It seems like the MLB season just started, and realistically it has, yet the trade deadline is less than a week away on August 31. At this point of the season most teams have a strong idea of whether or not they are contenders or not, now the question becomes, are we going to be buyers or sellers at the deadline?
While teams should have a good idea of their roster as of now, it still feels weird that just over a month of baseball will have been played before the trade deadline hits. This is just one oddity that teams are facing during the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Even though teams do have a good idea of their own roster, there has not necessarily been enough time to truly evaluate their roster, and that could make this one of the craziest trade deadlines we have ever seen or one of the most anticlimactic deadlines that we have seen.
However, with how this season (year) has already gone, we really have no idea what is going to happen, and we could be in for many surprises. Then you have to take into consideration that eight teams from each league will be making the playoffs this season then we could see more teams becoming buyers than ever before. It would not be shocking if we see a lot of players on the move before the 31st—including some big names— it would also not be unexpected to not see many players on the move due to safety concerns.
This will be one of those deadlines that we will have to wait and see what will happen, but that does not mean that we can’t predict what will happen. Who is going to be a buyer at the deadline and who will be a seller? Is it possible that we see a league leader get traded?
Her are a couple of things to take note of as we head into the 2020 trade deadline:
- The trade deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 31. Waiver trades after that date are not allowed.
- Players must be in the organization at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 15 to be eligible for the postseason roster.
- Only players included in a team’s 60-man player pool are eligible to be traded this year.
The first point is the most intriguing when looking at the revised rules for the deadline. In a typical season, the deadline usually falls on July 31 and after that trades would no longer be allowed to occur (kind of). After the July 31 date, players could still be placed and claimed on waivers, making August 31 known as the “waiver trade deadline”. With everything that has happened this year, both the trade and “waiver” deadline will be occurring on the same date this season.
However, the MLB eliminated the waiver deadline last season and they decided not to bring it back this season, so it will not be completely new for teams this season. Even though they did this last season this could be one reason why we could potentially see a lot of moves before the 31st, teams will not have the luxury of waiting an extra month to see if they can get back in the hunt before they place a player or claim a player via waivers.
With so many breakout players this season—only a month into the season— there are so many players that could be trade bait this season. Without rambling even more, let’s look at each team and examine whether they should be buyers or sellers.
East
Atlanta Braves
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
Even with tough injury luck so far this year, the Braves as of right now pretty easily have control of the NL East right now. However, the injury bug is part of the reason why they should be buyers at the deadline. The hitting on the team is excellent and even if they do not add to the team before the deadline it should carry them to the playoffs, but by adding a starter or two it could make them a potential World Series contender. It is obvious that a starter is needed behind Max Fried that can be a consistent number two, the question becomes, how much are they willing to part ways with. Virtually everyone is up for grabs for the right price, this could mean a potential trade for Mike Clevinger could happen, it would be a hefty price though. However, it is a price that the Braves could pay for if needed, but if they don’t want to pay a steep price than players like Mike Minor or Johnny Cueto could be what they need.
Baltimore Orioles
Buyer or Seller? Seller
The Baltimore Orioles are easily one of the surprise teams going into the trade deadline. Even though they are on a much better pace than was expected with this team, that does not mean play for now. Even if this team ends up making it to the postseason, it is more than likely that they will not be able to compete with the likes of Tampa, New York, and Oakland, remaining with the rebuild plan makes the most sense. GM Mike Elias has made it clear that he is in favor of a rebuild, starting from the ground up and this is a perfect time to sell. Richard Bleier was already traded this season and don’t be shocked if Mychal Givens is next to go. He would make the most sense as a trade piece, a reliable reliver out of the pen (not closer) for any team. On top of that you could see older players such as Alex Cobb, Jose Iglesias, and Tommy Milone. Whoever the Orioles do trade though, it will be for prospects or young talent, this is a team focused on the rebuild beyond 2020.
Boston Red Sox
Buyer or Seller? Seller
It was thought that the Red Sox were going to struggle due to pitching this season, especially after losing Chris Sale, but how many people actually expected this. The fact that this organization won the World Series in 2018 and now they sit at the bottom of the league should tell you how far they have fallen. No matter how much buying they do they will not even be in contention for the playoffs, therefore they have to be sellers. Things were starting to fall off last season for the Sox, and due to that in the offseason Mookie Betts was dealt to Los Angeles, that was the start of the big sales. Even with Betts gone it seemed like the offense was good enough to potentially earn a playoff spot, well that has not happened. Now they are in selling mode and it has already started, Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree are off the Philadelphia for Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold, but don’t expect that to be it. There are some key pieces they could move for good value including Mitch Morland, Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez. It would be foolish for the Sox if they do not trade one of these three players before the deadline, especially since they can get great value for any of them.
