With the 2 month mark officially passed for this MLB season, teams have begun to separate themselves. Some have proved themselves to be serious contenders, while many are still very much in the race. With all of these teams having eyes on the World Series trophy, the trade deadline provides one last opportunity to get stronger. With the deadline being less than 2 months away, here are 3 starting pitching options teams should look into at this deadline.
Tyler Anderson (LHP - Los Angeles Angels)
After a rough year last season, the 34-year old veteran Anderson has bounced back strongly this year. So far in 2024 he has a 2.47 ERA to go along with a 1.125 WHIP. Anderson is putting together a season reminiscent of his 2022 All-Star season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he went 15-5 with a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 178 IP. With lefties being more desired than ever before in baseball, Anderson would be a highly coveted piece at this deadline. Given his inconsistent career thus far, the Angels should look to trade him with his value at an all-time high due to his stellar start to the season, and his extra year of control.
Erick Fedde (RHP - Chicago White Sox)
Fedde has been one of baseball’s greatest stories this season. Fedde began his major league career with the Washington Nationals in 2017, but struggled throughout his first 6 seasons. In 2023, the righty played in Korea, working on new pitches and his mechanics, and inked a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox prior to the 2024 MLB season. And thus far, Fedde has been phenomenal, as he has a 3.12 ERA and 1.183 WHIP in 69.1 IP. With the White Sox currently sitting at 15-44 and well outside contention for the foreseeable future, they should look to take advantage of the 31 year old’s value at this deadline.
Cal Quantrill (RHP - Colorado Rockies)
After a poor 2023 where he posted a 5.24 ERA and 1.465 WHIP, Quantrill has bounced back nicely with the Colorado Rockies this season. In 12 starts, he has a 3.84 ERA and 1.294 WHIP, and though not extremely impressive, he has 8 quality starts. With starting pitching at a premium with the rates of players getting hurt higher than ever, teams will be looking for players who can eat innings while being productive, and Quantrill provides this. With Quantrill still only being 2 years removed from his 2022 season where he had a 3.38 ERA and 1.208 WHIP, teams should look to bring him to help stabilize the back end of their rotation.
Over the last few seasons, almost every World Series winner has acquired a key piece at the deadline to help them out in the postseason push and beyond. Acquiring one of these players could also be the difference in holding the Commissioner's Trophy, or not.
Comments