-old righty holds a 2.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP across 83.1 innings pitched. Flaherty is one of the best starting pitchers available this summer.
Detroit Tigers to shop multiple trade candidates
After a promising start to the season, the Detroit Tigers have since been one of the worst teams in baseball in the last two months. With no signs of a turnaround, Detroit is expected to operate as sellers once again at the MLB trade deadline. Speaking to MLB Network, Jon Heyman named Jack Flaherty, Mark Canha and Gio Urshela as the players most likely to be traded by the Tigers. While there would be significant interest league-wide in a Tarik Skubal trade, Detroit has zero interest in moving him.
Chicago White Sox likelier to make Luis Robert trade than move Garrett Crochet
The Chicago White Sox are self-described sellers at the MLB trade deadline, listening to offers on just about anyone on their roster. Interestingly, though, one MLB general manager told Jon Heyman of the New York Post that he believes the White Sox are likelier to move All-Star outfielder Luis Robert than starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. Chicago is going to entertain conversations on both players, with each commanding multiple top prospects. For now, though, it appears Robert is the likelier of the two MLB trade candidates to be dealt.
New York Mets could operate as buyers, sellers
The New York Mets rolled into June 10 games below the .500 market, immediately leading to the likes of Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez and Luis Severino being floated in MLB trade rumors. Weeks later, New York entered the weekend 36-38 and its approach to the MLB trade deadline could be adjusted.
Appearing on Fox Sports 1, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested the Mets could operate as a buyer and seller. New York has a ton of pitching depth, which could allow them to trade someone like Severino or Jose Quintana and then fill that void in the rotation with Christian Scott. There would still be a long-term focus from the Mets, but it could also use its wealth of arms to upgrade other areas on the roster.
Oakland A’s unlikely to make Mason Miller trade
Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller is one of the most coveted layers available at the MLB trade deadline. However, in the weeks since the report on Miller’s situation with Oakland first surfaced, there’s been little information regarding his future with the team.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, MLB teams are ‘discouraged’ about their chances of acquiring Miller this summer. While Oakland is believed to be open to moving him, its asking price seems to be driving clubs away. Miller is under team control for the next five seasons, but the hard-throwing reliever also has a history of injury issues. With Oakland setting its asking price and elite prospects, a deal seems unlikely to happen this summer.
Kansas City Royals targeting bullpen, multi-positional bat
A year after losing 106 games, the Kansas City Royals are surprise contenders heading into July. After a busy offseason that’s led to strong results, the Royals are now eyeing more roster upgrades.
According to Royals GM J.J. Picollo, Kansas City is still intrigued by the idea of improving the bullpen and would even be open to landing a closing pitcher. While acknowledging the difficulties of finding a reliable closer, Picollo also noted a desire to get stronger production from the outfield, but finding someone who can play the infield too would be “ideal.”
Baltimore Orioles likely to eye ‘big-time starter’ in July
Injuries have hit the Baltimore Orioles rotation hard this season, with Kyle Bradish (elbow) recently joining John Means and Tyler Wells on the injured list. Baltimore has the farm system to acquire either a front-line starter or a mid-rotation arm, but there does seem to be a feeling that the club will pursue a higher-end option this summer.
Speaking to Sportsnaut, MLB reporter Bob Nightengale said he expects the Orioles to “go get another big-time starter”. As Nightengale notes, Baltimore is flush with depth at several key positions in its farm system and with only so many spots to play guys, it can use some of its minor-league talent to upgrade the starting rotation. One obvious fit, who the Orioles have previously had interest in, is Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo.
Atlanta Braves expected to be buyers at MLB trade deadline, target OF and SP
The Atlanta Braves have been near the top of the National League for several years running, but the 2024 season has been challenging. In large part due to season-ending injuries suffered by Ronald Acuña Jr and Spencer Strider, paired with a myriad of other issues, the Braves have posted a 20-22 record since May 1.
However, Bob Nightengale told Sportsnaut, that he fully expects Atlanta to be buyers at the trade deadline. Starting pitching and outfield are expected to be the targeted positions, with the MLB insider highlighting Zach Eflin and Tommy Pham as potential targets for the Braves front office.
Colorado Rockies won’t trade Ryan McMahon
The Colorado Rockies have been one of the worst baseball teams over the last two years, only trailing the Oakland Athletics (160) and Chicago White Sox (155) in losses since Opening Day 2023. To make matters worse. The Rockies entered 2024 ranked 21st in MLB.com’s farm system rankings. Despite all of that, reports over the weekend indicated that Colorado has zero interest in even entertaining a trade for third baseman Ryan McMahon. It’s once again expected to be a quiet MLB trade deadline for the Rockies.
Miami Marlins will have to eat significant money to move big bat
The Miami Marlins roster was in a dire position leading to the team spending some money on a few players it hoped would keep the team afloat in 2024. One of those moves could prove especially costly, at least if Miami wants to get anything out of it.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Marlins intend to trade first baseman Josh Bell this summer. However, even that plan comes with the acknowledgment from within the organization that Miami’s ownership must eat a significant portion of Bell’s remaining $16.05 million salary this season. Considering Bell has just a .240/.307/.371 slash line in 297 plate appearances, the Marlins likely won’t get much of anything for him.
