With the MLB trade deadline approaching at 6 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, several teams are at a crossroads in determining their future direction. Here’s a look at four franchises that are still undecided, as per league sources:
**Tampa Bay Rays**
The Rays currently have playoff odds of 19.8%. They have shown a stark contrast in performance this season, going 25-9 from May 20 to June 26, but struggling with an 8-18 record since that span. Despite these fluctuations, their run differential of plus-56 surpasses that of the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays. Recently, they executed a strategic buy-sell maneuver by trading catcher Danny Jansen for Nick Fortes, indicating a cautious approach to the upcoming deadline. The outcome of their forthcoming series against the New York Yankees is likely to influence their decisions, particularly regarding key players like second baseman Brandon Lowe and first baseman Yandy Díaz, whom they appear hesitant to trade.
**San Francisco Giants**
The Giants hold playoff odds at 20.0%. After starting strong with a 12-game advantage over .500 on June 11 and acquiring Rafael Devers, their fortunes have dwindled, highlighted by a 13-22 record since the trade. Their recent collapse, including a discouraging 2-10 run in their last 12 games, has put them eight games back in the division. New head of baseball operations Buster Posey may be inclined to strengthen the roster, but the option to entertain trade offers for closer Camilo Doval suggests a dual approach of potentially bolstering while also assessing what could be gained from selling.
**Los Angeles Angels**
The Angels’ playoff odds are currently at a lowly 3.9%. With a 4.5-game deficit in the AL wild-card race and eight games behind in the AL West, making the playoffs may require significant roster enhancements. Owner Arte Moreno’s reluctance to trade prospects or increase payroll could restrict their moves to minor additions. Conversely, if they opt to sell, closer Kenley Jansen might attract interested parties, while outfielders Taylor Ward and Jo Adell are drawing contingency attention that the team might explore — despite their low playoff hopes.
**Texas Rangers**
The Rangers feature a more promising playoff probability of 47.6%. After a recent strong run, winning nine of ten games, they faced a setback with a loss to the Angels. The team leads the majors in ERA, suggesting a commitment to acquiring talent as they aim to bolster their playoff position. However, concerns regarding their proximity to the luxury-tax threshold might complicate potential acquisitions. Compared to last season, when they avoided selling despite a World Series title, their current standing—five games above .500 and only a half-game out of a wild-card spot—is a more favorable outlook.
As the deadline nears, each of these teams faces critical junctures that will shape their immediate futures. Their approaches could range from bold acquisitions to prudent trades, reflecting the unpredictable nature of baseball’s trade landscape. With the stakes high, fans can expect intriguing developments as the deadline arrives.