2019 MLB Trade Deadline Preview For All 30 Teams
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The trade deadline is only 15 days away and promises to be a memorable one. With the elimination of August waiver trades, July 31 represents a true, hard trade deadline for the first time in Major League Baseball history. If teams miss the opportunity to fortify their clubs via trade by that date, they don’t get another shot as they did in past years.
Entering this week, 17 different teams were within three games of a playoff spot, creating a seller’s market with so many potential buyers. Many teams are still figuring out if they are buyers or sellers as the deadline approaches, adding a layer of unpredictability into the equation.
Some teams have already struck, with the Red Sox acquiring Andrew Cashner, the Athletics acquiring Homer Bailey and the Rays and Rangers swapping Triple-A players who fill potential areas of need for their clubs down the stretch. Those trades were just the first of many to come.
Here is a look at where every team stands as the deadline approaches, including what they need and what they have to offer.
All standings and statistics are through July 15.
You can click each team listed below to jump directly to their capsule. Teams are designated as BUYING, SELLING or NEUTRAL.
| American League | National League |
| Baltimore Orioles (Sellers) | Arizona Diamondbacks (Neutral) |
| Boston Red Sox (Buyers) | Atlanta Braves (Buyers) |
| Chicago White Sox (Sellers) | Chicago Cubs (Buyers) |
| Cleveland Indians (Buyers) | Cincinnati Reds (Sellers) |
| Detroit Tigers (Sellers) | Colorado Rockies (Neutral) |
| Houston Astros (Buyers) | Los Angeles Dodgers (Buyers) |
| Kansas City Royals (Sellers) | Miami Marlins (Sellers) |
| Los Angeles Angels (Neutral) | Milwaukee Brewers (Buyers) |
| Minnesota Twins (Buyers) | New York Mets (Sellers) |
| New York Yankees (Buyers) | Philadelphia Phillies (Buyers) |
| Oakland Athletics (Buyers) | Pittsburgh Pirates (Neutral) |
| Seattle Mariners (Sellers) | San Diego Padres (Neutral) |
| Tampa Bay Rays (Buyers) | San Francisco Giants (Sellers) |
| Texas Rangers (Neutral) | St. Louis Cardinals (Buyers) |
| Toronto Blue Jays (Sellers) | Washington Nationals (Buyers) |
Arizona Diamondbacks
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 47-47, one game back of NL wild card
What They Need: Outfielders and starting pitchers. Adam Jones and Jarrod Dyson have slowed down after fast starts offensively, and David Peralta is on the injured list with shoulder soreness. Upper-level outfielders are not an organizational strength of the D-backs, meaning impactful help would have to be brought in from the outside if the club chooses to be buyers. Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray and Merrill Kelly have been an excellent top three in the rotation, but Luke Weaver’s injury, Zack Godley’s struggles, Taijuan Walker’s setback in his Tommy John rehab and injuries to Jon Duplantier and Taylor Clarke have left the back end very short.
What They Have To Offer: Outfielders Alek Thomas and Kristian Robinson would be strong options to front a prospect package if the D-backs chose to be aggressive, and they have a deep well of young arms in lower levels led by Matt Tabor and Josh Green. If the D-backs decide to go the other direction and sell, Greinke and Ray would be two of the top starting pitchers available and could bring back a haul.
Atlanta Braves
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 58-37, first in NL East
What They Need: Starting pitching. The Braves’ offense is a juggernaut, and their bullpen has improved massively since they traded for Anthony Swarzak and Jerry Blevins and called up Jacob Webb and Touki Toussaint. The rotation, however, is an issue. Mike Foltynewicz and Kevin Gausman have struggled terribly this year, and Max Fried has cooled off considerably after his hot start. Even with Dallas Keuchel plugging one rotation hole, there are still two more to fill, and the nearest prospects in Triple-A—righthanders Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright—haven’t shown they’re ready to fill it.
