MLB Trade Deadline: Top 10 stars to watch out for as final hour approaches

With the MLB Trade Deadline officially slated for 6 pm on Tuesday, the urgency with which some of the league's top players are being pursued can only be expected to be dialed up.

While some of the top names have already been dealt with, a good few expected trade pieces remain with their original teams. Today, we will be outlining some of the top stars to watch as the MLB Trade Deadline ticks ever nearer.

Top 10 MLB Stars to Watch Ahead of Trade Deadline

10. Taylor Ward

With the Los Angeles Angels set to miss the playoffs for the eleventh straight season, GM Perry Minasian's team is set to sell. Despite hitting a mediocre .227 this season, Ward's sixteen home runs lead the club. An outfielder with experience and ability for power, watch out for several clubs to keep tabs on the 30-year-old.

"Taylor Ward hits a grand slam as the @Angels have turned a 6-0 deficit into a 7-6 lead! (MLB x @DairyQueen)" - MLB

8. Pete Fairbanks

If the last few days have taught us anything, it is that the Tampa Bay Rays are in sell mode. With Isaac Paredes and Randy Arozarena already gone, the recent move of Jason Adam to the Padres shows that the team wants to clean out their bullpen, too.

Fairbanks, 6-foot-6, has pitched well for the Rays this year. Now 2-3 with a 3.11 ERA, the 30-year-old will see his three-year, $12 million deal expire at the end of 2025.

7. Brandon Lowe

Brandon Lowe has been the Rays' best hitter this season. While such a moniker would have traditionally protected the first baseman from a trade, recent moves have shown that no-hitter appears safe from a trade from Tampa.

"Brandon Lowe has 10 Homers in 30 Games in" - Cowboy Randy Goatzarena

A former All-Star, Lowe has hit .262/.355/.524 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs. With his six-year deal set to expire at the end of the year, watch out for teams like the Seattle Mariners or Minnesota Twins - two teams looking at corner infielders - to have a look at Brandon Lowe.

6. Jack Flaherty

The 2024 MLB season has been a career campaign for Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty. Now 7-5, the 6-foot-4 right-hander's 2.95 is the lowest of his career to date. However, now 6.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Tigers likely know that getting something of value for Flaherty in a trade trumps the possibility of the 28-year-old entering unrestricted free agency when his one-year deal expires.

5. Luis Robert Jr.

While injuries have limited Luis Robert Jr's playing time to just 54 games this season, the Chicago White Sox outfielder has shown power. Although his 13 home runs this season are a far cry from the 38 he hit last year, teams know that Robert is a slugger. With the White Sox now touting MLB's worst record, the rebuild is imminent. Starting with a flashy Silver Slugger to drum up offers involving some prospects could certainly be a working strategy for Chicago.

4. Tanner Scott

On July 25, the Miami Marlins traded relief pitcher AJ Puk to the D-Backs. As such, it appears as though the appetite might exist to deal with the best arm in their bullpen, Tanner Scott.

"Tanner Scott goes to the All-Star Game riding a month-long scoreless streak, including 6 straight hitless appearances" - Fish on First

Through 44 appearances this season, Scott is 6-5 with a 1.18 ERA. Given his versatility across several different relief situations, do not be surprised for some top clubs like the Baltimore Orioles or New York Yankees to take a stab at Scott in the runup to the MLB Trade Deadline.

3. Brent Rooker

Ever since he was claimed off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics in 2022, Brent Rooker has been one of MLB's elite hitters. After recording 30 home runs in 2023, Rooker is now hitting .269/.370/.587 with 25 homers and 75 RBIs in 93 games for the A's.

"Brent Rooker is so underrated" - Dillard Barnhart

However, with the franchise moving to Sacramento next year, and not making the playoffs this year, changes are in order. Rooker now has the cache to attract some prospect-rich teams in exchange for a 29-year-old All-Star.

2. Garrett Crochet

Garrett Crochet's recent suggestions that he will not pitch in the postseason unless he is extended by his new team is concerning. However, over the next few hours, we will find out how big of a concern that might be.

Now 6-8 with a 3.23 ERA, Crochet's 160 strikeouts lead the American League. Reportedly eyed by teams like the Twins and Red Sox, the Chicago White Sox ace is certainly regarded as a budget option, and comes with a payroll hit of just $800,000.

1. Tarik Skubal

A candidate for the AL Cy Young Award, the Detroit Tigers have some important decisions to make regarding their future with Tarik Skubal.

Over the past number of days, a variety of reports have surfaced doubting Detroit's willingness to deal the ace. However, for the right price, a deal looks advisable.

"Tarik Skubal, Elevated 98mph. 7th K." - Pitching Ninja

Now 12-3, Skubal's 2.25 ERA leads all MLB starters, and the 27-year-old has punched out 154 hitters in 130 innings this year. Skubal's one-year deal will expire at the end of the season, and he will be arbitration-eligible in 2025. By trading Skubal now, the Tigers know that they can have a shot at acquiring some of MLB's top prospects.