The 2024 MLB trade deadline is just seven days away, and as teams prepare for their final playoff push, these three MLB bros could be on the move.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Buzz around the league has gotten louder as we head to the deadline and if things hold, Chisholm will be one of the best players moved. Miami attempted to build around Chisholm, but typical front office turmoil in Miami combined with his inconsistency on the field have led this couple toward a divorce that may benefit both sides.
Jazz is hitting .251/.324/.735 with 12 homers, 45 RBI and 19 stolen bases on the season, numbers that don’t match the expectations many have for Chisholm. After an offseason that saw Jazz look to assert himself as a leader in Miami, a change of scenery to a contender could provide a new perspective for the young talented centerfielder.
The intrigue around Chisholm is two fold, as he can still play infield and will receive more time there from Miami to showcase his ability for possible suitors. Miami is most likely unwilling to provide the pay increase coming to Jazz this off-season in arbitration, so this move would fall right in line with how business is done in Miami.
Jack Flaherty
Starting pitchers are always valuable at the deadline and with the season Flaherty is having, Detroit has the potential to acquire some quality talent for their flamethrower. Jack took a one year deal with Detroit looking to establish himself again after several up and down seasons, and that’s exactly what he has done.
Flaherty is 7-5 with a 3.13 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 100.2 innings pitched for the Tigers. There has been talk about Detroit trading their ace Tarik Skull, but if they decide to keep him teams are certain to inquire about Jack as a rental for a stretch run to the playoffs. He struggled in this role last season, going 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA in seven starts for Baltimore.
Tommy Pham
The Chicago White Sox were one of the first teams to identify themselves as sellers this deadline, and Tommy Pham’s name is one that is almost certain to be moved. The White Sox signed Pham to a minor league deal at the beginning of the season after the veteran failed to land a deal before the start of spring training despite providing a spark for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.
During his time in Chicago Tommy has been a solid contributor despite their struggles as a team, hitting .270/.341/.718 with 66 hits, 4 homers and 17 RBI in 244 at-bats for the White Sox. With their front office committed to the future, look for Tommy to be dealt for the third consecutive deadline.
There are several contenders in need of outfield help, and Pham has already proven that he can be an asset come playoff time. Once Chicago moves superstars Luis Robert Jr, the market for Pham should materialize quickly.
Major League Baseball has released the early results of the 2024 MLB All-Star Ballot, and the numbers have not been kind to the MLBbros.
With 10 days remaining in Phase 1 of fan voting, only five have registered enough votes to be eligible for a starting spot in the summer classic.
The top two vote getters in each league will automatically be named starters for the All-Star Game, which is scheduled to take place July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. All-star festivities have been huge in showcasing the game’s biggest stars, and more often than not, the bros have shown up and put on a show.
Let’s take a look at the five MLBbros who currently have a shot at making the roster.
Aaron Judge, Yankees: 1,366,315 votes
If you’re already creating your dream batting lineup for the 2024 All-Star Game, you can go ahead and write the Yankees captain at the top in red ink. After another spectacular start, Judge is the leading vote-getter in all of baseball and is a lock to make the roster.
Aaron continues to break every stat cast projection model aimed at quantifying his greatness and looks poised to lead New York on a deep playoff run. Perhaps Judge will give the fans what they really want next; an appearance in the Home Run Derby against fellow Big Apple slugger Pete Alonzo.
Mookie Betts, Dodgers: 1,023,690 votes
Mookie’s situation took a turn for the worse recently when the Dodgers announced he would be out for several weeks with a fractured hand. The injury is unfortunate for all parties involved, but especially Betts, who had made the transition to shortstop full time in order to help his ball club. Now on the mend, Mookie will most likely spend the All-Star Break as an ambassador for the game and nothing more.
Marcus Semien, Rangers: 539,223 votes
Semien is currently second amongst AL second basemen in voting, and if he is able to take the lead would be headed to his second consecutive ASG start. With the game taking place in his home ballpark, look for a late push from Rangers fans to get their guy over the top.
Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees: 408,610 votes
One of the most prolific power hitters of his era and the King of Exit Velocity, Giancarlo Stanton has been an important piece of the Yankees offense this season. Most importantly, Stanton has been able to avoid missing major time for the Bronx Bombers. If selected, could we see Stanton attempt to capture his first Home Run Derby crown since 2016?
Josh Naylor, Guardians: 404,389 votes
Josh continues to set the tone for the Guardians in the heart of that lineup, and now Naylor’s breakout season may be rewarded with his first trip to the summer classic. Josh has 17 Homers and 50 RBI for Cleveland and is on pace for career highs in both categories.
On Monday, The Athletic released the 2024 MLB player poll to the public. Writers spent two months interviewing more than 100 players across 18 teams with the goal of answering 12 questions relating to their fellow players and the organizations that comprise Major League Baseball.
Most of the questions were harmless in nature, asking players which organizations they would play for or what player they would want on their team. while there were some that clearly were aimed at striking a chord amongst those interviewed.
One question in particular, while simple, was certain to cause a ripple effect amongst players and fans. The players polled were asked ‘Who Is The Most Overrated Player In Baseball?’.
It appears that MLBbro.com is doing what it was intended to do. It’s blowing up the Black and brown talent in the game and putting a spotlight on them. It appears to be a spotlight that some players don’t like.
Jazz Chisholm Jr – 20.3%
Three of the top five players to make the list were MLBbros, and Jazz received the most votes from the 59 players that chose to answer the question. According to the Athletic, most players declined to go into detail, but one player did ask (obviously being sarcastic) “How did he get the cover of MLB The Show?”
Indeed, the league has made every attempt to push Chisholm as a fresh, young face in America’s pastime. From his hair to his gloves, Jazz has been everywhere. Unfortunately, his production on the field has yet to match the hype he receives off it.
