As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams around the league are evaluating their rosters and determining whether they will be buyers or sellers. The deadline, which typically falls on July 31, marks the last opportunity for teams to make significant trades and bolster their chances of making a deep postseason run.
This year’s trade market is expected to be highly active, with several contending teams looking to address specific needs and weaknesses. Here are some of the teams that could make a move before the deadline:
Contenders Looking to Buy
- New York Yankees: The Yankees are always aggressive at the trade deadline, and this year is no exception. They are expected to target a starting pitcher, with names like Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas being rumored.
- Houston Astros: The Astros are looking to shore up their bullpen and may target a reliever like Craig Kimbrel or Ian Kennedy.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are always looking to improve their roster, and this year they may target a starting pitcher or a power-hitting outfielder.
- Atlanta Braves: The Braves are looking to defend their World Series title and may target a starting pitcher or a reliever to bolster their staff.
Sellers Looking to Deal
- Cincinnati Reds: The Reds are having a disappointing season and may look to deal away some of their veteran players, including Castillo and outfielder Tyler Naquin.
- Chicago Cubs: The Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild and may look to deal away some of their veteran players, including outfielder Ian Happ and pitcher Marcus Stroman.
- Washington Nationals: The Nationals are having a tough season and may look to deal away some of their veteran players, including pitcher Patrick Corbin and outfielder Juan Soto.
- Oakland Athletics: The Athletics are always looking to trim payroll and may deal away some of their veteran players, including pitcher Sean Manaea and outfielder Ramon Laureano.
Teams on the Bubble
- San Diego Padres: The Padres are hovering around .500 and may decide to buy or sell depending on their performance over the next few weeks.
- Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies are also hovering around .500 and may look to make a move to bolster their roster and make a push for the playoffs.
- St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals are having a solid season but may look to make a move to address some of their weaknesses, including their bullpen.
- Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are having a surprising season and may look to make a move to bolster their roster and make a push for the playoffs.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams will be evaluating their options and making decisions about whether to buy or sell. It’s expected to be a highly active trade market, with several contending teams looking to make significant moves. Which teams will make a splash and which will stand pat? Only time will tell.
Some of the top trade candidates include:
- Luis Castillo, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
- Frankie Montas, RHP, Oakland Athletics
- Juan Soto, OF, Washington Nationals
- Ian Happ, OF, Chicago Cubs
- Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Sean Manaea, LHP, Oakland Athletics
These players, among others, could be on the move in the coming weeks as teams look to address their needs and make a push for the postseason. The MLB trade deadline is always a exciting time, and this year’s deadline is shaping up to be one of the most active in recent memory.