Pitcher Eric Peddie (31, Chicago White Sox), who made a successful return to the major leagues after winning the KBO League MVP last year, has emerged as one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market this summer.

MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, named 10 players as trade targets to keep an eye on after the All-Star break on Aug. 18 (ET). With less than two weeks to go before the trade deadline on May 31, trade talks are heating up under the radar.

MLB.com lists the 10 players most likely to change uniforms at the trade deadline in order of WAR per FanGraphs. Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (3.0) was the second player mentioned, followed by Peddy (2.7). Among pitchers, he was first.

MLB.com writes, “After returning from a year in South Korea, Peddy had a solid first half of the year, starting 19 games (111⅓ innings) and posting a 2.99 ERA. The 31-year-old signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox. The White Sox are expected to be big sellers at the deadline,” the team said in a statement.

The White Sox, who finished the first half with a 27-71 record (.276 winning percentage), the worst among all 30 major league clubs, have been rumored to be looking to trade ace Garrett Croce, along with second-year starter Pedroia. The left-hander Croce, who is eligible for free agency after the 2026 season, would be too expensive to trade, weighing heavily in favor of Pedi, who is under contract through next year.

At $7.5 million this year and next, Pedi is a relatively low price to pay.

When he signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox last December, it was met with some skepticism, but now everyone recognizes the value. 메이저사이트 The deal was a bargain because he exceeded expectations, going 7-3 with a 2.99 ERA, 99 strikeouts, and a 1.13 WHIP in 19 games (111⅓ innings) in the first half, ranking eighth in the American League (AL) in ERA.

MLB.com wrote, “The White Sox could hold onto Peddy and trade him in the offseason, but the starting pitching market is not rich. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a contending team make a move for Peddie,” adding that he could be snatched up by a team in need of starting reinforcements.

On Dec. 12, The Athletic reported, “Several White Sox players are receiving interest from multiple clubs, with Peddie being the most likely to be traded. The St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Atlanta Braves are among the favorites to land him. Baltimore is the first-place team in the American League (AL) East, while Atlanta and St. Louis are in contention for the division title and one or two National League (NL) wild cards.

Peddie has a lot of affection for the White Sox, who gave him the opportunity to return to the big leagues.

“It’s inevitable,” he said of the trade rumors after his first half start on Nov. 11, ”but right now, I’m going out there and pitching every day. But right now, I’m competing for the White Sox every time I go out there. I’m trying to give us the best chance to win. There’s nothing else I can do but go out there and pitch,” he said, vowing to do his best to help the White Sox win until he is traded.

Meanwhile, MLB.com reports that the big slugger, who has a higher WAR than Pederson, will likely be traded because he will soon turn 30 and is not part of Oakland’s long-term plans as they rebuild. Rooker, who hit 30 home runs last year, is hitting .302 (88-for-302) with 21 homers, 62 RBIs and a career-high .942 OPS in 83 games this season, making him an attractive commodity for a team in need of offensive reinforcements.

He is followed by starting pitcher Zack Flaherty (Detroit Tigers), utility infielder Jayson Chisome Jr. (Miami Marlins), outfielder Jesse Winker (Washington Nationals), catcher Elias Diaz (Colorado Rockies), catcher Danny Jansen (Toronto Blue Jays), reliever Carlos Estevez (Los Angeles Angels), reliever Tanner Scott (Miami), and reliever Kyle Finnegan (Washington).