ARLINGTON — Dozens of players arrived in Texas this week, representing their respective teams for All-Star Game festivities.
For some of those called up to the Midseason Classic, however, this could be the countdown to the July 30 Trade Deadline, which would then have them wearing another team’s uniform.
“I think that’s the reality, when you’re pitching well and you’re on a sub-.500 team, the rumors start to circulate,” said Rangers reliever Kirby Yates, a two-time All-Star. “I love it here. Personally, I don’t want to be traded. You look around the clubhouse, we’ve got some pretty good players here. I don’t think any of them are going to give up.”
For each player on the following list, there is a real possibility of a trade over the next two weeks, though for some it is more certain than others. This week, they enjoyed the All-Star experience and didn’t think about what awaits them at the end of the month.
“For me, it’s just a matter of just thinking about where you are right now,” said Tyler Anderson, a two-time Midseason Classic selection. “You can’t control that kind of stuff, so you just have to control what you can and just support your teammates every day.”
Here’s a look at seven of the All-Star Game participants who could be traded between now and July 30.
Tyler Anderson, LZ, Angelinos
The left-hander has been to the Midseason Classic twice in the past three years and has been one of the few bright spots in Los Angeles’ rotation this season. He went 8-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 19 starts (118 innings) in the first half, ranking in the 86th percentile in average exit velocity and opponents’ hard-hit balls.
Anderson is set to make nearly $5 million this year and another $3 million in the final season of his contract in 2025. With few quality starters expected to be available this month, the Angels could have several suitors for Anderson.
Garrett Crochet, LZ, White Stockings
After a rocky transition to the rotation in April, Crochet has dominated, posting a 1.61 ERA in 72.2 innings over 13 starts. The left-hander leads the majors with 150 strikeouts and has walked just 23 in 107.1 innings, though the latter figure is the most intriguing.
Crochet, 25, pitched a total of 85 1/3 innings between the majors and minors entering this season, so Chicago — and the team that potentially acquires him — will have to monitor his workload for the remainder of the season, possibly making him a bullpen piece late in the season. The most intriguing aspect is Crochet’s contract situation. He is under team control through 2026.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays
The Dominican, who made the All-Star Game for the fourth consecutive year, will be one of the names that draws the most attention in the next two weeks. The slugger — who entered the break with 14 homers, 55 RBIs and an .815 OPS in 95 games — is under contractual control through 2025, and although Toronto does not plan to give up Guerrero for now, a stunning offer could force the Blue Jays to consider such a move.
“As I said before, I control what I can control,” said Guerrero“I just try to go out there and give my 100% and what happens after that, I can’t control.”
Guerrero and the Canadian team have talked about a possible extension, but sources said the two sides are far from finalizing a deal. Guerrero said he is hopeful of staying with the only club he knows, but knows the possibility of a trade still exists.
“I would love to stay in Toronto,” Guerrero said. “My family loves Toronto, my kids love it, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. We all have to understand that, so whatever happens, happens. I would definitely love to stay here.” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Mason Miller, LD, Athletics
The flamethrower has emerged as a trade candidate for several months now, though Oakland will likely ask for quite a bit in return for the right-hander, who is under contractual control for another five years, through 2029.
Miller’s electric arm, which was on full display at this All-Star Gamehas him among Statcast’s leaders in several categories, including fastball velocity (100.9 mph), swing-and-miss percentage (43%) and strikeout percentage (46.7%). It’s not a given that the 25-year-old right-hander will be traded, but he’s a flashy pitcher who will be talked about throughout the month.
Isaac Paredes, 3B, Rays
Tampa Bay has been hovering around .500 all season, and they’ve already shown they’re willing to part with veterans if they have younger, cheaper alternatives to replace them.
It’s worth noting that third baseman prospect Junior Caminero will soon rejoin Triple-A Durham after recovering from a left quad injury. The Rays likely won’t dismantle because they anticipate being competitive in 2025, but they could give up pieces of their strongest players to create a better balance on their roster for next year.
Mexico’s Paredes, who hit 30 homers in 2023 and entered this year’s break with 15 homers and 50 RBIs, will earn $1.4 million in 2024 and is eligible for salary arbitration over the next three years, making him a great piece under contractual control.
“I’m not thinking about that,” Paredes said. “It’s not something I control. The team will make the decision, and we’ll see what happens.”
Tanner Scott, LZ, Marlins
The left-hander, who was the lone All-Star for the Padres, will likely be in a different uniform before the end of the month after Miami began its moves in early May by sending Venezuelan Luis Arraez to the Padres.
Scott, who turns 30 on July 22, has a 1.34 ERA in 39 first-half appearances and has 14 saves in 16 opportunities. With several contenders looking to bolster the bullpen, Scott — who will make nearly $2.25 million this year before becoming a free agent — would be a coveted piece before the deadline.
Kirby Yates, LD, Rangers
The right-hander on a one-year, $4 million contract has been a godsend for the Rangers — the veteran has been one of their best relievers this season. He has a 1.05 ERA in 34 appearances before the break, allowing just 15 hits with 46 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings.
Kirby could be one of the most valuable assets for the champions, who have a 46-50 record, five games out of the lead in the American League West and 7.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the Junior Circuit.
Source: MLB
2024-07-18 06:23:57
#stars #change #houses #trade #deadline
Related