MLB · 1 year ago

Top 10 Biggest Bats That Could Be Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

1. Pete Alonso – 1B, New York Mets
President of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged before the season that Pete Alonso, represented by Scott Boras, would likely reach free agency after the 2024 campaign.

Given that the Mets aren’t poised for a deep playoff run, it makes sense to trade Alonso this summer if he’s not going to sign an extension. Even if the return isn’t substantial, it would likely be better than the limited draft compensation the Mets would receive if he declines a qualifying offer and signs elsewhere in the offseason.

Alonso is one of the league’s top run producers, and adding him could significantly impact a team in need of power. This could appeal to aggressive teams like the Astros and San Diego Padres, but smaller-budget teams like the Kansas City Royals, Twins, and Guardians might also pursue Alonso, even as a rental, to boost their postseason chances in 2024. The Mets might prefer trading Alonso to a team unlikely to retain him beyond this season, leaving the possibility open for his return to Flushing in free agency.

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10. Mark Canha – OF/1B, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are currently on the fence about whether to buy, sell, or hold steady as the trade deadline approaches. It seems they lack the offensive firepower to justify going all-in this summer.

Mark Canha, a versatile veteran who has played both corner outfield positions and first base for the Tigers in 2024, could attract interest. Having postseason experience with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers in the past two years, the 35-year-old is likely to be pursued by contenders if he becomes available.

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9. Tommy Pham – LF, Chicago White Sox
Tommy Pham played a key role in helping the Arizona Diamondbacks reach the World Series last year and has been productive since signing with the White Sox in mid-April. In theory, any team in need of a corner outfielder should be interested in the 36-year-old.

However, Pham had to wait until after the season started to sign with a team, making the White Sox his eighth team in 11 years. While some of this is beyond his control, Pham's intense demeanor can be unsettling. Despite his potential to contribute as a baseball player, it's not surprising that he was unsigned on Opening Day. Consequently, it wouldn’t be shocking if no contenders decide to take a chance on Pham before the July 30 trade deadline.
7. J.D. Martinez – DH, New York Mets
A back injury delayed J.D. Martinez's debut with the Mets until late April, but the six-time All-Star has been productive enough since then to attract interest from teams in need of a right-handed bat this summer.

Martinez, just a season removed from hitting 33 home runs and driving in 103 runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, still has the potential to be a significant impact player in a pennant race, even at age 36.

Financially, Martinez's contract is appealing to lower-budget teams. Of the $12 million he’s owed from the Mets, only $4.5 million will be paid out in 2024. The remaining $1.5 million payments are scheduled to be made to Martinez every July 1 from 2034 to 2038, reducing the immediate financial commitment for any acquiring team.

At this stage in his career, Martinez is primarily a designated hitter. However, contenders like the Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners could benefit from an upgrade at that position, making his market likely to be robust.
6. Brent Rooker – DH/OF, Oakland Athletics
Brent Rooker may not have Martinez's track record, but he’s built on his 30-home run season in 2023 with an impressive .852 OPS so far in 2024. At seven years younger than Martinez, Rooker will be eligible for arbitration for the first time in 2025, keeping him under team control until after the 2027 season.

Another advantage for Rooker is his versatility. While he’s primarily been a designated hitter for the A’s this season, he has also played in both left and right field. Although DH might be his best role, the 29-year-old is not limited to that position.

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5. Yandy Díaz – 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Yandy Díaz may be struggling for the Rays this season, but as the reigning AL batting champion with an .881 OPS over 2022 and 2023, he remains an intriguing option for teams that miss out on the top name on this list.

The 32-year-old is set to earn $10 million in 2025, with an affordable $12 million club option for 2026. If he performs like he did in the past two seasons, this is a bargain. However, the budget-conscious Rays might prefer to trade him rather than allocate a significant portion of their payroll to his salary.

Additionally, it's worth noting that Díaz has a $1 million trade assignment bonus that Tampa Bay would need to cover if he were traded.
4. Tyler O’Neill – LF, Boston Red Sox
Between 2020 and 2021, Tyler O’Neill was a standout for the Cardinals, earning two Gold Gloves in left field and hitting 34 home runs in the latter year.

However, O’Neill's health issues over the following two seasons led to his trade to the Red Sox this past winter. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has faced more injury setbacks this season, including a concussion and right knee inflammation, but he has been productive when on the field, posting 12 home runs and an .868 OPS.

The Red Sox might consider retaining O’Neill, hoping he'll accept a qualifying offer or sign a multi-year deal in the offseason. However, with his impending free agency and injury history, and despite the Red Sox likely remaining in playoff contention in July, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may choose to trade him to a team in need of a corner outfield upgrade.
3. Randy Arozarena – LF, Tampa Bay Rays
Similar to Díaz, Randy Arozarena is having a tough season for the Rays, batting well below the Mendoza line. Despite this, with two more arbitration seasons left before he becomes a free agent, Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander is unlikely to sell low on the former AL Rookie of the Year.

Arozarena has a proven track record in high-pressure situations, shining in the postseason, World Baseball Classic, and All-Star Game. He's a showman who thrives on big moments and would likely be invigorated by joining a pennant race in a market with a passionate fanbase. The Dodgers have long been viewed as a potential destination for Arozarena, but other possible suitors include the Mariners, Phillies, and Braves.
2. Luis Robert Jr. – CF, Chicago White Sox
Is it concerning that Luis Robert Jr. has just returned from a two-month absence and that 2023 is the only season he’s played more than 100 games? Yes, but he’s a controllable player who excels both offensively and defensively in a position with few standout performers, making him a coveted asset at the trade deadline.

The 26-year-old fits well with several contenders, including the Dodgers, Phillies, and Braves. Any team acquiring Robert would control him through 2025, with affordable club options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons that will likely be exercised.

Despite the injury concerns, Robert is expected to bring in multiple impact prospects for general manager Chris Getz, who already oversees a consensus top-five farm system.
1. Pete Alonso – 1B, New York Mets
President of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged before the season that Pete Alonso, represented by Scott Boras, would likely reach free agency after the 2024 campaign.

Given that the Mets aren’t poised for a deep playoff run, it makes sense to trade Alonso this summer if he’s not going to sign an extension. Even if the return isn’t substantial, it would likely be better than the limited draft compensation the Mets would receive if he declines a qualifying offer and signs elsewhere in the offseason.

Alonso is one of the league’s top run producers, and adding him could significantly impact a team in need of power. This could appeal to aggressive teams like the Astros and San Diego Padres, but smaller-budget teams like the Kansas City Royals, Twins, and Guardians might also pursue Alonso, even as a rental, to boost their postseason chances in 2024. The Mets might prefer trading Alonso to a team unlikely to retain him beyond this season, leaving the possibility open for his return to Flushing in free agency.

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10. Mark Canha – OF/1B, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are currently on the fence about whether to buy, sell, or hold steady as the trade deadline approaches. It seems they lack the offensive firepower to justify going all-in this summer.

Mark Canha, a versatile veteran who has played both corner outfield positions and first base for the Tigers in 2024, could attract interest. Having postseason experience with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers in the past two years, the 35-year-old is likely to be pursued by contenders if he becomes available.

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Top 10 Biggest Bats That Could Be Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline

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