Miami Marlins
Buyer or Seller? Seller (potential to buy)
The NL East as a whole has underwhelmed thus far, therefore making it a potential reality that the Marlins could make the playoffs as the 2nd team in the division. As of right now, only two teams sit above .500 in the NL East, the Braves (16-12) and the Marlins (12-11). Basically, it is a race for the second in the division and who will make the playoffs from that spot. While the Marlins did start off red hot, they are starting to cool down and this could be the time they decide to sell. This may be one of the toughest teams to talk about because they will be going down right down to the wire of sell or buy. If they are looking to buy then they could potentially damage the future of this team, but if they sell then they can kiss their playoff chances goodbye. It still makes sense for them to sell, they are in a position like the Orioles where they should look forward to the future. While they could sell or buy, it seems like a logical thought could be to not do anything and retain the core they have, however, if they want some value then look for potentially Jonathan Villar to be on the block.
New York Mets
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
Realistically the Mets should probably end up selling before the deadline this year, but as mentioned earlier, the NL East 2nd spot is up for grabs right now and the Mets are in the thick of the race. It’s honestly kind of amazing that with the injuries to their starting staff they are still in this race but here we are. It’s understandable that you want Jacob deGrom to do everything on the pitching side, but that is just unrealistic. So, the Mets find themselves in a bit of a conundrum, should they add to the offense to make up for weak pitching, or should they add to a weak pitching staff. Knowing the Mets, you really never know, but it seems logical to go for pitching. Some pitchers to look out for are Matthew Boyd of the Tigers, although the Tigers may ask a steep price for him, or Kevin Gausman who is a player they could get for relatively nothing. The thing with the Mets is we never truly know, expect them to buy, but how much will be up for debate.
New York Yankees
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
Much like last season, the Yankees are dealing with a plethora of injuries this season and that could force them to be buyers come deadline. Even though they added Gerrit Cole, they no longer have Luis Severino (Tommy John), and Tommy Kahnle, while James Paxton is struggling along with the rest of the starting staff (outside of Cole). The bullpen has been able to do its job, but the starting staff has not been living up to expectations, therefore starting pitching is what the Yankees will be looking for. With the Yankees, don’t expect them to go after a small name, expect them to try for the big play by going after someone like Mike Clevinger. The young talent is there and can be expendable for the right price, but with the talent of the players the price has to be high to get the young players. Another name we could potentially see—even if not likely—is Dylan Bundy. Bundy has looked great for the most part this season and should be able to help mightily, plus he will not cost as much as someone like Clevinger, either way expect to add pitching before the 31st.
Philadelphia Phillies
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Phillies have made it pretty clear that they are not trying hide after a rough start to the season, in fact, they have already started acquiring pieces in hopes of a playoff push. There is really one position that the Phillies are looking to acquire and that would be bullpen arms. When we currently look at the team ERA (5.54) and the bullpen ERA (8.00) there is a glaring difference and the bullpen is partly why they are in the situation that they are currently in. Looking at the starters (4.26), they can only do so much before the game is turned over to the pen. They have already added Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman from Boston and don’t expect them to stop there. They are still fighting for a playoff spot that’s up for grabs so they need all the bullpen help they can get. Mychal Givens of the Orioles seems like a good fit, but the Phillies will not be the only team inquiring about Givens so they will have to be willing to give a good amount to get him. Outside of Givens there may not be obvious fits but expect them to be looking for any reliever throughout the MLB that can help.
Tampa Bay Rays
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
Realistically, the Rays are a team that could be doing very little come the deadline. They are a team who has put themselves in a good position even with injuries that they are dealing with. With that being said, a big bat is always in need especially for a team that relies more on pitching then offense. This bat would most likely come in the likes of being a DH and depending on the Red Sox position of trading in division, the Rays could make a big splash by adding J.D. Martinez, but he won’t be cheap. Martinez may be more of a dream, but it still seems likely they will attempt to add a bat. It will be interesting to see if they attempt to add a couple of arms solely for the fact they are dealing with injuries. It feels like they should try to add at least one arm due to the nature of this season, but they are in the position they are even with the injuries, so you never really know.
