The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching, as the cutoff date is July 30. It’s an important date for rebuilding and competing teams — and fantasy baseball players. Several relievers may lose their closer’s distinction, leaving an opportunity for those opportunistic on the waiver wire. With that said, here’s a look at five teams to pay attention to over the coming week.
Angels
The Angels’ closer position seemed in flux in the winter after the signing of Robert Stephenson. However, season-ending Tommy John surgery for Stephenson ensured Carlos Estevez would be the man in Anaheim again this season. And the 31-year-old has been very good in 2024, as he netted 19 saves heading into play on July 24 struck out 32 over 33 frames, and walked just five.
The strikeout numbers are low for a pitcher who’s netted above-average whiffs (28.4%) this season. Estevez owns a power fastball that’s been nearly unhittable this season, a pitch he pairs very well with his slider and changeup. Opposing hitters are batting less than .200 on all three pitches.
Estevez is a free agent after 2024. With the Angels not in competition for a playoff spot, Anaheim will likely move him amidst a rebuild. Should Estevez be moved, Hunter Strickland or youngster Ben Joyce could be in line to get save opportunities.
Marlins
Left-hander Tanner Scott will likely be a hot name over the next week. The Marlins lefty, who can hit triple digits with his fastball and pair it with a hard slider, is having yet another strong season. Scott owns a 1.22 ERA/.98 WHIP this season, both figures impressive given his high BB% (14.4%) rate. But when Scott routinely gets swings and misses, some errors here and there won’t hurt.
Scott will likely be in play for several contenders. The Orioles, Scott’s former team, are a potential fit. As are the Yankees, a team in need of relief help behind Clay Holmes. Should Scott land in either of those places, the lefty will probably not be a ninth-inning option.
But for the Marlins, the name to watch here is A.J. Puk. Puk was Miami’s closer last season before the Marlins acquired reliever David Robertson. Robertson faltered in August, which left Scott the inevitable closer. Puk got shelled as a starter this season, as opposing batters posted a 1.015 OPS off him in that role. As a reliever, his fastball/slider combo has played up much better (.456 OPS, .76 WHIP).
Rangers
A year ago, the Rangers were looking for starters and relievers to gear up for a run. This season, things look very different for the defending World Series champions. Texas entered play on July 24 with a 49-52 record, three and a half games out of the AL West and six and a half out of the third AL Wild Card slot.
The smoke around Texas is interesting at the moment. The Rangers have been rumored to move out rentals, meaning Kirby Yates and David Robertston would likely be traded. Yates would be a prime trade candidate, given he’s having his best season since 2019. The 2024 All-Star has a 1.22 ERA and struck out 51 over 37 innings.
On the other hand, The Athletic reported that there’s been talk Texas is interested in a controllable reliever. It would make sense, given the Rangers still have a core that can be very competitive for years to come. But should the Rangers trade Robertson and Yates and not bring another reliever in, watch Jose Leclerc and Josh Sborz.
Rockies
The Rockies were active last summer, as Colorado dealt former closer Pierce Johnson before the Trade Deadline. The move benefitted Johnson greatly, as he pitched excellent down the stretch for Atlanta. This season, Colorado may trade their leading save-getter again.
Lefty Jalen Beeks came into play on July 24 as the team leader in saves (9). Beeks doesn’t have overpowering stuff, although he does own a mid-90s fastball that plays up with extension, along with a cutter and changeup. Beeks, though, is a pending free agent. Given that he can be effective against left and right-handed hitters, expect him to be moved.
Those in desperate need of saves are the only ones who should look for whomever will take over as closer assuming Beeks gets traded. Tyler Kinley is an option, although he does have below-average command. Justin Lawrence hasn’t pitched well in 2024 but he would make the most sense.
White Sox
We’ll finish off with the White Sox, who’ve rolled with Michael Kopech in the closer’s role for much of 2024. It’s been shaky at times, as the righty has had his moments, including a couple of weeks ago in Miami. Still, Kopech has struck out 57 over 42.2 IP and has the stuff to be an impact reliever.
The 28-year-old has an above-average 30.7% Whiff% rate, buoyed by a plus-plus fastball that can hit the triple digits. His stuff and fringe command play better in a relief role and competing teams will likely be intrigued by Kopech, who has another year of control after 2024.
If the White Sox trade Kopech, Tanner Banks, and John Brebbia are among the replacement options, assuming Brebbia sticks. He likely will, given he has a $6MM team option ($1.5MM buyout) for 2025.
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