With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching on July 30, teams are faced with the tough decision of whether to buy or sell. While big names dominate the rumor mill, there are also some under-the-radar players who could provide significant value to teams looking to make a postseason push without breaking the bank.
Here are 10 potential buy-low trade candidates to keep an eye on:
1. LHP Tyler Anderson, Angels
Despite being owed around $20 million through 2025, Anderson has been a reliable starter and an All-Star in 2022. With impressive stats in ERA, batting average against, and innings pitched, he could be a valuable addition to a team in need of pitching depth.
2. C Elias Diaz, Rockies
Diaz, coming off an IL stint, has put up strong numbers in the first half of the season. As an impending free agent owed about $3 million for the rest of the season, he could be a cost-effective option for teams looking to upgrade at catcher.
3. LHP Tanner Scott, Marlins
Scott is a sought-after reliever but as an impending free agent, the Marlins may not get a significant return for him. With a relatively low salary of approximately $2.7 million for the rest of the season, he could be a valuable addition to any bullpen.
4. OF Tommy Pham, White Sox
Pham’s versatility in playing all three outfield positions and his affordable contract make him an attractive trade target. With only $1.5 million owed on his one-year deal, he could provide depth to a contending team.
5. INF Luis Rengifo, Angels
Rengifo may not have eye-popping offensive numbers, but his versatility and team-friendly contract make him a low-risk acquisition for teams in need of infield depth.
6. RHP Kyle Finnegan, Nationals
Finnegan, a dominant closer in the first half, could bolster any bullpen with his performance. As an arbitration-eligible player owed around $2.55 million for the rest of 2024, he could be a valuable asset for a team in need of late-inning relief.
7. OF Miguel Andujar, A’s
Andujar has revived his career with the A’s and could provide a team with affordable production at the plate. With a salary of around $850,000 for the rest of the season, he could be a low-cost addition for a team in need of outfield depth.
8. 1B Josh Bell, Marlins
Bell may not have replicated his All-Star numbers from 2019, but his power potential could be attractive to teams seeking left-handed hitting. If the Marlins are willing to eat a portion of his remaining salary, he could be on the move for the third consecutive summer.
9. RHP Tyler Rogers, Giants
Rogers, a durable submarine reliever, has been consistent and reliable for the Giants. With a reasonable salary and under team control through 2025, he could be a valuable addition to any bullpen.
10. OF Kevin Pillar, Angels
Pillar, playing on a one-year, $1 million contract, has been a standout performer for the Angels. With his versatility in the outfield and strong offensive production, he could be a valuable bench option for a contending team.
As the trade deadline approaches, these buy-low candidates could provide teams with the necessary depth and talent to make a postseason run without breaking the bank. It will be interesting to see which teams pull the trigger on these potential trade targets in the coming weeks.
