The MLB trade deadline is just over seven weeks away, and as we approach the halfway point of the season, teams’ strengths and weaknesses are starting to become apparent. Although we know that the white sockMarlins, Mets and A’s will be sellers this year, the buyer’s market could be strong, especially with the National League looks weak overall and the American League has plenty of firepower near the top.
Here are five teams that should make a move before the deadline.
There may not be a team that should “go for it” more than the Baltimore Orioles. Two years ago, the O’s showed that their reconstruction was over, as did the arrival of the catcher Adley Rutschman, they looked like a team that was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Last season, the O’s took an even bigger step forward, establishing themselves as the best team in the American League. They won 101 games and were in a great position to add at the deadline, but despite being involved in some rumors, a big splash never materialized. They were then swept by the eventual World Series champion Rangers.
This year, the Orioles are once again in a privileged position. They sit 2.5 games behind the Yankees in the American League East and have an MVP candidate at shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who has been one of the best players in the game. Baltimore’s starting pitching has also risen to the occasion, with a new ace Corbin Burnes fitting right and right Kyle Bradish looking masterful on his return from a sprain at UCL.
After missing the deadline two years in a row, the Orioles have to make some noise this year. And unlike other contending teams, they have the resources to do it. Even after graduating productive players from their system, including Rutschman, outfielder Colton Cowser and infielder Jordan Westburg The O’s have the best farm system in baseball.
The O’s have done exceptionally well in recruiting and developing high-level talent. While MLB’s number one prospect, Jackson HollidayAlthough he didn’t stick around after his first call-up, he will be a part of the Orioles’ future for years to come. Beyond him, the talent pool has been very rich, with top prospects like the former first-round pick. Heston Kjerstadfirst baseman Coby Mayo and infielder Connor Norby Everything overwhelming in Triple-A Norfolk.
However, only nine players can be on the field at a time, and no matter how good a team’s farm system is, not all prospects will be major leaguers with their original club. The Orioles have a real chance this year to reach their first World Series since 1983, and if that means trading some really good prospects, now is the time to do it. As many examples in baseball have shown, teams are not guaranteed a window, so if there is an opportunity to improve, take advantage of it.
The movement? The Orioles have been searching for a closer since losing All-Star Felix Bautista to Tommy John surgery late last year, and current closer Craig Kimbrel has been inconsistent to say the least. If there’s one move that could help put Baltimore over the top, it’s finding a closer they can trust in October. An intriguing option for them is the Cardinals’ closer. Ryan Helsley. If the Cardinals fall out of postseason contention, Helsley, who leads baseball in saves, could make the difference Baltimore needs.
The Guardians have been a model of consistency and success over the past decade, but after the retirement of longtime manager Terry Francona, a shakeup seemed imminent in Cleveland. And yet, after hiring Stephen VogtThe Guardians had a good start to the season and led the American League Central for most of the first half.
Unlike years past, when the Guardians had to be led by their elite starting pitcher, The team’s offense has been one of the best in baseball., ranking sixth in runs scored this season. Led by contributions from stalwarts Jose Ramirez and jose naylorThey also got plenty of production from Tyler Freeman and newcomer David Fry.
This time, the Guardians’ starting pitching has been the area of concern, and like the Texas Rangers, comes from lack of health. The team lost Shane Bieber had Tommy John surgery earlier in the year and has been without right-hander Gavin Williams since spring training after he experienced right shoulder soreness. Triston McKenzie He’s also had a rough season so far, leading the MLB in walks and home runs allowed.
The movement? Acquire playoff-caliber starting pitchers. With the way their offense has been performing, Cleveland has a chance to maintain control of the American League Central Division. But adding another arm that can take over in October should be at the top of his priority list. Two players who could fit his needs are the Mets right-hander Luis Severino and left-handed angels tyler anderson. Severino has resurfaced this season and looks like one of the best starters in baseball, while Anderson is having one of the best seasons of his career. Both could give the Guardians a big boost in the second half.
