With Major League Baseball's trade deadline set for July 31, theScore's MLB editors break down which teams will be buyers and sellers.
BUYERS
Atlanta Braves: Despite already bolstering their pitching staff with the acquisition of Dallas Keuchel, the Braves will likely add another arm in both the rotation and bullpen. With Atlanta potentially losing a number of veterans in free agency this winter (Keuchel, Josh Donaldson, Anthony Swarzak, Brian McCann), expect Alex Anthopoulos to target players with additional years of control to complement a young core.
Boston Red Sox: In typical Dave Dombrowski fashion, Boston already addressed the back end of the rotation well ahead of the deadline by adding Andrew Cashner, and now the focus should be the bullpen. Even with Nathan Eovaldi, the club needs at least one more late-inning reliever. With limited flexibility under the highest luxury-tax threshold and a reluctance to trade the top prospects in a diminished system, the club may have to wait and grab one of the leftover relievers.
Chicago Cubs: The front office has stripped the farm system in recent years and is trying to toe the line between competing for another title and protecting the prospect pool. After already addressing the back end of the bullpen with Craig Kimbrel and catching depth with Martin Maldonado, Chicago would benefit from adding a top-of-the-order bat and another reliever. The biggest boost the club could receive is Ben Zobrist deciding to return this season.
Cleveland Indians: Expect the Indians to make a move with both present and future in mind. It wouldn't be a shock to see Trevor Bauer moved out in order to fill a number of other holes, despite the club being in contention. Outfield and bullpen help will likely be the priorities.
Houston Astros: With the Athletics keeping things close in the division, the Astros have to think about the roster for the remainder of the regular season as well as the playoffs. Adding another starter alongside Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole should be the priority; an arm under control through at least next season is likely the preference. Carlos Correa, Aledmys Diaz, and Jose Altuve have all missed time due to injury, so snagging another infielder would serve as a viable insurance policy.
Los Angeles Angels: Sitting well out of the playoff picture, the Angels aren't traditional buyers. But with few impending free agents of value and a team built around Mike Trout that was hoping to win now, expect management to aim for players with multiple years of control. There are plenty of pitchers available and Los Angeles would be wise to get the jump on the market instead of waiting until winter.
Los Angeles Dodgers: While the Dodgers don't have any glaring holes to fill, the front office needs to land at least one quality arm for the bullpen. Anything less than a championship will be considered a major disappointment in Chavez Ravine after back-to-back World Series appearances, and the team can't risk a repeat of last year's bullpen implosion.
Milwaukee Brewers: There are several areas of need thanks to a lack of production from numerous key contributors from last season. A power bat at either corner infield position is necessary with Travis Shaw and Jesus Aguilar struggling. Expect the additions of at least one starter and reliever, too. The hope is some new adds can help kickstart a group that's relied far too heavily on the heroics of Christian Yelich.
Minnesota Twins: Rocco Baldelli's club has watched a double-digit lead in the division shrink to two games, and it's clear that reinforcements are needed. Upgrades in both the rotation (a frontline starter) and bullpen are musts. Having last won the division in 2010 and armed with a high-scoring offense, expect Minnesota to be aggressive, potentially swinging a deal for multiple pitchers.
New York Yankees: There hasn't been a World Series won in the Bronx since 2009, and there's certainly a championship-or-bust mentality in New York. A number of key additions will come from within once Giancarlo Stanton, Dellin Betances, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino are activated from the IL, but it's clear the Yankees need another top starter. With a number of quality prospects still left in the system, expect Brian Cashman to have the ammunition to orchestrate any trade he wants.
Oakland Athletics: Homer Bailey is unlikely to be the only pitcher brought in by the red-hot A's, who, as they did last year, lack an ace. A deal for one of the many controllable starters available makes sense. Oakland also needs help in the bullpen with Lou Trivino and Blake Treinen struggling. Likely destined for the wild card if they do qualify for the postseason, the A's need to acquire a starter who gives them the best chance to win that game.
Philadelphia Phillies: Despite a busy and expensive offseason, the Phillies actually have a worse record than they did at this point last season. The outfield has been decimated by injuries and Odubel Herrera's suspension, so the front office should add one of a number of available outfielders. Another priority has to be the rotation, especially with Jake Arrieta pitching through an elbow injury. Philadelphia is still just emerging from a long rebuild so there isn't total desperation to make a move and give up future assets, but this team entered the season with playoff aspirations.
St. Louis Cardinals: The biggest additions will ideally come from the Cardinals' current players performing up to their potential, especially Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt. The pitching staff will likely be a focus, with a starter and late-innings reliever taking priority.
Tampa Bay Rays: After a hot start, the Rays are fading fast and need help in several areas. Though the club pulled off the heist of last year's deadline by flipping Chris Archer for Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows, don't expect the front office to subtract from the major-league roster this time. With the team needing a power bat from the right-hand side, rentals Hunter Pence, Todd Frazier, and Nicholas Castellanos make a lot of sense. Tampa also expressed some interest in Craig Kimbrel and will need to add a late-inning reliever to lock down the bullpen.
Washington Nationals: As is seemingly the case with every Nationals team, a bullpen upgrade is desperately needed. Washington has turned its season around but can fall right back out of the race if it doesn't add at least one top reliever. Once the bullpen is addressed, help at first base, a No. 5 starter, and another bench outfielder wouldn't hurt.
