Ten candidates for the 2024 MLB trade deadline that would help the playoff contenders

With the July 30 transfer deadline approaching, several teams are still unsure whether to buy or sell.

The big names that may be in the spotlight get more attention in the rumor mill, but there are cheaper options available that can outperform their value for relatively little money.

For the teams that decide to advance to the play-offs, here are 10 potential bargain candidates:

Left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson, Angels

Yes, he’s owed about $20 million through 2025, but reliable starters are a valuable 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 pitched (104.0) through June, boosting his trade value at just the right time.

C Elias Diaz, Rockies

Back from an IL stint with a calf injury, he’s followed up his first All-Star campaign with a strong first half, hitting .307/.355/.446 through June. He’s 33 and a pending free agent, so he’s not in Colorado’s future. He’s owed about $3 million for the rest of the season, so he’d be a good short-term investment for a team looking for an upgrade at catcher.

Left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott, Marlins

He’s the No. 1 reliever on every contender’s trade list, but as a pending free agent who likely won’t re-sign with Miami, the club can’t expect a big haul in return for the lights-out closer. He turns 30 on July 22 and is worth about $2.7 million over the rest of the season, so he’s certainly worth acquiring, even in the short term.

FROM Tommy Pham, White Sox

Will the well-traveled veteran find a new home for the third straight trade deadline? Signs point to him probably will, especially given his ability to play all three outfield positions and help teams like the 2023 Diamondbacks reach the World Series. What’s more, a contender would only have to pay the 36-year-old around $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 stole 21 bases through June, would add to any contender’s infield depth. Plus, he’s owed about $2.2 million for the remainder 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’s saved 22 of 25 opportunities through June and would be an ideal fit at the back of any bullpen. He’s arbitration-eligible next season and is paid about $2.55 million for the remainder of 2024 — a small investment well worth it for the 32-year-old shutdown reliever.

FROM 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 been retooled 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.

1B Josh Bell, Marlins

He’s never come close to matching his All-Star numbers from 2019 (37 homers, 116 RBIs), but the 31-year-old slugger averaged 22 homers from 2021-23, so he’d add value to a team looking for left-handed pop. If Miami gives up some of the $8 million he’s due for the rest of the season, he’ll likely be traded for the third straight summer.

RHP Tyler Rogers, Giants

The durable submarine reliever has a 2.75 ERA in 43 appearances through June, which is the highest in the Major Leagues, is earning just $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 step up and hold the lead in crucial late-inning situations.

FROM Kevin Pillar, Angels

The journeyman has revived his career on a one-year, $1 million contract, posting a .317 batting average with six homers, 26 RBIs and a .911 OPS in 39 games through June. The 35-year-old was an excellent center fielder in his younger days, can play all three outfield positions and should be a reliable option off the bench.