MLB teams eyeing Tampa Bay Rays’ hitters at MLB trade deadline
A perennial contender for years, the Tampa Bay Rays now find themselves below the .500 line more than 70 games into the regular season. While the organization isn’t leaning one way or another right now, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that MLB teams are interested in several Rays’ hitters as buy-low candidates.
Randy Arozarena is the most prominent example. An All-Star hitter, Arozarena has been one of the worst hitters in baseball, as evidenced by a .175/.284/.325 slash line in 276 plate appearances. However, from 2021-’23, he posted three consecutive seasons as a member of the 202-20 club with a wRC+ of 120-plus. Teams are also eyeing infielder Brandon Lowe (.678 OPS) and slugger Yandy Diaz (.679 OPS) as potential options.
Baltimore Orioles reportedly willing to move one of their top prospects
The Baltimore Orioles will be motivated buyers at the MLB trade deadline this summer, eyeing a few specific positions to improve their standing in the American League. With a deep farm system, Baltimore has the depth to pursue any deal it wants but there is reportedly one high-end prospect they are most willing to move.
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According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo is viewed as the high-end prospect the club is most willing to part with this summer. Rated by MLB.com as the second-best prospect in Baltimore’s system, the teenager is currently blocked by Adley Rutschman behind home plate. If Basallo, a consensus top-20 prospect in MLB, is going to be moved the Orioles want a cost-controlled impact player who can improve their roster for several years.
Miami Marlins reliever Tanner Scott generating significant interest
The Miami Marlins signaled they would be sellers at the MLB trade deadline when they shipped off Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres. With the arrival of the summer, Miami is even more committed to selling off some of its top players.
Related: Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, eyeing trade for top arm
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Marlins’ relief pitcher Tanner Scott has generated interest from a flurry of World Series contenders, with top teams in both the National League and American League eyeing him for bullpen help. Scott, a free agent this winter, sports a 1.93 ERA with a 26.1 percent strikeout rate this season and could be the Marlins’ representative at the All-Star Game in July.
Chicago White Sox’ Michael Kopech drawing trade buzz
Once one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, 28-year-old Michael Kopech has recently popped up in MLB trade rumors. He is struggling this year with the Chicago White Sox – 4.91 ERA in 29.1 innings pitched – but clubs see the 32.3 percent strikeout rate and prospect pedigree with contract control (free agent in 2026) as a buy-low opportunity. Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports that the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams interested in Kopech.
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Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing shortstop
The Los Angeles Dodgers converted Mookie Betts to shortstop before the season opened because Gavin Lu’s defense at that spot was too harmful to the team. However, which should come as no surprise, Los Angeles is now being linked in MLB rumors to the shortstop market.
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Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that Los Angeles is eyeing the shortstop position among MLB trade candidates, with the idea of moving Betts back to second base. Not only would this improve things defensively, but it should also add more run production to the Dodgers lineup.
Pete Alonso reportedly not among most valuable New York Mets trade candidates
The New York Mets will be sellers at the trade deadline, with All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso widely viewed as one of the many players on the club who could be moved in July. However, while Alonso is the biggest name among the Mets trade candidates, he’s not the one teams are highest on.
Related: MLB insider reveals wild Pete Alonso contract demands this winter
Rival executives told Andy Martino of SNY that starting pitcher Luis Severino is “by far” the Mets’ most valuable trade chip this summer. As for Alonso, the half-season rental might not generate the return fans are hoping for. New York likely could’ve gotten more for him at the MLB trade deadline in 2023, but talks with the Milwaukee Brewers never yielded a final agreement.
Philadelphia Phillies to target bullpen, likely avoid blockbuster trade
The Philadelphia Phillies are already one of the top teams in 2024, even with All-Star shortstop Trea Turner missing a significant portion of the season. With his expected return before the All-Star break, Philadelphia won’t be under pressure to make a big move to improve its roster.
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However, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski did tell Matt Gelb of The Athletic that the team is likely to explore additions to its bullpen this summer. It aligns with some of the latest MLB trade rumors, linking Philadelphia with interest in some options to add depth to its pen. Don’t count on a Mason Miller trade, however, with Dombrowski noting a blockbuster trade that requires trading “three top prospects” as unlikely to even be pursued.
Additional MLB rumors
- Reporter reveals San Diego Padres’ top trade target
- Insider reveals Seattle Mariners’ approach to MLB trade deadline
- New York Yankees have massive interest in trade for emerging MLB star
- Houston Astros reportedly may take aggressive trade approach with SP
- Insider reveals likely cost of a Garrett Crochet trade for teams
- MLB insider reveals 2 positions New York Yankees may target on trade market
- Reporter reveals potential Luis Robert trade asking price from Chicago White Sox
- MLB insider predicts Chicago Cubs trade for this All-Star in July
- Baltimore Orioles reportedly eyeing this position at MLB trade deadline, 4 potential targets
- One of New York Yankees top trade targets reportedly not available
- Colorado Rockies expected to trade All-Star slugger
- New York Yankees interested in high-upside pitcher
- Kansas City Royals ‘focused’ on 2 positions at MLB trade deadline
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The 2024 MLB trade deadline is on Tuesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.