Toronto Blue Jays
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Blue Jays are in a tough position when it comes to the deadline because they currently sit above .500 and are right in the thick of the playoff race. This is why it makes sense for them to buy, they have plenty of young talent on the team that can turn it on at any time and it seems like this team could be one or two key pieces away from being a legitimate threat right now. Of course, the long-term plan for the Jays is to be a staple in the East for years to come, but if they could win right now without selling too much of the farm then why not do it. Much of the Blue Jays roster is young which is great down the road, but with the expanded playoffs then they realistically have a chance to get in and once you’re in, anything can happen. If the Jays do make a move, don’t expect it to be a big name move but expect it to be an arm they can fill in nicely behind Ryu such as Mike Minor or even possibly Robbie Ray. The most logical thought is that the Blue Jays will do relatively nothing, especially with the injury of Ken Giles, their biggest trade piece, however, with a team in this position it is uncertain what will happen.
Washington Nationals
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
If the Nationals don’t end up buying, I’d be shocked. The second-place team in the NL East could finish .500 or worse, therefore every team is still in the mix. Now with Strasburg going down for the season they need something to push them over the hump to get back to the playoffs. The biggest question becomes where are they looking to add? The offense is struggling but then again so is the starting pitching staff and now you will be without Strasburg. Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin have been off recently, but they should be getting back to their form so the most logical place to add would be in the lineup. Right now, the Nationals are feeling the effect of losing Anthony Rendon and even though Juan Soto has been great (for the most part), another big bat to help him out is desperately needed. So now comes, are you willing to get the big bat and sacrifice defense—yes, the DH is here to stay this year, but what about next year—or do you get someone who could do both but maybe not as efficient with the bat. You just won a world series, still have a large part of that roster in a weak division, go for now and get the bat.
Central
Chicago Cubs
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Cubs massively disappointed in 2019 when they ended up not making the playoffs, they do not want to repeat that this season. Their number one priority is making it back to the postseason and as of right now they are on the right track. Kris Bryant was talked about in the offseason as a player that could potentially be traded if the Cubs were not doing so well, even though Bryant has not played up to his standard, it seems absurd that the Cubs would trade him when they sit in first place. The NL Central is not looking like we thought it would be coming into the season, this was a division that seemed like a lock for three teams to make the playoffs and possibly even four, as of right now only two would make it. Bryant is not the only name struggling though, virtually the entire offense is in a funk, yet they are still winning games. While they do need help offensively, the bullpen is another spot they should strengthen for a playoff run. Don’t be surprised if the Cubs make multiple moves for a bat or two and an arm or two because their window seems to be closing quickly, and it would be a waste of a roster to not make another push for a ring.
Chicago White Sox
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The White Sox have been on fire recently and are looking like exactly the team many expected they could be coming into the season. That does not mean that there is nothing that can be done to make this team better, of course there is, and it starts with starting pitching. I mention starting pitching, mainly because of Gio Gonzales and Reynaldo Lopez, otherwise they have been great. After starting the season off rough, Lucas Giolito has settled back in and is looking like the ace from last season, then you look at Dallas Keuchel and he has been pitching like the guy you signed to a long-term contract. The Sox are connecting on all cylinders right now and it looks like they have great team chemistry, it wouldn’t come as a shock if nothing is done at the deadline, but it is very possible that some rentals occur. The biggest need though may be a utility guy since Leury Garcia is on the 60-day IL, again this would be a rental, but it would be a guy who will not cost much in return.
Cincinatti Reds
Buyer or Seller? Seller
It seems crazy to even fathom that the Reds would sell at the deadline considering how wide open the second seed in the NL Central is, but they could get a massive payout if they did. Realistically, the Reds are most likely going to buy, but it makes sense that they would sell. Yes, they spent a good amount of money over the offseason to push for the playoffs, but the whole team is realistically underwhelming on the offensive end. This means you could get rid of Jesse Winer or even possibly Nicholas Castellanos and get a large sum in return. That is just on the offensive side, on the pitching side Trevor Bauer and Sonny Gray have both been great and would bring in a lot of talent were they to be dealt. Again, this is probably not going to happen, but it would make sense. With the expanded playoffs they could easily fight for a spot, but they could also be set up for the future if they decide to sell.