What They Have To Offer: The Braves have pitching prospects in spades. The Double-A trio of Ian Anderson, Kyle Muller and Joey Wentz have attracted plenty of interest, as have the dynamic outfield duo of Cristian Pache and Drew Waters. Those five players have given scouts plenty of reason to follow Mississippi around the Southern League this season, and they all are highly desirable in trades. Triple-A Gwinnett has intriguing pitching targets with Wilson and Wright, too, if the Braves aren’t convinced they can help in the near future.
Baltimore Orioles
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 28-65, 31.5 games back in AL East
What They Need: Everything. The Orioles have a rough outline of players capable of being part of their future—Trey Mancini, John Means and Chance Sisco in the majors, Ryan Mountcastle in the upper minors, pitching prospects Grayson Rodriguez and D.L. Hall in the lower minors and No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman—but there are a lot of gaps still to be filled in on both sides of the ball.
What They Have To Offer: Andrew Cashner quietly had a strong year in the rotation and was sent to the Red Sox in what should be the first of many trades to come. Mychal Givens, Paul Fry and Shawn Armstrong all have appeal out of the bullpen even with less-than-stellar seasons so far.
Boston Red Sox
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 51-43, two games back of AL wild card
What They Need: Relievers, relievers and more relievers. The Red Sox rank in the bottom half of the majors in bullpen ERA and have converted an MLB-worst 50 percent (18 for 36) of their saves. Multiple relievers are needed to get the club up to par, including a lockdown closer. They already fortified the back of their rotation by acquiring Andrew Cashner from the Orioles.
What they have to offer: Sluggers Bobby Dalbec and Triston Casas, as well as righthander Bryan Mata, are a few of the system’s most intriguing pieces. Don’t forget that GM Dave Dombrowski is a master of the trade market even when he has limited resources to work with. Just last summer he turned infielder Santiago Espinal and lefthander Jalen Beeks into Steve Pearce and Nathan Eovaldi at the deadline, and the two acquisitions proved immensely valuable in October. Already, Dombrowski turned two previously unknown DSL prospects into an accomplished big league starter in Cashner.
Chicago Cubs
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 50-44, first in NL Central
What They Need: Outfielders, particularly ones who can hit leadoff. The Cubs fortified their bullpen by signing Craig Kimbrel, although there are certainly still upgrades to be had. Their biggest issue, though, is an under-performing outfield. Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber remain below-average offensive performers despite their national prominence, and there aren’t many in-house replacement options with Ben Zobrist on the restricted list as he goes through divorce proceedings and Ian Happ batting .233 in Triple-A. Leadoff has been a problem area in the Cubs lineup, so finding an outfielder who can bat atop the order would be especially valuable.
What They Have To Offer: The Cubs’ farm system is one of the most barren in the game and is fronted by bat-first middle-infield prospect Nico Hoerner, who missed a large portion of the season with a broken hand. Catcher Miguel Amaya would be a nice piece, as would fire-balling lefthander Brailyn Marquez or toolsy outfielder Brennan Davis. Even with a depleted system, the Cubs have the ability to take on salary, and salary relief can be just as important for selling teams as talent in some cases.
Chicago White Sox
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 42-48, 15 games back in AL Central
What They Need: Pitching. Lucas Giolito has emerged, but Reynaldo Lopez took a step back and Carlos Rodon and Michael Kopech have both had Tommy John surgery. Even with Dylan Cease on the way, the White Sox need a lot more talent to improve a rotation with the worst ERA in the American League (5.45).
What They Have To Offer: A closer. Alex Colome has again been one of the American League’s best closers without much fanfare. Beyond him, the White Sox’s other main trade chips—Ivan Nova and Kelvin Herrera—have struggled. Jose Abreu is a free agent at the end of the season, but all indications are he’ll remain in Chicago.
