10 Talented MLB Players Working to Escape Struggling Teams

10. Trevor Williams - Washington Nationals

If the Washington Nationals can't stay within reasonable striking distance of a Wild Card spot by summer (they've managed to so far), one of their most obvious trade candidates would be starting pitcher Trevor Williams.

Williams has been effective for the Nats in 2024, posting a 2.35 ERA (2.81 FIP) over nine starts. Despite not having an overpowering repertoire, the 32-year-old consistently gets outs. This reliability will appeal to contending teams if Washington decides to sell. Signed to a two-year, $13 million contract before the 2023 season, Williams’ deal expires at the end of this year, making him an ideal rental piece at an affordable price. However, much will depend on how the Nationals' situation unfolds into the summer.

This post by Seth Carlson appeared first on Just Baseball.

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2. Mason Miller - Oakland Athletics

Let's stay with the Athletics, who currently boast baseball’s best relief pitcher.

That's right: no one has been more dominant in 2024 than Mason Miller, the fireballing right-hander whom Oakland converted to a closer this season.

Want to hear a ludicrous stat about Miller’s performance so far? His FIP this season is -0.16. That’s unheard of for any pitcher, but when you watch the 25-year-old pitch in relief, his incredible talent is evident. His ERA is also impressive, sitting at a microscopic 0.89 over 20.1 innings pitched (16 appearances). And his strikeout rate? 56.2%. Even in a strikeout-heavy era, that figure is astounding.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Athletics are demanding a king’s ransom in any potential trade involving Miller.

3. Tommy Pham - Chicago White Sox

We recently discussed Tommy Pham’s trade prospects, making a strong case for the veteran outfielder to be dealt by the struggling Chicago White Sox.

Given that Pham is signed to a minor-league deal and can be traded as a rental at the upcoming MLB trade deadline in July, it's unlikely he will remain with the South Side of Chicago come August.

4. Erick Fedde - Chicago White Sox

The White Sox may have landed a steal by signing Erick Fedde to a two-year, $15 million contract after he spent 2023 with the NC Dinos in Korea.

Fedde, previously with the Washington Nationals, struggled in MLB, never finishing a season with an ERA below 4.30. However, after moving to the Korean Baseball Organization, he thrived, posting a 2.00 ERA in 30 starts and winning the KBO Triple Crown.

The 31-year-old right-hander hasn't been as dominant in his return to the MLB with the White Sox, but he's been solid (10 starts, 3.10 ERA, 4.01 FIP). He's also been the most consistent member of Chicago's rotation, which, given the White Sox's depleted talent reserve, isn't saying much. Considering his production and affordable contract, Fedde is exactly the type of player who could soon find himself traded from the White Sox.

5. Taylor Ward - Los Angeles Angels

Replacing a Mike Trout-sized hole (let alone a Shohei Ohtani-sized one) on the Los Angeles Angels' roster is no easy feat, but fellow outfielder Taylor Ward has been making a valiant effort for several seasons now.

Since 2021, Ward has consistently been an above-average hitter by wRC+, and he's maintaining that trend in 2024 with a 121 wRC+ over 212 plate appearances.

Playing third fiddle to Ohtani and Trout means Ward often doesn't get the recognition he deserves. However, he can't carry the team alone, which is why the struggling Halos might benefit from trading the 30-year-old sooner rather than later. The challenge with this solution is the Angels' stubbornness, as seen in their Ohtani standoff last season. So, don't expect Ward to go anywhere, even if he's playing himself off Los Angeles' roster.

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6. Luis Rengifo - Los Angeles Angels

An Angels mainstay since 2019, Luis Rengifo has shown steady improvement during his time in Anaheim.

In 2022, Rengifo had his first above-average season with a 103 wRC+, which he improved to 114 wRC+ in 2023. So far in 2024, he boasts a 134 wRC+, continuing his upward trend. If he maintains this level of production, Rengifo will undoubtedly be viewed as a potential trade candidate by the trade deadline. His versatility further enhances his value; this season, he has started 19 games at second base, 13 at third base, and even two at shortstop.

Few teams would pass up the chance to acquire a versatile middle infielder with above-average offensive production. In other words, Rengifo is definitely playing himself off the Angels if the club decides to trade him this summer.

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7. Cal Quantrill - Colorado Rockies

It's challenging to find many standout players on the Colorado Rockies' 2024 roster, but one surprising exception has been a pitcher, which is ironic given their home field at Coors Field.

Cal Quantrill has proven to be a solid signing for the Rockies, emerging as the team's most consistent rotation member amid an otherwise shaky group. His numbers might not seem impressive at first glance (3.59 ERA, 4.61 FIP, 18.6 K%), but considering he's started several games in Colorado, where pitchers face a natural disadvantage, his performance is notable. His xFIP of 4.15 indicates he's actually fared quite well despite the challenging environment.

Typically, when the Rockies find a decent pitcher, it would be wise to try retaining him. However, given Quantrill's one-year deal and affordable price, he likely presents too attractive a trade candidate to pass up if the right offer comes along. This means his time in Denver may be short-lived.

8. Bryan De La Cruz - Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins signaled the end of their 2024 campaign by trading two-time batting champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres earlier this month. This likely means the Marlins are "open for business" regarding their remaining veterans this summer, including outfielder Bryan De La Cruz.

Bryan De La Cruz has developed into a reliable big league regular with above-average offensive potential since the Marlins acquired him from the Houston Astros in 2021. So far in 2024, the 27-year-old outfielder has nine home runs and a 113 wRC+ in 221 plate appearances for Miami. Given his team control through 2028, the Marlins might not be overly eager to trade De La Cruz (he remains a cost-effective asset for several more seasons). However, considering the sudden trade of Arraez, anything is possible.

In any case, De La Cruz has performed well enough to be a likely trade candidate sooner rather than later. Other notable Marlins hitters who could be on the move include Josh Bell, who will be a free agent after this season but has struggled at the plate (95 wRC+), and Jazz Chisolm Jr., who also has significant team control (free agent in 2027) but could be traded for the right package.

9. Tanner Scott - Miami Marlins

Good relievers typically don't remain on losing teams for long, making the Marlins' Tanner Scott a likely trade candidate this summer as Miami continues its fire sale.

Scott, a lefty closer, has been outstanding in 2024 with a 1.71 ERA across 21 relief appearances. However, the Marlins don't win many games, limiting his save opportunities. Despite this, his value remains high as a southpaw with late-inning prowess. The Marlins might consider trading Scott sooner rather than later because his xERA is 3.30, and his FIP is even less promising at 4.23, indicating potential regression. Nonetheless, Scott was effective in Miami’s closer role last season as well, earning some benefit of the doubt even if regression occurs.

10. Trevor Williams - Washington Nationals

If the Washington Nationals can't stay within reasonable striking distance of a Wild Card spot by summer (they've managed to so far), one of their most obvious trade candidates would be starting pitcher Trevor Williams.

Williams has been effective for the Nats in 2024, posting a 2.35 ERA (2.81 FIP) over nine starts. Despite not having an overpowering repertoire, the 32-year-old consistently gets outs. This reliability will appeal to contending teams if Washington decides to sell. Signed to a two-year, $13 million contract before the 2023 season, Williams’ deal expires at the end of this year, making him an ideal rental piece at an affordable price. However, much will depend on how the Nationals' situation unfolds into the summer.

This post by Seth Carlson appeared first on Just Baseball.

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