STUCK IN BETWEEN
Colorado Rockies: It's been a disappointing season in Denver, but don't expect any major changes until possibly the offseason. With the core locked up long-term and no expiring deals of consequence, the Rockies don't have much to sell unless they shock everyone and make Charlie Blackmon available. A move like that would likely come in the winter, if at all.
San Francisco Giants: The hottest team in baseball hasn't made things easy for a front office that had ambitions to sell. Now sitting just three games out of a playoff spot, it would be difficult to justify dealing Madison Bumgarner, Will Smith, Sam Dyson, and others. Don't expect the Giants to add either, though; it's unlikely the organization wants to further deplete a poor farm system for a shot at a wild-card game.
SELLERS
Arizona Diamondbacks: Despite sitting within striking distance of a wild-card spot, expect Arizona to sell. With Robbie Ray, Jake Lamb, David Peralta, and Nick Ahmed all set to hit free agency after next season, the D-Backs could try to land big returns for any players they don't expect to retain long term. It's assumed the club would also like to capitalize on another strong season from Zack Greinke and make an attempt to jettison most of his remaining salary, but his 15-team no-trade clause might make things difficult.
Baltimore Orioles: The big sell-off came last season, but there are still pieces left to move. Though the club lacks a big-ticket player like Manny Machado, Trey Mancini could fetch a nice return. Mychal Givens, Renato Nunez, and Jonathan Villar aren't going to land much, but any potential lottery tickets are good for a club on pace to lose well over 100 games again. Plus, more talent moved out means a better chance at securing another No. 1 pick.
Chicago White Sox: Don't expect the White Sox to be very active just because they're in a position to sell. Unless an offer blows the team out of the water, Jose Abreu and Alex Colome are likely staying put. Chicago believes it's close to contending for a playoff spot so keeping as many core players as possible will be important.
Cincinnati Reds: The front office has to be encouraged by the pitching staff's progress this year, but the offense hasn't been good enough and the club will yet again be forced to sell. A number of players should garner interest, including Yasiel Puig, Jose Iglesias, Tanner Roark, David Hernandez, Jared Hughes, and possibly Raisel Iglesias - if the team opts to part with the closer. It'll be interesting to see if there's a market for Scooter Gennett, who's a free agent at season's end but has played in just 15 games.
Detroit Tigers: Depending on how aggressive general manager Al Avila wants to be, there could be a number of pieces leaving the Motor City. Getting anything for impending free agent Nicholas Castellanos should be the No. 1 priority. After that, the club needs to convert Shane Greene's All-Star season into a nice return and entertain offers for Matthew Boyd. Boyd has struggled of late, however, and Detroit might be asking for more than teams will offer. He's controllable through 2023, though, so there's less urgency to move him.
Kansas City Royals: Whit Merrifield is arguably the most valuable position player who could be moved, but it's expected the Royals hang on to him. Anticipate a market for Alex Gordon, who's in the midst of a solid season, though Kansas City will need to pay down a lot of his remaining salary. Jake Diekman is also likely to go to a contender in need of relief help.
Miami Marlins: There are plenty of veterans the team could move, but no one of much value. Neil Walker, Starlin Castro, Curtis Granderson, Martin Prado, and Sergio Romo could all be dangled to contenders looking to improve their depth, though none will bring back anything significant aside from cost savings. Moving those veterans out would also create more playing time for Miami's younger players.
New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen was exceptionally aggressive during his first winter on the job, and it will be interesting to see how bold he gets during his first trade deadline. After the Mets move impending free agents Zack Wheeler and Todd Frazier, could they seriously field offers for Noah Syndergaard? Edwin Diaz might also be traded, but it's unlikely he's sold when his value is at its lowest.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The biggest trade chip is Felipe Vazquez, but don't expect the star closer to be moved. Instead, it's likely the Pirates focus on trading a number of position players. Corey Dickerson and Melky Cabrera will probably be shopped, and possibly even Starling Marte.
San Diego Padres: This was never supposed to be the Padres' year. The best is yet to come for this club, with loads of young talent already playing in the majors and more on the way in the minors. As a result, San Diego could look to ship out an established outfielder such as Hunter Renfroe or Franmil Reyes to help its starting pitching. All-Star closer Kirby Yates could fetch a king's ransom should the team decide to move him. Even if the Padres sell, don't be surprised if they make a splash for a controllable starter.
Seattle Mariners: The Mariners' stunning nine-month teardown is almost complete, but there are still a few veterans Jerry Dipoto can ship out for prospects. Domingo Santana, Tim Beckham, Roenis Elias, and Mike Leake might all be on new teams come August. Dee Gordon was also a viable trade candidate, but his recent quad injury has complicated matters.
Texas Rangers: Things have gone sideways pretty quickly in what was a feel-good campaign for the Rangers. Mike Minor looks like the best pitcher not named Marcus Stroman with a legitimate chance of being traded. The veteran bats of Hunter Pence and Shin-Soo Choo could also fetch decent returns.
Toronto Blue Jays: All eyes will be on the Blue Jays' front office until the deadline passes. Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins are tasked with finding the right deal for Marcus Stroman to advance the club's rebuild. Ken Giles, Justin Smoak, Freddy Galvis, Eric Sogard, and Daniel Hudson could all be dealt as well.
