This story was originally published by Dead Spin
As the July 30 trade deadline draws near, several teams remain undecided on whether to buy or sell.
The big names potentially on the block are getting more play in the rumor mill, but there are cheaper options available who could prove to exceed their value at relatively little cost.
For the teams that decide to build toward a postseason run, here’s a look at 10 potential buy-low trade candidates:
LHP Tyler Anderson, Angels
Yes, he’s owed about $20 million through 2025, but reliable starters are a valued commodity at the deadline. The 34-year-old, a 2022 All-Star, ranked in the top 10 among AL starters in ERA (3.03), batting average against (.216) and innings (104.0) through June, boosting his trade value at the right time.
C Elias Diaz, Rockies
Back from an IL stint due to a calf strain, he’s followed up his first All-Star campaign with a strong first half, slashing .307/.355/.446 through June. He is 33 and an impending free agent, so he’s not part of Colorado’s future. He’s owed about $3 million for the rest of the season, so he’d be a sound short-term investment for a team seeking a catching upgrade.
LHP Tanner Scott, Marlins
He’s the No. 1 reliever on every contender’s trade list, but as an impending free agent who likely wouldn’t re-sign with Miami, the club can’t expect a strong haul in return for the lights-out closer. Turning 30 on July 22, he’s owed approximately $2.7 million over the rest of the season, so he’s well worth acquiring, even in the short term.
credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports OF Tommy Pham, White Sox
Will the well-traveled veteran find a new home for the third straight deadline? Signs point to yes, especially given his ability to play all three outfield positions and help teams make the World Series, like the 2023 Diamondbacks. Plus, a contender would only have to pay the 36-year-old about $1.5 million on his one-year, $3 million deal.
INF Luis Rengifo, Angels
His offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but the 27-year-old versatile switch hitter, who swiped 21 bases through June, would boost any contender’s infield depth. Plus, he’s owed roughly $2.2 million for the rest of 2024 and is under team control through next season, so he’s a low-risk, low-cost acquisition.
RHP Kyle Finnegan, Nationals: A dominant closer in the first half, he saved 22 of 25 opportunities through June and would be an ideal fit at the back end of any bullpen. He’s arbitration-eligible next season and is owed roughly $2.55 million for the rest of 2024—well worth the small investment for the 32-year-old shutdown reliever.
OF Miguel Andujar, A’s
He flopped after finishing second in the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year race with the Yankees, but the 29-year-old has resurfaced out west. He’s tailed off after a hot start but would only cost a team about $850,000 of his $1.7 million salary, plus he’s under team control through 2025.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports 1B Josh Bell, Marlins
He’s never come close to his 2019 All-Star numbers (37 homers, 116 RBIs), but the 31-year-old slugger did average 22 homers from 2021-23, so he’d bring value to a team seeking lefty pop. If Miami forks over a chunk of the $8 million he’s due the rest of the season, he’ll likely be dealt for the third summer in a row.
RHP Tyler Rogers, Giants
The durable submarine reliever posted a 2.75 ERA in a major-league-leading 43 appearances through June, is only making $3.2 million this season, and is under team control through 2025. The 33-year-old led the NL in appearances in 2020 and 2021, so he can be counted on to take the ball and preserve the lead in crucial late-inning situations.
OF Kevin Pillar, Angels
Playing on a one-year, $1 million contract, the journeyman has revived his career, hitting .317 with six homers, 26 RBIs and a .911 OPS in 39 games through June. An outstanding center fielder in his younger days, the 35-year-old can play all three outfield positions and would be a dependable bench option.
