Under-the-radar MLB trade-deadline candidates

Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani's impending free agency has turned the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline into one of the most highly anticipated events in recent memory. But then again, who's to say he'll really be on the move?

What can be said for certain is that with three wild card spots in each league, more teams will be incentivized to bolster their rosters. And there's no shortage of intriguing veterans rumored to be available.

Here are four under-the-radar players that could make all the difference in a pennant race this season.

Tommy Pham, outfielder, New York Mets

A trip to the eye doctor might have saved Pham's career and, in turn, should help the Mets earn a decent return for the likely rental bat at the trade deadline. The 35-year-old, who was diagnosed with keratoconus, which is a thinning of the cornea that impairs vision, received new contact lenses earlier this season, sparking a resurgence of power. 

Across 75 games this season, Pham is batting .271 with nine home runs and 35 RBI while posting a .827 OPS and 129 wRC+ (MLB average is 100). While Pham has hit his way into becoming a regular in New York's lineup, he would likely be a fourth outfielder on a contender. 

Yet, that could be the ideal role for the well-traveled vet at this stage of his career. And if that's the case, it might lower his trade value, which would be a positive development for the team acquiring him. 

Scott Barlow, right-handed pitcher, Kansas City Royals

Kansas City already began selling off their bullpen with last month's deal that sent lefty Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers, and with a 29-73 record, more trades are inevitable. Despite his recent struggles (9.00 ERA since July 1), Barlow should be in high demand on the trade market and could be an excellent value depending on the price.

Because of his aforementioned difficulties, Barlow's ERA has ballooned to 5.15 over 36 appearances. However, according to Baseball Savant, his stuff remains solid, ranking in the 97th percentile in average exit velocity, 96th percentile in hard hit percentage and 91st percentile in chase rate. 

The early returns on reliever deals look promising for teams planning to sell, with Colorado netting two of Atlanta's top 30 prospects for Pierce Johnson and his 6.00 ERA. Not only has Barlow been more effective than Johnson, but he's also under club control for next season, adding to his worth. If a team can help him regain his first-half form, they'll have a reliable option at the back end of the bullpen for the immediate future.

Jeimer Candelario, third baseman, Washington Nationals 

The Nationals made one of the best value acquisitions of free agency when they signed Candelario to a one-year, $5 million deal and expect to continue benefiting from the investment. 

After spending six inconsistent seasons in Detroit, Candelario has emerged as a steady contributor to the rebuilding Nationals' lineup with a slash line of .257/.335/.486. Additionally, he has already matched last year's RBI total (50), and with 16 home runs this season, Candelario should soon surpass his career high in that category (19).

Suitors seem eager to make a bid for Candelario, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that the Miami Marlins consider the switch-hitter "a perfect fit." It'll be interesting to see whether Washington is willing to help out its division rival, though the Marlins surely won't be alone in aggressively pursuing Candelario. 

Aaron Civale, right-handed pitcher, Cleveland Guardians 

Although the Guardians (49-51) are still vying for the American League Central crown, with Monday's news that ace Shane Bieber was transferred to the 60-day IL, perhaps they'll explore selling some of their assets. Not to mention that the Minnesota Twins have been hot since the All-Star break, building a four-game lead in the division and showing no signs of slowing down.

Civale, 28, has enjoyed arguably his best season to date in 2023, posting a 2.71 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 11 starts. While it might seem unnecessary to trade him with two-and-a-half seasons of control, his stock likely won't get higher. 

One potential trade partner could be the Cincinnati Reds. Civale fits the description of their asking price which is a "young, controllable" starter in exchange for 2021 National League Rookie of the Year Jonathan India. That potential addition would have its drawbacks in the short term as it would make an already crowded Guardians infield even more congested.

Nevertheless, with a change of scenery India could be a promising bounce-back candidate and, as an added bonus, he's under team control until 2027.