MLB trade deadline report: Targets and teams to keep an eye on in questionable market

We’re exactly five weeks away from the MLB trade deadline (it’s on July 30 this year), so once a week, we’re going to compile all of our latest deadline news – rumors, buyers/sellers, and ( Live trades as soon as they start happening) – to give you the latest information about the trading markets.

This year’s deadline could be an all or nothing – or more accurately, not everything – proposition. With the advent of a third wild-card spot in each league, it has become more difficult to decide whether a team will be a buyer or a seller.

Let’s look at the National League for a prime example: In the old format (one wild-card team per league, 1995–2011), the division leaders (the Dodgers, Brewers, and Phillies from left to right on your map) would currently be formed as usual. Three playoff positions round out the wild-card Braves field of four. The surging Cardinals will be looking out, 3 1/2 games behind, with the Padres and several other teams breathing down their necks.

In the new format, the Cardinals and Padres are currently above the cut seven other teams Still legally within range. The Giants are the third-worst team in the NL, but have only lost three games.

And don’t forget: Both teams from last year’s World Series (Rangers, Diamondbacks) made the playoffs as wild-card teams.

With more space available (and tanking now being discouraged due to new draft rules) there are more teams, you know, trying Winning, that’s good for the game! But in this case, it also means that there are literally only two NL teams (Rockies, Marlins) that are clear sellers.

Of course it’s the Rockies and Marlins. Colorado’s deadline strategy has been intriguing for the past few years, and the Marlins’ top three targets are either on the injured list (Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett) or underperforming (Josh Bell). Left-handed reliever Tanner Scott (1.64 ERA) Should still be the top target, although his walk rate (6.3 per nine innings) is concerning.

Perhaps, then, it makes more sense to look at the American League, where the White Sox and Athletics are the clear sellers, and it appears the Angels and Blue Jays should follow suit, with the Tigers being on the bubble, 6 1/2 games down. Out of the wild-card spots.

So let’s uncover what we learned this week about who’s stalking whom, shall we?

this week’s news

• In a Q&A with Jen McCaffrey, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made no commitments about any direction, but acknowledged that the Red Sox have some middle-infield depth in the minor leagues that could give them a chance in the big leagues. Can help in meeting the needs. deadline. The surprising Sox are currently 43-36 and their top needs would appear to be another starting pitcher and – ironically – a shortstop.

• Pitching is also needed: The Cleveland Guardians and Baltimore Orioles both lead their divisions. Each team lost several starting players to injuries late in the season. The Braves are in the same boat as the Houston Astros with injuries. But…are the Astros a playoff team? Their cold start would suggest otherwise, but they are 13-7 in June, and got swept by the Orioles over the weekend, so don’t count them out just yet.

• In the relief pitching market, the easy answer is Everyone The team could use an impact reliever or two, but the Padres stand out as a team worth watching — both because they need help, and because president of baseball operations AJ Preller won’t be left alone with the telephone during the trading season. Can be omitted.

• On the offensive side, the Cubs could use an impact bat, and it wouldn’t hurt if it were a guy who could play a little third base or catcher (Elias Diaz of the Rockies?) and those officials. On the subject of those who love trading, Jerry Dipoto’s AL-West-leading Mariners have a very good starting rotation, but their bats have performed poorly.

Check trade target price

Let’s take a look at some names that have been tossed around as potential trade targets and see how they’re raising (or lowering) their respective markets.

• Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox): It seems like it should be a slam-dunk that the dynamic center fielder would be moving on this year, but as our reporting team points out, some in the industry believe new Chicago GM Chris Gaetz overvalues ​​Robert Might – or at least might – be wary of short sales, as Robert is hitting just .198 (.768 OPS) this season. He is making $12.5 million this year and will make $15 million next year, with $20 million club options in 2026 and 2027. Extra years of control are nice, but with his injury history and mixed results this year, teams may want to avoid paying more in prospect capital.

, LHP Garrett Crockett (White Sox): Sorry, yes, White Sox fans, you might want to look away. After pitching 5 2/3 shutout innings in a 3-0 Finals loss to the Dodgers on Monday night, Crockett is 6-6 with a 3.05 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 94 1/3 innings. The potential contenders are: Anyone who needs pitching, so… about 60 percent of the league.