It’s time for the Chicago Cubs to make a splashy move. They didn’t make a big move in free agency and opted to keep most of their team from last season intact. While his starting pitching has been a strength, thanks to a great first half from the rookie sensation Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ offense has been anemic. Over their last 30 games, they rank 25th in the MLB in runs scored and have struggled to find consistency in the lineup.
It seems like almost every Cubs hitter has been through a rough patch, many of them at the same time. Seiya Suzuki He’s the team’s best hitter, but he’s had trouble staying on the field long enough to produce at the level he did in the second half of last season.
The Cubs have replenished their farm system since surrendering their core from the 2016 World Series and undergoing a rebuild. But if they hope to seriously begin their window of contention, similar to the Orioles, turning those prospects into major league talent has to be part of the plan.
The movement? The Cubs need an injection of power in the middle of their lineup if they want to make a serious run at the NL Central or a wild card. If the Mets decide to move Pete Alonso, could be the ideal candidate for a lineup desperate for power. Alonso, who will be a free agent this offseason, probably wouldn’t cost Chicago significant prospective capital, and acquiring him this summer could give them a chance to re-sign the slugger over the winter.
The reconstruction in Kansas City It appears to be over, as the Royals have been one of baseball’s biggest surprises in the first half. Not only is KC near the top of the AL Central, but the Royals are also 10 games over .500 with the sixth-best run differential in baseball. Their strong first half has been backed by elite starting pitching. The team’s 3.50 starting ERA ranks fifth in MLB, led by Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and singer brady.
Offensively, the Royals’ offense begins and ends with the shortstop and budding superstar. Bobby Witt Jr., who currently leads Kansas City in almost every major offensive category. Witt has received incredible support from the veteran backup. Salvador Perezwho continues to produce at a high level.
The downside to the Royals’ first half is that their offense outside of Witt and Perez has been almost nonexistent. No player outside of that duo has an OPS above .800. While the first base Vinnie Pasquantino has shown flashes of being an offensive force, it has taken him some time to really get going.
The movement? Complements the violation. The Royals’ middle of the order is strong with Witt and Perez doing the heavy lifting, but they lack balance and depth. He Mets could be the perfect trade partners for the Royals at the deadline, as JD Martinez and Starling Mars Both could be upgrades for an offense looking for depth. Or, if the Royals want to go the younger route, Mark Winds He has gotten stronger this year and looks like the player the Mets always dreamed he would be. If he wants a fresh start and a chance to play every day, Kansas City could be the place.
Texas Rangers
The current World Series champions They haven’t exactly gotten off to a good start.. In fact, they’ve had their fair share of issues to start the season. Most of them are due to injuries to several key members of their lineup, including Corey Seager, Evan Carter, Wyatt Langford and Nathaniel Lowe.
But the biggest health problem has come in his rotation, which has been without Max Scherzer, who is currently on a rehab assignment after recovering from a herniated disc and sore right thumb. right handed Jacob deGrom He is 12 months into his 14-month schedule rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, and the right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle He is also recovering from Tommy John surgery last season.
Is it possible that all three starters will return at some point this season and pitch for the Rangers? Sure, but it seems wildly unrealistic to rely on two pitchers who haven’t pitched in the majors in more than a year and Scherzer, who turns 40 next month.
The movement? Acquire starting pitching. Due to injuries, the Rangers added. Jordan Montgomery at the 2023 trade deadline, and was instrumental in their quest to win their first World Series in franchise history. He wouldn’t hurt to add another arm to the rotation and allow Scherzer, deGrom and Mahle to really recover, rather than having to rush them back. A deadline would also relieve some pressure Michael Lorenz, Nathan Eovaldi and jon graywho have been great for Texas so far.
The Rangers don’t have to acquire an ace, like they did when they acquired Scherzer from the Mets at the deadline last season. But another reliable arm to fill out the rotation would make a lot of sense. Somebody like Jose Quintana (Mets), Ross Stripling (A) or Alex Madera (A’s) could fill that need.