5 Players Who Could Be on the Move Following MLB Trade Deadline
Grant White
Host · Writer
Luis Robert Jr.
Moving Luis Robert Jr. after the trade deadline would be the most Chicago White Sox thing to do, but that's the bar the franchise has set in 2024.
Due $15 million in 2025, the White Sox might be tempted to designate Robert Jr. for assignment instead of overpaying for his declining talents. With more than three years of service time but less than five, he would walk into free agency and be able to sign with another team.
Robert Jr.'s .698 OPS and 35.7% strikeout rate were obviously not movable at the trade deadline but that doesn't mean he won't be playing for another club come September. Despite the below-average production, playoff teams would value Robert's power bat at a discounted rate.
White Sox World Series Odds: +50000
Update on Trade Deadline Rules
When the MLB renegotiated its collective bargaining agreement with the players in 2022, it changed the rules by which players could be traded. Formerly, players could be traded by the non-waiver deadline of July 31 but could still be dealt by August 31 if they went through waivers and were unclaimed. Subsequently, the MLB eliminated the waiver deadline window, meaning there can be no trades after the deadline (as determined by the Commissioner's office on a season-by-season basis).
However, there's still a possibility that players could change teams before the end of August.
Roster Adjustments Before August 31
The rule regarding a player's inclusion on a postseason roster has never changed. Players still need to be added to a club's roster by August 31 to be allowed to play in the playoffs. While teams can't trade players, they can still be released and free to sign with other clubs.
As such, we could still see a handful of players on the move before the August 31 deadline passes.
Kevin Pillar
Already stating this would be his last year, the Los Angeles Angels could do Kevin Pillar a solid by letting him chase a World Series ring before he calls it a career.
Although he struggled with the Chicago White Sox at the outset of the season, Pillar has picked things up since joining the Angels. In 55 games with the Halos, Pillar has posted a top-end .808 OPS while maintaining his above-average defending in the outfield.
Many teams addressed their depth options ahead of July 30, but the Philadelphia Phillies weren't done at the trade deadline. On August 6, they signed outfielder Ryan McKenna to a minor league contract, indicating their preference for more depth options heading into the postseason. If Pillar were to become available, the Phillies could be tempted to bring him aboard for a World Series push.
Angels World Series Odds: +50000
Kyle Freeland
When the Colorado Rockies signed Kyle Freeland to a five-year $64.5 million contract in 2022, they thought they were paying for their pitcher of the future. Instead, Freeland has posted diminishing metrics and could pitch himself out of a contract before the end of August.
Freeland's ERA has inflated from 4.53 in 2022 to 5.03 last year to 5.65 this season. Coincidentally, his contract is increasing along a comparable trajectory. After earning $7 million in his first year, the southpaw is now earning $15 million and is scheduled to earn $16 million over the final two seasons of the pact.
The Rockies could be tempted to give some of their young farmhands MLB exposure as the season progresses. That makes Freeland expendable. Still, teams like the Cleveland Guardians or St. Louis Cardinals might be tempted into adding a left-handed starter to the bottom of their rotation.
Rockies Win Total: 58.5
Jake Cave
Kyle Freeland isn't the only Colorado Rockies player who could be DFA'd before the end of August. Jake Cave has had a resurgent campaign, but his metrics fall well short of league average, even with improved offensive resolve. While he may not fit in with the Rockies' plans, his defensive prowess and left-handed bat make him a solid depth option for postseason teams.
So far in 2024, Cave's posted an underwhelming .665 OPS, albeit with an immaculate fielding percentage and above-average defensive value. A team like the Boston Red Sox may value that kind of profile late in games instead of forcing Tyler O'Neill into more defensive blunders.
Rockies World Series Odds: +50000
Zack Littell
Never shy about changing the dynamics of their clubhouse, the Tampa Bay Rays could be forced into making some moves as their roster continues to get healthy.
As usual, the Rays have gotten by patching together a pitching staff and making it work. However, with Jeffrey Springs recently returning from Tommy John surgery, Ryan Pepiot on the mend, and Drew Rasmussen nearing a return to the big leagues, they will have a surplus of starting pitchers on their roster.
Zack Littell has had a formidable season, but he could be the odd man out in the starting rotation. Taj Bradley and Shane Baz have cemented themselves as fixtures, with Pepiot, Springs, and Rasmussen rounding out the rotation. Consequently, Littell might be free to sign with whomever he pleases sooner rather than later.
Rays World Series Odds: +20000
Luis Robert Jr.
Moving Luis Robert Jr. after the trade deadline would be the most Chicago White Sox thing to do, but that's the bar the franchise has set in 2024.
Due $15 million in 2025, the White Sox might be tempted to designate Robert Jr. for assignment instead of overpaying for his declining talents. With more than three years of service time but less than five, he would walk into free agency and be able to sign with another team.
Robert Jr.'s .698 OPS and 35.7% strikeout rate were obviously not movable at the trade deadline but that doesn't mean he won't be playing for another club come September. Despite the below-average production, playoff teams would value Robert's power bat at a discounted rate.
White Sox World Series Odds: +50000
Update on Trade Deadline Rules
When the MLB renegotiated its collective bargaining agreement with the players in 2022, it changed the rules by which players could be traded. Formerly, players could be traded by the non-waiver deadline of July 31 but could still be dealt by August 31 if they went through waivers and were unclaimed. Subsequently, the MLB eliminated the waiver deadline window, meaning there can be no trades after the deadline (as determined by the Commissioner's office on a season-by-season basis).
However, there's still a possibility that players could change teams before the end of August.