Cincinnati Reds
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 43-48, 5.5 games back in NL Central; 3.5 games back of NL wild card
What They Need: The Reds have scored the fifth-fewest runs in the majors and their top position player prospects aren’t performing overly well in the minors. Eugenio Suarez, Nick Senzel, Jose Peraza and Jesse Winker make for a solid under-28 core to build with, but they need more.
What They Have To Offer: Everything. Tanner Roark has been a solid starter throughout the year, and Raisel Iglesias is still a talented closer even with the dropoff in his performance this season. Beyond those two pitchers, Yasiel Puig, Scooter Gennett and Jared Hughes are all trade candidates as well. Despite their losing record, the Reds are still within striking distance in a. tight NL Central, so they may choose to hold on to most of their potential trade pieces.
Cleveland Indians
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 52-40, tied for second AL wild card
What They Need: Bats. The Indians rank 20th in the majors in runs scored and are receiving below-average offensive production at six of nine lineup spots. The revamped outfield rotation of Oscar Mercado, Tyler Naquin, Jake Bauers and Jordan Luplow have been better than their early season predecessors, but there’s still improvement to be had.
What They Have To Offer: The Indians’ situation is complicated. They are known to be shopping pitchers like Trevor Bauer, but also sit within striking distance of the AL’s second wild card. Bauer is their obvious top trade chip but would also hurt to part with. Beyond Bauer, they have a deep well of low-level position player prospects headlined by Nolan Jones, George Valera, Brayan Rocchio, Bo Naylor and a collection of international signees drawing rave reviews in Arizona.
Colorado Rockies
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 46-48, two games back of NL wild card
What They Need: Starting pitching. Rockies starters own the worst ERA in the majors (5.65) with Kyle Freeland, German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela all taking steps back this year. Their one upper-level starting pitching prospect reinforcement—Peter Lambert—is already in the majors and taking his lumps.
What They Have To Offer: Either of their big league-ready options at second base—Ryan McMahon or Garrett Hampson—could be part of a deal, and either being traded would have the added effect of opening a spot for top prospect Brendan Rodgers once he’s healthy enough to return. Colorado’s system is not particularly deep after Rodgers, but toolsy outfielders like Sam Hilliard and Yonathan Daza could be of interest to clubs looking to sell players. Colton Welker, Tyler Nevin and Grant Lavigne make for an interesting collection of corner infielders as well.
Detroit Tigers
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 29-60, 27.5 games back in AL Central
What They Need: Position players. The Tigers pitching future looks bright with Casey Mize and Matt Manning not far from potentially joining Spencer Turnbull and Matthew Boyd in the majors—as well as Michael Fulmer if he comes back healthy. But the Tigers’ offense is among the worst in the majors, and they have few premium young position players in either the majors or minors to dream on.
What They Have To Offer: The Tigers have three of the best trade chips available in closer Shane Greene, outfielder Nicholas Castellanos and Boyd. Boyd would command the biggest return, but even moving just Castellanos and Greene would provide an infusion of much-needed talent.
Houston Astros
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 59-36, first in AL West
What They Need: Back-end starters. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley have been a formidable top three in the rotation, but Brad Peacock is battling shoulder soreness and the No. 5 spot has a been a revolving door of pitchers unable to seize the role. Forrest Whitley’s struggles and Corbin Martin’s Tommy John surgery greatly limit the potential prospect solutions they have in-house.
What They Have To Offer: The Astros have arguably the game’s top prospect without a clear future role in outfielder Kyle Tucker. Tucker has continued to mash in a repeat year at Triple-A and, with no clear spot on the Astros’ roster, could be a very enticing centerpiece in a trade. The Astros have plenty of prospect depth as well, including hitters like Seth Beer—who also projects to be blocked in the majors as long as he’s an Astro—and Double-A pitchers J.B. Bukauskas and Bryan Abreu.