Cleveland Indians
Buyer or Seller? Buyer and Seller
In a normal situation the Indians would solely be buyers, but with everything that has happened recently with Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac the circumstances have changed. Clevinger is one of their best arms, but with his recent activity of not following protocol it would make sense for him to be dealt considering he not even back with the main roster right now. While it makes sense to teach these guys a lesson that it is important to be a “true” teammate, if they don’t plan on bringing them back up anytime soon then why not trade them. Also consider that Clevinger would draw a high asking price, they could bolster their lineup while getting rid of a player that may not be used as frequently as thought. Okay, this might not happen, but is it a bad idea? The Indians rotation is already great, and they have a plethora of young arms just waiting to be called up, but considering they are right in the middle of a race it seems unlikely. One pitcher they could part ways with is Carlos Carrasco, he would be someone who brings in the offensive presence that this team needs. Offense is this team’s need so they will at least make a move or two.
Detroit Tigers
Buyer or Seller? Seller
The AL Central is one of the toughest divisions right now and with how the Tigers have been playing recently they have almost no chance of making the playoffs, meaning it is the perfect time to sell. Matthew Boyd seems like the most obvious choice to be sold, but his trade value has gone down so the Tigers have a decision of whether they risk not trading him and the value dip down even more or get what you can get now and run. The second option seems more likely especially with a team desperately in need of a starter, they will pay for someone like Boyd. Boyd is not the only option to move though, they have veteran guys on the bench that could be moved for some pieces. The thing with the Tigers is that they really don’t have anyone who will deliver much value in return, so they could do nothing and hope a natural progression takes place over the next couple years, but a couple of lower level prospects could also be the move.
Kansas City Royals
Buyer or Seller? Seller
Is this finally the year that the Royals trade Whit Merrifield? Merrifield has been their best player for at least the past two seasons, and he is doing it once again. With the team going nowhere, now is the time to sell him and get something in return. However, the management seems insistent that they will not trade Merrifield, so what’s next? Well, other than him the only bat they have to trade is Jorge Soler and I doubt they would do that, that means your big trade pieces are your pitchers. Danny Duffy has done well so far this season and will be a good option if teams offer the right price, but maybe the most interesting player is Brad Keller. Keller has been fantastic in three appearances this year and his asking price will be high, but they could get a bargain for him. For the relievers you could see Trevor Rosenthal, Greg Holland, and maybe even Scott Barlow but Barlow would need a larger return considering he is still pre-arbitration.
Milwaukee Brewers
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
As already stated, the second spot in the NL Central is up for grabs and even though the Brewers have been struggling, they are still in the race. To put it bluntly, the of offense has been dreadful and they need to overcome that burden in order to make the playoffs. While pitching would normally be an issue they would be looking at, they need to do something to overcome the struggles of Yelich and the rest of the offense. It was thought that losing Moustakas and Grandal would hurt but not to this extent. If they are willing to wait on the offense then the pitching is definitely a position to look at, behind Woodruff and Houser it is a toss-up, securing a sure number three and maybe number four starter as well could do this team wonders. While Josh Hader is one of the best closers in the game it does no good if you cannot get to a point to get him in the game, therefore if he is used as bait (risky) the lineup could get some serious pieces to make them a playoff contender.
Minnesota Twins
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
This team made some great additions going into this season; however, they have dealt with injuries that has basically negated all the additions made over the offseason. When healthy this is still one of the most dangerous lineups in the entire MLB, this is why it is hard to believe they will add to the offense even with the injuries. One thing they should look to add though, even before the injuries, is in the pitching staff. Injuries obviously made this situation worse and on top of that one of your best performers from last season in Jake Odorizzi has struggled mightily thus far, a low-end starter like a Kevin Gausman could be exactly what they need. Realistically, this is the only thing that makes sense for the Twins to go after, a fully healthy lineup is dangerous and the bullpen has been very good, the starters are one of the few things this team needs from being complete.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Buyer or Seller? Seller
While the Pirates have almost doubled their win total over the past week, there is still nothing going right for this team. They should be in full sell mode with any pieces that people are willing to buy (which is not much). Right now, the Pirates have to hope a team comes calling because they really do not have a piece where they could negotiate a big deal. Yes, they have Josh Bell, but he is very much struggling and how valuable is a first baseman who struggles at the plate. Keone Kela and Chad Kuhl seem like the only other players that may attract people to this team for a trade. In that case though, Kela would be worth more because a bullpen arm with potential is more valuable than a rotation arm with potential. The Pirates really don’t have much to offer so it would not be a shock if no trades occur with this team, but you never know in this time so there most likely will be some kind of inquiry for a bullpen arm.
