As the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31, teams are beginning to take stock of their standings and decide whether to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push or start planning for future seasons. With about eight weeks left until the deadline, the focus is shifting towards potential trades, especially among teams that are unlikely to contend.
Current signs point to a number of teams emerging as sellers, with the Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, and Arizona Diamondbacks identified as candidates. Each team has various players who could be attractive to contenders looking to bolster their lineups.
The Rockies are in a tough spot, with a dismal record and few valuable trade pieces. Their lefty Kyle Freeland could appeal to teams seeking rotation depth, while relief pitchers such as Zach Agnos and Seth Halvorsen may draw interest. The White Sox are also looking to offload their veterans, including outfielder Luis Robert Jr., though his performance this season has been less than stellar.
The Pirates might look to trade pitchers Andrew Heaney and closer David Bednar, who are both performing well this season. The Athletics could listen to offers on lefty Jeffrey Springs and closer Mason Miller, but there’s hesitation to move their best assets just yet.
The Orioles and Diamondbacks are among the surprise teams on this list, as both were expected to contend but have struggled significantly. The Orioles’ pitchers have underperformed with a 5.27 ERA, prompting discussions about trading key players like Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins as they consider rebuilding. Similarly, the Diamondbacks are in a tricky position, and if ace Corbin Burnes’ injury proves serious, they might expedite their decision to sell, potentially parting ways with valuable pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
The Nationals, while they hover around the .500 mark, are also expected to focus on future seasons by considering trades for veterans like Kyle Finnegan.
Each of these teams must weigh their options carefully. The trade deadline presents an opportunity to acquire future prospects or key players that can help change their trajectory in the coming seasons. For the Orioles and Diamondbacks in particular, becoming proactive in the market could mean entering the offseason in a stronger position for contendership.
As the landscape shifts in the coming weeks, it will be intriguing to see how these teams navigate their respective situations, balancing the desire to compete against the strategic need to rebuild and strengthen their rosters for the future. There remains hope that some can turn their fortunes around, securing talented players while planning for a brighter tomorrow.
Overall, this could be a transformative trade season, with several teams potentially emerging as key players in the market, setting the stage for an exciting end to the regular season.