With July upon us and the All-Star break underway, it's time to seriously consider MLB's top player trade candidates in 2024. Although MLB's current playoff system is set up to accommodate more buyers than sellers, there will be plenty of players available via trade.
This includes some star players who are expected to make a difference for their new team if they are traded before the deadline.
Ranking the Top 10 MLB Trade Candidates for 2024
Who are the best players available to trade at the end of July? The answer to that question may come down to which teams are trading their players and what kind of offers teams are receiving for the star players available to trade.
Ultimately, not everyone who can be traded will be moved before the deadline. However, here are 10 players we consider to be the best MLB trade candidates in 2024.
Louis Robert
There are plenty of trades for Luis Robert, though, as the outside linebacker has had an uneven season in 2024. Keep in mind that he missed time with an injury early in the season and hasn’t been able to get back on track. On the other hand, he was a star and a Silver Slugger winner last year, not to mention a former Gold Glove winner.
Additionally, he turns 27 in August and is under team control through the 2027 season with reasonable club options for 2026 and 2027 given his talent level. That means he carries a lot more value than a rental player. It’s just a matter of whether the White Sox will receive an offer that makes them willing to give up three more years of control for such a talented player who could be the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuilding efforts.
Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman is nearing the end of his five-year, $100 million contract with the Astros, so his future in Houston is uncertain. The fact that the Astros have made efforts to get back into the wild-card race suggests that Bregman will not be traded, as does his mediocre performance so far.
However, it clearly didn’t help his case for a massive extension with Houston, which would put him on the trade list if the Astros perform poorly in July and fall out of contention. After all, Bregman’s track record and playoff experience still make him an interesting trade candidate.
Tanner Scott
Tanner Scott is almost certain to be traded this summer. He will become a free agent this winter and has had a great year as a shutout player in Miami.
Like most relief players, Scott’s record is a bit lopsided. But he posted a 2.31 ERA last year and was even better this season, making him one of the top MLB trade candidates in 2024.
Mason Miller
Oakland would probably be better off keeping Mason Miller at the deadline because he is still two years away from arbitration. Oakland will certainly be ready to compete again while Miller is under contract. However, he has been so good as a shutdown player for Oakland that teams will call him up.
One team might be so desperate that they’d pay a hefty price to acquire Miller. Given how volatile relief players are, Oakland would have to consider trading Miller if it meant adding multiple pieces to their farm system.
Jazz Chisholm
After becoming a star in 2022, Jazz Chisholm hasn’t quite reached the star status the Marlins envisioned. However, the 26-year-old has the speed, strength, athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions. With just $2.6 million in salary this season and two more years of salary arbitration until free agency, Chisholm is a bargain.
But that also means the Marlins could charge a big price for him if there's a team that wants a boost of energy at the deadline.
Jack Flaherty
After signing a one-year, $14 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, Jack Flaherty has become a Detroit hero and a great trade target in 2024. After an uneven April, Flaherty posted a 2.84 ERA in May and a 2.53 ERA in June.
He also played in a number of postseason games, which doesn't affect his trade value. Even though he's just a rental player, the Tigers will get a good return on Flaherty this summer.
Alonso's house
If you go back to mid-May, you’ll find that Pete Alonso trade rumors were circulating. Unfortunately, the Mets were the best team in baseball during June, putting them back in contention for a wild card spot. It’s now unclear whether the Mets will buy, trade, or a combination of the two at the deadline. Right now, Alonso is likely to remain in New York for the rest of the season. However, if the Mets fall out of contention before the deadline, they could quickly turn to trading Alonso and getting a huge deal in return.
Tyler O'Neill
Early in the season, Tyler O'Neal looked like he was going to be an MVP candidate. He's cooled down a bit, but he still has solid numbers that make him a great trade-off. Of course, the Red Sox won't necessarily be among those trading players, depending on how things play out in June.
However, O'Neal may be among the best players cut at the deadline with the way he's produced so far, with his OPS approaching .900.
Tyler Anderson
The Los Angeles Angels have a problem with Tyler Anderson. They just signed him to a three-year, $39 million deal, giving him two more years with the Hallows at a reasonable salary. However, the lefty has been one of the most consistent starters in baseball this year. Given his contract situation and performance this year, Anderson could command a good price on the trade market this summer.
With the Angels going nowhere and having the worst farm system in baseball, Anderson may be the Angels' most valuable as a trade piece.
Eric Fede
There’s no doubt that Erik Fedde would be a great trade this summer. Technically, his contract is only worth $7.5 million next season. But the White Sox won’t be competitive next year either, so they’ll trade Fedde for a high price, increasing his value this summer as more of a rental player.
Most importantly, he had a star-level season and could be one of the best players to move to other teams this summer.