, 1B Pete Alonso (Mets), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays): At the beginning of the season, it seemed strange that anyone would be on the market. Alonso may no longer be there, as the Mets are 13-6 in June, and have gone from third-worst to joint-best among NL teams that are not currently in a playoff position. Toronto, on the other hand, continues to slip into an unsuccessful season at 35-43 – 7 1/2 games out of the wild-card spot. Will they part ways with Guerrero? (Cubs take note: He can do Still play third base.)

• RHP Jack Flaherty (Tigers): After a tumultuous post-trade stint with the Orioles last year, Flaherty has recovered well in Detroit, save for a minor back problem earlier this month. He is 5-4 with a 2.92 ERA, posting 108 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings, which makes him a desirable target in a market that wants starting pitching. As Cody Stavenhagen points out, Flaherty is eligible to receive a qualifying offer this offseason. If Detroit doesn’t trade him, they can offer him a “QO”, and if he signs elsewhere, they will receive a compensation draft pick. Which option is better? It depends on when Detroit believes its contention window will open.

, RHP Mason Miller, (A): The holy grail of bullpen additions, Miller is easily the best relief pitcher can Be available this year, with 60 strikeouts and 13 walks in 34 2/3 innings. But the buzz in the industry is that A is demanding ransom from Raja. With the team moving to Las Vegas (after three years in Sacramento), it makes sense for them to aim to compete in 2028. Miller doesn’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season, so the A’s can’t passed To trade him, but if someone blinks and pays a premium in prospects, it could set them up well for the future.

first time, long time

Among the teams that could still push for a playoff spot: recently punched Pittsburgh, Washington and Kansas City. None of the three are necessarily favorites to emerge as wild-card teams this year, but all are within 2 1/2 games of the final wild-card position.

Pittsburgh: With the arrival of Paul Skenes (and the ascension of Jared Jones), the Pirates are more exciting than ever… What, 2015? But their offense could use a boost, especially in the outfield.

*Bae was activated from the IL on Monday, and optioned to Triple A. All statistics from Sunday’s games.

Washington: As Jim Bowden points out, the Nationals may make more sense as a seller than a buyer this year, as they are a bit ahead of schedule in the competition, and they have some experienced guys on expiring contracts that the system needs. Can be disposed to strengthen. A long run starting next season. But they’re only 1 1/2 games away from a playoff spot, and for a fan base that has seen some terrible baseball since their World Series win in 2019, throwing in the towel will be a tough one – pun noted – Sell,

Kansas City: After a hot start, the Royals have regressed somewhat in recent weeks, going 3-7 in their last 10 games. Like Washington, they are a little ahead of schedule in 2023 after losing 106 games. If their recent decline extends over the coming weeks, an interesting storyline to keep an eye on could be how they handle Seth Lugo, who has been Very Good this year (10-2, 2.42 ERA). He’s under contract through 2025 (with a player option for 2026), so if the Royals feel they’re on the brink of contention, it might make more sense to retain him. If they believe the window will indeed open in 2026, he could be an exceptionally valuable trade chip.

Of course, they could also go on another hot streak and become buyers. In that case, the bullpen and an outfield bat would seem to be the most logical shopping list.

what am i watching next week

, Texas Rangers: They At the end They achieved their first sweep of the season by defeating the Royals in three games last weekend. This week, they face the division-leading Brewers and Orioles. This week could be a big make or break road trip for the defending champions as players begin to return from the IL.

, Houston Astros: Texas currently has a game underway and is coming off a high after the Baltimore sweep, this might be the Astros’ best chance to ride the wave of momentum from Sellers Alley before the deadline. Furthermore, if they to do Go on the run, would this mean the rotation at first base is in the works, or would it be a green light to make a deal to solidify the position?

, Ben Rice (Yankees): New York’s playoff hopes are a few years ahead of Houston’s, but a similar question remains: Can Rice, who was called up a week ago to replace the injured Anthony Rizzo, provide value at first base? Whether the answer is yes or no, I would be interested in the follow-up question: What happens when Anthony Rizzo is ready to leave IL?

, red/pirate: it is Some? The NL is about the wild-card chase, but it’s more about the fact that Eli De La Cruz and O’Neil Cruz are playing in the same game, and that’s always worth watching.

(Top photo of Mason Miller: Akin Howard/Getty Images)