Kansas City Royals
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 33-62, 26.5 games back in AL Central
What They Need: Position players. The Royals have a talented wave of pitchers working their way up the minors, but their position player prospects are largely flopping. With Adalberto Mondesi and Hunter Dozier their only established under-28 players in the majors, the Royals are going to need a lot more offensive talent than they currently have in their organization to compete again, even if No. 2 overall pick Bobby Witt Jr. lives up to the hype.
What They Have To Offer: Danny Duffy has quietly put together a respectable year, and Homer Bailey was impressively effective before being dealt to the Athletics. Ian Kennedy has reinvented himself as an effective closer, although his contract is prohibitive. To get a massive haul, the Royals would likely have to trade Whit Merrifield, who would be one of the top talents on the market if the team made him available.
Los Angeles Angels
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 49-46, 4.5 games back of AL wild card
What They Need: Starting pitching. Griffin Canning and Jose Suarez have ascended to the rotation this year, and Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to return to the mound next year, but the Angels need more arms to compete in both the short-term and long-term, especially in the wake of Tyler Skaggs’ tragic death.
What They Have To Offer: Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, Jordyn Adams and D’Shawn Knowles make for an explosively athletic bunch of outfield prospects, although Adell is extraordinarily unlikely to be dealt anywhere.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 62-33, first in NL West
What They Need: Relief help. The Dodgers’ bullpen continues to blow late leads—their 64 percent save percentage is 17th in the majors—and is the Achilles heel of an otherwise dominant team. Arms, both in the middle innings and late innings, are needed to make their dreams of a World Series championship a reality.
What They Have To Offer: Keibert Ruiz, Will Smith, Connor Wong and Diego Cartaya make up the deepest group of catching prospects in the minors and all attract significant trade interest. The Dodgers also have a backlog of corner infield prospects led by Cristian Santana, Edwin Rios, Matt Beaty and Miguel Vargas. Smith and Beaty have shown their ability to contribute in the majors now, making them especially valuable but also the least likely to move.
Miami Marlins
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 34-57, 22 games back in NL East
What They Need: Position players. The Marlins have a promising group of young arms to work with in Sandy Alcantara, Trevor Richards, Pablo Lopez, Caleb Smith, Jordan Yamamoto and Zac Gallen, with more on the way in the low minors. Where they need the most help is on the position player side, where only Jorge Alfaro, Brian Anderson and Garrett Cooper have asserted themselves as big leaguers and most of their top prospects are drawing mixed reviews, at best.
What They Have To Offer: Neil Walker, Starlin Castro and Curtis Granderson are all past their primes but have something to offer contenders. Miguel Rojas and Sergio Romo also have appeal as complementary pieces. They could also deal one of their many young arms for young position players.
Milwaukee Brewers
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 48-47, 0.5 game back of NL wild card
What They Need: Pitching. Zach Davies, Brandon Woodruff and Chase Anderson have been reliable in the rotation, and the club should get a boost from Gio Gonzalez’s return from injury at the end of this month. Even so, the Brewers need another starter and a lot of help in the bullpen, which ranks 18th in the majors with a 4.61 ERA after being a strength a year ago. In-house options Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes have struggled in both roles (starting and relieving) when called upon, and Jimmy Nelson is back on the injured list with an elbow issue.
What They Have To Offer: Shortstop Brice Turang would certainly intrigue selling clubs, as would any of their trio of talented backstops Mario Feliciano, Payton Henry or Jacob Nottingham. They also have glut of toolsy outfield prospects at the lower levels, including Micah Bello, Joe Gray, Tristen Lutz and Eduarqui Fernandez.
Minnesota Twins
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 58-34, first in AL Central
What They Need: Middle relief help. The back of the Twins’ bullpen has been excellent with Taylor Rogers, Ryne Harper, Blake Parker and Trevor May, but additions to help bridge the gap in the middle innings would be beneficial. The team is in good shape offensively (first in the majors in runs scored) and the starting rotation (fifth in ERA).
