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MLB rumors: 5 underrated players to watch ahead of the MLB trade deadline

By Justin Girshon

Jul 18, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the MLB trade deadline only a few days away and many teams in a position to fight for a postseason spot, it’s widely expected that this year will be a seller’s market. On Wednesday, the Angels traded their No. 2 and No. 3 prospects in exchange for a starting pitching rental (Lucas Giolito) and a rental reliever (Reynaldo Lopez). Since then, the MLB rumors have just kept coming.

While some teams may be reluctant to give up their top prospects in order to improve at the trade deadline, it doesn’t mean that they’ll be hesitant to trade their major league talent for a player(s) at a different position.

Here are the 5 most underrated MLB players that I think teams should be inquiring about.

Dylan Carlson
66 G, .234/.335/.354 (97 wRC+), 0 DRS, 1 OAA, -0.1 BsR, 0.5 fWAR

Last year, the St. Louis Cardinals were seen by many (including myself) as one of the best landing spots for Juan Soto. Since then, the Cardinals are one of the most disappointing teams in MLB after getting swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card last October and sitting 11 games under .500 and 11.0 games back in the NL Central.

Because of how poorly they’re playing, it makes a lot of sense for the Cardinals to do some retooling, and Dylan Carlson would make sense to trade. With a plethora of outfield options including Laars Nootbaar, Jordan Walker, Tyler O’Neill, Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman and Carlson, it would make sense for St. Louis to trade from its surplus.

Carlson has been solid all in the batter’s box, on the bases and across all three outfield spots, but it seems like he’s the fourth outfielder in St. Louis whereas he should (and would be) an everyday player with a different organization. With 3.5 years of control, Carlson could net the Cardinals a solid return, and of they are presented with a worthy offer, it’s something that could be best for all parties involved.

MLB rumors have these Cardinals on the trade block for St. Louis, and Carlson is on the list.

Potential fits: New York Yankees (rumors about that here), Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies

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