Five Under The Radar Relievers MLB Teams Should Trade For
- Aaron Gandia
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Reid Detmers (25), LHP, Los Angeles Angels
Salary: $1.825 Million
Free Agent: 2029
On the surface, a guy with a 5.60 ERA (Earned Run Average) coming out of the bullpen for the Los Angeles Angels wouldn't be considered a hot trade piece teams would love to get. After being drafted #10 overall in the 2020 draft as a starter, the Angels had high hopes for him. Unfortunately, like most Angels pitchers, his surface numbers have been little to be desired despite strong strikeout rates and underlying numbers. As a result of his poor performances over the last few seasons, including 2024 where he posted a 6.70 ERA, the Angels shifted him to the bullpen for the first time at the beginning of the 2025 season. Excluding a rough three-game stretch in the beginning of May where he allowed 12 earned runs while only recording one out, he's pitched to a 1.76 ERA and hasn't given up a run in his last 9 appearances. According to Statcast, his xERA (Expected ERA) stands at 3.25 and his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) stands at an even lower 3.03. His strikeout rates sit at 10.87 K/9, which is well above average. Along with his strong underlying numbers, his velocity has spiked up this year after transitioning to the bullpen. A change of scenery on a contending team would benefit the young 25-year-old southpaw. Reid Detmers could be a significant trade asset for the Angels and he isn't talked about enough.
Jake Bird (29), RHP, Colorado Rockies
Salary: Pre-Arb Eligible (league minimum)
Free Agent: 2029
In a historically bad season where the Rockies are on pace to lose the most games in the Modern Era, there aren't typically any bright spots. However, Jake Bird has been one of the few bright spots to fly into the organization in 2025. He's established himself as one of the best relievers in the MLB this year despite pitching in high altitudes in Colorado, which significantly hinders pitcher performance. He's posted a 1.49 ERA which is one of the best amongst all relievers. Bird's underlying statistics help support his excellent year as he has an xERA of 2.75 along with a FIP of 2.35. He's also posted a K/9 of 11.5 this season, which is exceptional. Teams should pounce on the opportunity to trade for him as his results this season are likely to sustain itself throughout the season. The Rockies should trade him this upcoming deadline while his value is at its highest in a lost season.
3. Dennis Santana (29), RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Salary: $1.4 Million
The 29-year-old Dennis Santana might've found a home with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After pitching for 4 other teams prior, he's established himself as a solid reliever that should garner interest in trade talks. Ever since being claimed off waivers from the Yankees in June 2024 of last year, Santana's performance has spiked up considerably. He posted a 2.44 ERA in his brief stint with the Pirates last year and has followed it up with an even better 2.00 ERA and 2.48 FIP this season. In addition, he has been very good at limiting free passes, posting a 1.67 BB (Walks) /9. Santana has an extra year of control after this season and should be an appealing asset for teams in search of relief help.
4. Gregory Soto (30), LHP, Baltimore Orioles
Salary: $5.35 Million
Free Agent: 2026
From 2021 to 2022, Gregory Soto made the All-Star game mainly due to each team needing at least one All-Star per season. Throughout his time with the Detroit Tigers, he was a solid reliever on many bad Tigers teams. Ever since then, he's bounced around with multiple teams, including the Phillies and now the Orioles, with mediocre results. This season with the Orioles, he's been solid with better underlying stats that show he can be better than what he's done this season. He has a 3.97 ERA with an xERA of 2.96. Along with this, he also has a 3.03 FIP, which further suggests he been unlucky. His BB/9 are at a career low at 3.18 compared to his All-Star seasons where he had walks per 9 of over 5.00. The lefty can also dial it up to 96.7 MPH on average, which is in the 86th percentile according to Statcast. Gregory Soto is an arm that's overshadowed in trade deadline discussions mainly due to his teammate, who's also a lefty, Keegan Akin, who has stronger surface numbers but weak underlying stats that suggest regression. Gregory Soto could be a steal for teams and would bring a dynamic flamethrower from the left side.
5. Caleb Ferguson (28), LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Salary: $3.0 Million
Free Agent: 2026
After pitching for the Yankees in 2024 and struggling to a 5.13 ERA, they traded him midseason to the Houston Astros where he posted a 3.86 ERA in 21.0 innings. This encouraged the Pittsburgh Pirates enough to give him a 1-year $3 million deal in the offseason. The deal has worked out so far for the Pirates and he's posted a 3.18 ERA along with a 2.41 xERA. He's also posted a 3.11 FIP. His strong peripherals can be attributed to allowing an average exit velocity of 82.9 MPH, which is the best in all of baseball. He is yet to allow a single home run this season as he's been very effective at limiting barrels and hard contact. In a lost season for the Pirates, Ferguson is one of the many relievers they should trade to get a prospect haul in return. Many competitive teams should take the chance on the 28-year-old southpaw and he'll be an effective piece for any bullpen as the season progresses.
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