What They Have To Offer: The Twins have the unenviable task of deciding which prospects to part with to buttress their club for the fall. Their top two of outfielder Alex Kirilloff and shortstop Royce Lewis are not likely to move, but they have a quartet of interesting righthanders in Brusdar Graterol, Jhoan Duran, Blayne Enlow and Jordan Balazovic who would tempt clubs, as would talented outfielders Misael Urbina and Gabriel Maciel. They can also woo clubs with power prospects like Brent Rooker, Trevor Larnach or Lewin Diaz.
New York Mets
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 42-51, 15 games back in NL East
What They Need: Pitchers and middle infielders. Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz are famous, but at this point they’re all injury-prone, declining performers who are less effective than their reputations suggest. And to make matters worse, Wheeler was placed on the IL with shoulder fatigue earlier this week. Robinson Cano has been a massive disappointment at second base, and Amed Rosario continues to struggle on both sides of the ball at shortstop. Light-hitting Andres Gimenez is the Mets’ only significant middle infield prospect in the upper minors.
What They Have To Offer: The aforementioned pitchers still have value to contenders who believe they can turn them around, while Jason Vargas has pitched effectively but has lingering issues stemming from his threatening of a reporter. Dominic Smith is blocked by Pete Alonso at first base and would be one of the top trade chips if made available, but he’s improved enough as a left fielder to profile there and make it more likely the Mets keep him.
New York Yankees
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 59-33, first in AL East
What They Need: Another starter. The Yankees stand to get Luis Severino back around early September and have a group of accomplished veterans in the rotation, but they are shopping for upgrades with J.A. Happ struggling.
What They Have To Offer: If you want righthanded power arms, this is your one-stop shop. Twelve of the Yankees Top 30 prospects are righthanded starters—including top prospect Deivi Garcia—and there are plenty more beyond that group. They also have a glut of young, talented, mostly Latin American position players like outfielders Estevan Florial, Antonio Cabello, Everson Pereira and shortstop Oswald Peraza. And that’s only prospects. Outfielder Clint Frazier should be near the top of a buying team’s wish list, too, and injured first baseman Greg Bird could be an interesting buy-low candidate.
Oakland Athletics
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 53-41, tied for second AL wild card
What They Need: Starting pitching. Frankie Montas’ 80-game suspension was a blow to an already-thin rotation, and injury setbacks to Jesus Luzardo and Jharel Cotton in the minors limit the A’s callup options. A.J. Puk has been limited to two innings per appearance as he builds back up from Tommy John surgery and is unlikely to be an option this year, either. The A’s made one move already, acquiring Homer Bailey from the Royals for infield prospect Kevin Merrell.
What They Have To Offer: The most likely source of depth in the A’s system lies in their high-end outfield prospects, particularly the trio of Lazaro Armenteros, Austin Beck and Jameson Hannah, who are in the lower levels but have high ceilings. The A’s also have middle infield depth even after trading Merrell with Jorge Mateo, Franklin Barreto and Nick Allen, among others.
Philadelphia Phillies
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 48-46, tied for second NL wild card
What They Need: Pitching. The Phillies’ rotation isn’t in great shape after Aaron Nola. Zach Eflin and Nick Pivetta are slumping badly, Vince Velasquez’s career-long battle with consistency continues unabated and now Jake Arrieta—who has struggled to a 4.54 ERA this season—will try to pitch through a bone spur in his elbow. The bullpen, meanwhile, ranks 21st in the majors in ERA and has lost Seranthony Dominguez, David Robertson, Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter to injury.
What They Have To Offer: The Phillies’ prospect pool is not particularly deep. Top prospect Alec Bohm could be a nice centerpiece of a deal, but he’s also unlikely to move. Outfielder Adam Haseley would attract interest as well, but he’s needed with the Phillies short of outfielders. Their best pitching prospects are Adonis Medina and Spencer Howard, the latter of whom has dealt with a shoulder injury that cost him a chunk of the season. In all, it’s slim pickings.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 44-49, 3.5 games back of NL wild card.
