As June arrives, the baseball community is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming Trade Deadline. Rumors about potential buyers and sellers are starting to circulate, which could significantly influence the pennant races as summer unfolds.
However, a major concern is the scarcity of prominent players on the trading block. Many of the notable athletes with expiring contracts are part of playoff-contending teams and are unlikely to be traded.
The expanded postseason format has minimized the number of teams willing to sell until the final hours before the July 31 Trade Deadline. Executives will then face tough decisions on whether to buy, sell, or hold on to their current roster and hope for improvement.
With eight weeks left until the Deadline, several critical trade-related questions arise, shaping discussions leading up to July 31.
Which teams are likely sellers?
The number of likely sellers is quite limited as June begins. Currently, only six of the 30 teams are situated at least eight games back from a Wild Card spot. While there may be a shift for some of these clubs, the Rockies, White Sox, Marlins, Nationals, Athletics, and Pirates seem to be on the path to selling.
Which teams are likely buyers?
This category presents more uncertainty, particularly for teams hovering around the .500 mark. Certain teams, including the Yankees, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers, are anticipated to be buyers unless they face an unexpected downturn. The Mariners, Padres, Giants, and Cardinals also appear positioned to acquire talent, as do the Blue Jays, Twins, Guardians, and Royals, all of whom are in contention for the AL Wild Card.
Which teams fall somewhere in the middle?
The Rays, Red Sox, Rangers, Angels, Braves, Brewers, Reds, and D-backs are all in the mix for their respective league postseason races. A lot can change before the end of July, impacting their strategies as the Trade Deadline approaches. Currently, only three AL teams are over five games out of a Wild Card spot, while almost all NL teams are close, indicating that 24 out of 30 clubs still have a chance.
What about the Orioles?
Baltimore stands out as a team worth monitoring over the next eight weeks. Following a series of wins, they are beginning to show promise. If the Orioles can maintain this momentum, GM Mike Elias might consider adding pitching to aid in a second-half push. However, they may also opt to offload players and focus on future seasons. With several pitchers and outfielders nearing free agency, Baltimore has options to explore in the trade market.
Will the Rays be sellers again?
The Rays might not follow typical patterns. Even if they remain competitive, they could mix buying and selling strategies as they assess their depth. Key players have varying years of control left, and the Rays’ approach will largely depend on how their situation evolves in the next few weeks.