St. Louis Cardinals
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Cardinals are the reigning division champions and now with the expanded playoffs, they should be right back there. While they are making their way back to playing the same amount of games as every other team, they are still behind due to the layoff after COVID-19. With this layoff it is hard to tell where they would be if they were at the same number of games, but all we know is that they would currently make the playoffs. Even with currently making the playoffs, there is still room for improvement. While the offense has not been bad, they still have the chance to be stagnant so a bat would be very beneficial to this team. Don’t expect them to make a big move for a bat because many of the players who are having a tough time are still young players that the Cards still very much have in their future plans. Right now, they need someone who can help produce runs—yes, Matt Carpenter leads the team in RBIs—and that may have to come at DH because Carpenter is not the bat he once was. If Carpenter must stay in the lineup then find a place in the field for him, a big bat has to join this team.
West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Buyer or Seller? Seller
The Diamondbacks were projected to easily make the playoffs this season, well so far, they have looked the complete opposite. At this pace they are only going to win 26 games and will finish in last place in the NL West, on top of that they have lost six straight. It will be hard for a team that were buyers in the offseason to become contenders, just sell off pieces but that looks like the path they should take. In fact, most of their additions have worked out well, the biggest disappointments thus far have been the players who were already on the team like Eduardo Escobar and Carson Kelly. Outside of them, the offense has actually been fairly decent, averaging about just over four runs a game. The big issue comes with pitching where addition Madison Bumgarner has looked terrible then you have Luke Weaver and Robbie Ray who have not looked much better. It is unlikely that they give up on Bumgarner after signing him, but Ray has potential to be traded, his stock is not the highest, but right now he is just dead weight on the team. This year so far has been a disappointment and the best idea seems to be looking toward next season, selling will help do that.
Colorado Rockies
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The wildcard positions in the NL seem to be wide open right now and while the Rockies started off red hot, they have cooled down significantly. The fact that they are still in this position with haw poorly Nolan Arenado is performing just shows how talented this team can be. Oddly enough though they are not in the position they are because the rest of the offense is doing great, no, they are there because of what the pitching has been able to do. Outside of Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon, the offense has not been doing great and even after a few rough starts, the starting pitching has looked very good even though they are still inconsistent. Playing in Coors field it can be expected that pitching will be inconsistent, this means that pitching will be something that will be looked for. Anything can happen in Colorado so there can never be enough pitching, but they also may need some bats, specifically at the catcher and outfield positions. Colorado won’t be looking for anything long term this deadline, but they will definitely look for something to help them make the playoffs right now.
Houston Astros
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
There is no logical reason why the Astros would be anything but buyers before the deadline. This is a team who is still easily one of the preseason World Series contenders, so you do not sell the farm after a slow start. No, with the expanded playoffs you are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, now the trick is making deals to overcome the injuries. You have to think that the offense will be fine, so that means you look at pitching at the deadline. Without Gerrit Cole and right now Justin Verlander we have seen how shaky the Astros starting staff is, they are hopeful that Justin Verlander will return soon, but that doesn’t mean they can’t go after another big-name pitcher. The starters are not the only place they need an arm, the bullpen could use one two, but if they manage to make a big splash at starting pitching then they could look as dangerous as ever. This is a team built to win now so making a big splash would not be unexpected, imagine them nabbing a Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer (what a sight that would be), or even a Mike Clevinger and wow, this team would seem unstoppable.
Los Angeles Angels
Buyer or Seller? Seller
It seems counterintuitive that the Angels would sell after everything they did over the offseason, but so far, all the offseason moves have done nothing to actually turn this team into a contender. It would take an incredible turn around for this team, who is 12 under .500, to even sniff the playoffs, this means selling is inevitable. Now, there is a possibility they buy but it just seems illogical due to the position they are in. Right now, if you decide to sell then you could get something for Dylan Bundy who has been pitching really well this season. Bundy has struggled in his past two starts, so his value will only continue to dip, if you want to make the most out of what you have then sell him now. Injuries have obviously hurt this team, like Shohei Ohtani getting hurt on the mound, but this team is going nowhere this season. Trout and Rendon are already locked in for the long term, take this time as a chance to make the future better and sell what you can now.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
There really isn’t much that the dodgers can do to get better, they are easily one of the best well-rounded teams in the game today. With that being said, there are always positions that could use an upgrade or depth. That is exactly what see at the catcher position. It is always important to have at least two catchers on the roster and Will Smith has had neck stiffness this season, it might be better to be safe than sorry and get another catcher just in case. Other than that, there is not much to say, they could look for a pitcher to take the place of Ross Stripling, but that is not the biggest concern right now. Although injuries are never wished upon players, that really seems like the only thing the Dodgers could add, depth for potential injuries but realistically their roster is already stacked.