What They Need: Pitching. The Pirates rank in the bottom 10 of the majors in ERA for both starters (25th) and relievers (24th) and have little help on the way after trading away a volume of young pitchers (Tyler Glasnow, Taylor Hearn, Shane Baz) a year ago. Top pitching prospect Mitch Keller remains, but he has battled uneven performance over the past year and even if he clicks, the Pirates need more.
What They Have To Offer: Felipe Vazquez would be the best closer on the market if made available, although the Pirates sit within striking distance of a playoff spot even with a losing record and could hold on to him. Francisco Liriano would be another appealing trade candidate if they sell. Corey Dickerson is another veteran outfielder without obvious playing time, but if the Pirates really decide to strip it down, Starling Marte would be a prime target for contending teams.
San Diego Padres
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 45-48, 2.5 games back of NL wild card
What They Need: A center fielder. The Padres’ bullpen is a problem area and they could use a frontline starter, but they have the arms in their system to fill those needs internally in time. Their real problem is in center field, where Wil Myers isn’t good enough defensively, Manuel Margot isn’t good enough offensively, Franchy Cordero has struggled with injuries and inconsistency and no one is ready and waiting in the upper levels of the minors.
What They Have To Offer: The Padres have a glut of major league outfielders with Myers, Margot, Hunter Renfroe, Franmil Reyes, Josh Naylor, Franchy Cordero and Travis Jankowski to deal from if they choose to sell. Their pitching prospect well runs deep with five Top 100 pitching prospects—MacKenzie Gore, Luis Patino, Adrian Morejon, Logan Allen and Ryan Weathers —and many high-octane arms behind them if the Padres the choose to buy.
San Francisco Giants
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 45-49, three games back of NL wild card
What They Need: Everything. The Giants began the season as the majors’ oldest team and have few young players in the organization to build around. Futures Game selections Joey Bart and Heliot Ramos lead their position player prospects, and righthander Shaun Anderson has impressed in his first stint in the majors, but club’s depth is thin at every spot and at every level.
What They Have To Offer: Madison Bumgarner is the most accomplished starting pitcher on the trade market, although his expiring contract and so-so performance this year may limit what he fetches in return. Jeff Samardzija is another starter they have to offer, although his contract is prohibitive. Where the Giants can really make a splash is with relievers, as Will Smith, Sam Dyson, Tony Watson and Mark Melancon are all among the best relievers on the trade block.
Seattle Mariners
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 39-58, 21.5 games back in AL West
What They Need: Pitching prospects. The Mariners have one of the better current farm systems amongst the sellers and a solid balance of both pitchers and position players, but more pitching depth is needed beyond Justus Sheffield, Logan Gilbert and Justin Dunn.
What They Have To Offer: After trading Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce already, the Mariners still have Dee Gordon, Tim Beckham, Kyle Seager and Ryon Healy (currently injured) to offer in the infield while Mike Leake, Tommy Milone and Roenis Elias make up a group of pitchers age 30 and older who can help contenders. Mitch Haniger is a potential trade candidate from the outfield, but he’s currently injured and the Mariners would be selling low by moving him now.
St. Louis Cardinals
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 47-45, tied for second NL Wild card
What They Need: Bats. The Cardinals rank tied for 21st in the majors in scoring with Kolten Wong at second base, Matt Carpenter at third base and Harrison Bader in center field the primary problems. Tommy Edman has provided a shot in the arm at second, but Carpenter at third base has no immediate solution and Dexter Fowler now plays more right field than center field, giving the Cardinals limited options in center beyond Bader.
What They Have To Offer: Nolan Gorman, Elehuris Montero and Malcom Nunez lead one of the better prospect crops of third basemen in the minors, while Andrew Knizner, Ivan Herrera and Julio Rodriguez give the Cardinals enviable catching depth as well. At the upper levels, Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena and Lane Thomas are all outfielders ready to receive extended shots in the majors.