Chisholm’s marketability has never been in question, but as Miami continues to regress with him as a centerpiece Jazz will need to finally put it all together on the field for people to truly appreciate what he brings to the game.
Tim Anderson – 5%
Anderson gaining multiple votes seems like salt in the wound at this point. Once suggested as the next face of baseball after his “Field of Dream” game heroics, Tim Anderson’s drop off is one that still mystifies most baseball fans.
Anderson has gone from arguably the best contact hitter in the game to an automatic out, slashing .188/.221/.206 over 165 at bats this season before being placed on the bereavement list. TA has been open about how off the field issues have taken his focus away from the game he loves, but many thought Miami would be the fresh start he needed.
Now, we have to wonder if a Triple-A trip to recalibrate is in his future.
Jack Flaherty – 5%
Of all the bros to make this list, ‘Black’ Jack Flaherty is the most surprising. Two injury plagued seasons left many wondering gif Flaherty would ever live up to the potential his pitching arsenal gave him. Despite pitching over 100 innings for the first time since 2019 last season, Jack struggled to regain his 2019 form that saw him post a 2.75 ERA and 231 strikeouts.
As 2024 unfolds, it seems like Jack may be the only MLBbro to beat the overrated allegations. Despite a dip in fastball velocity Flaherty has sat hitters down at an elite level this season. In 72.2 innings pitched he has struck out 94 betters, a 33.5% K rate that ranks in the 94th percentile.
After a flurry of offseason moves that saw many pick the New York Yankees as favorites to represent the American League in the 2024 World Series, Aaron Judge and the boys are scorching hot and look like the best team in baseball.
The season started slow for the Yankees captain, but over the past month, there hasn’t been a better hitter in the game of baseball. Honestly, that might be selling this latest run short.
Over his last 30 games, Judge is slashing .379/.500/.932 with 15 home runs, 12 doubles, 29 RBI and 25 walks.
Judge put on a show in his home state of California last week, saving the best for his homecoming in The Bay.
Judge had three home runs and six RBI in his first trip to McCovey Cove to face the San Francisco Giants, powering the Yankees to a three-game sweep.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had nothing but praise for his captain after his performance. “I thought he was at another level in San Diego, Anaheim and just taking his act up the coast now. There’s no doubt that I think he’s excited to be here and play here for the first time.”
According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, only two players in MLB history have had 15+ HR, 10+ 2B, and 20+ walks in a 25-game span; Aaron Judge and his legendary fellow Yankee Babe Ruth.
His performance in May helped him add his seventh AL player of the month to his mantle.
Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton have powered the Yanks to the best run differential in baseball, something that Yankee newcomer Marcus Stroman and the entire pitching staff have appreciated. With their ace Gerrit Cole scheduled to make his first rehab start soon, New York looks poised to strengthen their hold on the American League.
With so much firepower in the Bronx, who could possibly stop them?
Fortunately, that’s the beauty of this game. With the dog days of summer still ahead of us, these MLBbros and their ball clubs still have a chance of ruining any thoughts of a Yankee parade down Broadway.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians offense is legit, as Josh Naylor and Co. continue to score at a pace atypical to what we have seen from this recent iteration of the Guards.
With more firepower in the lineup, Triston McKenzie is still searching for that 2023 feel, and if he is able to regain form, the Guards should be a legitimate threat in the AL.
Baltimore Orioles
The biggest threat to the Yankees may be sitting in their own division. Cedric Mullins and the O’s have one of the best young rosters in the game with plenty more prospects in the pipeline.
This creates a two-fold problem for the Yankees, as a farm system like Baltimore’s could be a goldmine at the trade deadline.
Michael Harris II and the Atlanta Braves had already lost one superstar for the season, and over the weekend, things got worse.
Reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. joined ace Spencer Strider on the season-ending IL with a torn left ACL after faking toward third and attempting a return to second base. ACL tears are extremely rare in baseball, and now Acuna has torn both in four years.
Atlanta, already six games behind Taijuan Walker and the Philadelphia Phillies at the start of play Monday, will now look to remain in the playoff hunt without two of the best players in baseball.
Harris was open with his feelings about losing Ronnie for the season.
“It’s a huge hit to this team. The kind of player he is, what he does for us. For him to go through it once but now have to go through it twice I know that really is hitting him hard. He’s changing the game, he does a lot of things that people can’t do and he does it at a high rate. Obviously last year his numbers speak for themselves.”
With their best offensive weapon lost for the season, Harris knows that it will take a team effort to replace his production. “We’ve gotta try even harder to do little things to get momentum in games. Pitchers are still doing a phenomenal job, we just got to step up at the plate a little more and help them out.”
Harris has started to find his groove at the plate, despite his power numbers still lagging behind. Over his last seven games, Michael is hitting .310 with one home run for the Braves.
Atlanta is no stranger to life without Ronnie (they won the 2021 World Series while he was recovering from his first ACL tear), so General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is likely to hit the trade market to help bolster a Braves roster that is still talented enough to make the playoffs.
Tommy Pham Can Help Atlanta
One name that the Braves should certainly look at is Chicago White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham. Tommy was signed by Chicago after the injury to All-Star centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. with all intentions of being dealt by the trade deadline.
Pham has been productive for Chicago since his arrival, slashing .307/.352./.799 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 114 at-bats. While those numbers pale in comparison to the 2023 NL MVP, Tommy is a veteran who has proven he can provide a spark to a playoff team.
Last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired the veteran outfielder and he was one of their top contributors throughout their run to the World Series. Pham hit .429 in the NLDS and despite the loss, hit an impressive .421 with three doubles in the World Series.
Chicago is at the bottom of the AL Central with no intentions of contending in 2024. A call from Atlanta would be more than welcomed.
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