Oakland Athletics
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Athletics have simply not been playing well offensively, they have been managing to produce runs, but they need to step it up to make a deep playoff run. While this may not be hurting team now as they sit in first place in the division, there are still concerns with certain players. One of those players is Khris Davis—remember when Khris and Chris were both dangerous—and it may be time to let him go and get a new DH because he is not providing the type of power that he normally does. He regressed last season and now he is on a different level of regression, getting a true DH could help make this lineup even more dangerous. Pitching on the other hand has been mostly excellent this season, the starters could fare to do better, but that could be fixed through trades. Not saying trade Sean Manaea, but he is struggling right now and adding a lower level starter could help immensely. If they do not add a bat by the deadline then expect an arm to be added, because without an offense who can consistently score runs, a great pitching staff is needed.
San Diego Padres
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
The Padres have been on an absolute tear as of late and have set themselves up in perfect position to make the playoffs. On top of that, their farm system is incredibly deep, so they have the pieces to be able to pull off a big trade if needed. Don’t expect one to happen but know that it could happen. Starting pitching for the most part has been extremely good; this does not mean that another one could not be added. With the struggles that the bullpen has had this season, an addition to the starting rotation could be a big one so they won’t have to rely on the starters as much. Speaking of the bullpen though, this is the big spot they have to fix, the pen has been awful and in order to get to the playoffs they need a few reliable arms. More long arms are needed in the pen, but does this mean one inning guys are out of the picture? This seems unlikely since he is only going into arbitration, but for the right price imagine getting a guy like Josh Hader. Outside of pitching the biggest need is at catcher, Francisco Mejia and Austin Hedges have not been good offensively and they need a catcher who can at least provide some pop.
San Francisco Giants
Buyer or Seller? Buyer
With a quick look at the Giants it seems like they should be sellers, however, the Giants have been hot recently and put themselves right back in the playoff picture. Now this most likely will not happen as there are a lot of players on this team who could be sold as rentals to team, but that seems foolish with where they are at. They have fought their way back into the playoff picture thanks in part to contributions from the veterans who were brought in to do exactly that. Evan Longoria is starting to look like he did on the Rays and then you have guys like Wilmer Flores crushing the ball. When this team brought in these guys over the past couple of years, the goal was to make the playoffs and go far in the playoffs, that time is running out and with the help of some rentals that goal could become a reality. The pitching on this team was never thought to be that good, but the starters have been decent, it is the bullpen who has struggled. Adding some proven arms can do no harm, they should not be long term, but rentals at this stage of the game can only help. Worse comes to worse these rentals end up not working out, you’re not hurting anything, remember, you were not supposed to make the playoffs. The team is overperforming right now and you need to ride that momentum, add a couple of arms and make a playoff push.
Seattle Mariners
Buyer or Seller? Seller
Overall, the Mariners are not a good team, however, this does not mean that they do not have pieces on the team that could be valuable to another team. They are still in rebuilding mode and at the pace they are going they will be in rebuilding mode for a while. The thing is though that many of the players that would be desirable are still young and still have way too much team control on their contract meaning it would cost a large sum to get them. Other than the young players there don’t seem to be too many trade pieces on the team and the ones you do have are pitchers. Justus Sheffield almost seems like an obvious no trade but everyone else is up for grabs. Marco Gonzales, Taijuan Walker, and Taylor Williams look like the most obvious trade pieces and right now the Mariners should take anything they can get. The Mariners have a good young core (it feels like we always say this) but there is no reason they can’t add to it. Shop the pitchers and get something in return because this rebuild will not magically end this or next season.
Texas Rangers
Buyer or Seller? Seller
The Rangers could have gone either way before this past week where they looked like the worst team in baseball. Now, they should be in full sell mode with maybe one of the biggest possible trade pieces of the year in Lance Lynn. Lynn still has two years on his contract, but right now he is playing better than he ever has before and who knows if you will ever get better value. Lynn feels like one of the most obvious guys that will be sold before the deadline, if he doesn’t it would be a complete shock. The offense also ranks as one of the worst in the league so it looks like the playoffs may be out of the picture, better make sure you get something this season. Outside of Lynn there are some other pitchers like Trevor May and Mike Minor who would bring some value but nothing like Lynn would bring in. If Corey Kluber was never injured we may not be talking about this but this is the hand the Rangers were dealt and they should sell so they can salvage something in this season.