Tampa Bay Rays
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 56-40, first AL wild card
What They Need: Bat-first infielders. The Rays rank 17th in runs scored and OPS with catcher, first base and shortstop the main problem spots offensively, although Travis d’Arnaud and Nate Lowe have helped at catcher and first base, respectively. Kevin Kiermaier has struggled at the plate as well, giving the Rays four lineup spots where they’re receiving average or below-average offensive performances. The Rays could also use late-inning relief help with Jose Alvarado out with an oblique injury. They already made one move to add a bullpen arm, acquiring Peter Fairbanks from the Rangers for Nick Solak.
What They Have To Offer: The Rays have one of the most diverse farm systems in the game, which should allow them to acquire as big a fish as they want provided they don’t have to take on too much money. Even with top prospects Wander Franco and Brendan McKay not going anywhere, the Rays can offer high-end talent on the mound (Matthew Liberatore, Shane Baz, Shane McClanahan, Brent Honeywell) or in the field (Jesus Sanchez, Ronaldo Hernandez, Vidal Brujan). Their well of middle infielders runs particularly deep, with Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames in the majors and Franco, Brujan, Jake Cronenworth, Lucius Fox and Taylor Walls spread throughout the minors.
Texas Rangers
Status: NEUTRAL
Where They Stand: 50-44, three games back of AL wild card
What They Need: Starting pitching and right-side infielders. The Rangers have already used 12 different starting pitchers this season with only Mike Minor and Lance Lynn pitching much above league average, although Adrian Sampson and Ariel Jurado have filled in effectively behind them. If the Rangers choose to ride out their surprise contender status, however, they’ll need more. Ronald Guzman at first base and Rougned Odor at second base have been two of the worst players at their positions and a drag on an otherwise potent offense. The Rangers already made one move to potentially shore up second base, acquiring prospect Nick Solak from the Rays for reliever Peter Fairbanks.
What They Have To Offer: Injuries decimated the Rangers’ pitching prospects ranks, but they still have players who could help bring reinforcements for the stretch run. Leody Taveras, who is just 20 and in Double-A, still has plenty of ceiling left to achieve. They also have an array of talented righthanders, including Hans Crouse, Yerry Rodriguez and Ronny Henriquez at low Class A Hickory. Futures Game MVP Sam Huff would also add the coveted power-hitting catcher to a selling team’s system. If things go south for the Rangers, they could pivot and deal Minor, who has been excellent this season and still has a year of control, for a good-sized haul.
Toronto Blue Jays
Status: SELLERS
Where They Stand: 35-60, 25.5 games back in AL East
What They Need: Pitching prospects. The young position player core is taking shape with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Danny Jansen, Rowdy Tellez and Cavan Biggio all in the majors and Bo Bichette set to join them from Triple-A in the near future, but the Blue Jays have the fifth-worst starting rotation in the majors (5.34 ERA) and little on the way to help aside from Nate Pearson.
What They Have To Offer: Marcus Stroman is arguably the top starter on the market and Ken Giles is one of the best closers. Justin Smoak, Eric Sogard and Freddy Galvis have all been above-average hitters as measured by OPS+ this season, and Daniel Hudson has quietly had a nice season in relief as well.
Washington Nationals
Status: BUYERS
Where They Stand: 49-43, first NL wild card
What They Need: Relievers. The Nationals’ bullpen has stabilized after its horrendous start and has helped the club go an MLB-best 30-12 in its last 42 games. Still, the unit’s 5.95 ERA is second-worst in baseball behind only the Orioles, and finding better late-game options than Wander Suero and Matt Grace would go a long way toward helping the Nats hold on to a playoff spot.
What They Have To Offer: The Nationals’ system is top-heavy and dissipates quickly afterward. They could dangle their pair of promising middle-infield prospects—Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia—or talented pitchers like Mason Denaburg and Tim Cate, their top two picks in last year’s draft. Beyond that, the pickings are slim and might inhibit the Nationals from making an impact addition down the stretch.
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