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FLB – 2018 TRADE DEADLINE PREVIEW: JUNE 22ND, 2018
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BUYERS:
The following teams are either guaranteed, or very likely to have some playoff baseball this season. Look for these teams to be in buy mode come July 31st.

1. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (52-18)

The Phillies have the best record in baseball once again thanks in large part to the impressive management of Derek Florko. With no obvious needs, the Phillies may look to just add depth before July 31st deadline.

1. TAMPA BAY RAYS (46-23)

The nomadic Rays found themselves in the wild-card game last season and this year they look to improve on that with a division title. Tampa has made some unconventional trades this season (keep in mind this is a first place team looking to win their first division championship under GM Shane Kraemer). The Rays dealt two starting pitchers for some very promising, high upside young players – and yet they still look primed for a playoff run. They may be looking to make a deal for another starter before the deadline.

1. HOUSTON ASTROS (45-26)

A young core provides Houston with some exciting looking into the future. They could be geared up for a long playoff push and could improve their hopes with a couple mid-season deals. Bolstering up the bullpen, acquiring another starter (maybe one with team control beyond 2018?) and making a deal to acquire a first baseman may be the top priorities for the Astro’s in the coming weeks.

1. CLEVELAND INDIANS (43-25)

The defending World Series Champions are enjoying another strong season thanks in large part to the impressive left side of the infield – Kris Bryant and Francisco Lindor. The Indians made a deal to acquire Joe Panik earlier this month, and they may also be looking for an upgrade in the outfield. They have nearly $12,000,000 in cap space to make some improvements.

1. DETROIT TIGERS (43-28)

The Tigers have a very exciting group of hitters that have carried this team for the first half of the season. Only 1.5 games back of the defending Champs, Lonnie McMillan could be scouring the trade market in the coming weeks to give the team the boost it needs to dethrone the AL Central Champions. Like many teams, Detroit could benefit from adding a SP, RP and may also be looking around to add a veteran outfielder to anchor a talented young group.

1. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (42-26)

This Dodgers team is built around pitching depth and a young group of position players. With the Rockies hot on their heels, GM Bill Edwards may look to add some talent at the corner infield spots, or a bat first outfielder to use off the bench when Billy Hamilton comes up in big spots.

1. COLORADO ROCKIES (41-28)

The Rockies are stacked on the mound: the trio of Sale, Strasburg and Bumgarner is as good as it gets. Making a deal for a reliever to help look after some of the high leverage innings that Kimbrel and Kahnle are being used in may be a good idea for Ryan Alexander. As far as position players go – taking a chance on some expiring contracts for a 2B, 3B and/or OF may be what the Rockies look to do before July 31st.

1. TORONTO BLUE JAYS (39-30)

A young group of pitchers and position players have kept the Blue Jays successful for years. As these players start to get into their more expensive years (Graveman, Osuna, Sanchez, Stroman, Pillar and Zunino will all have contract extensions kicking in next season) and Verlander’s contract comes to an end next season, the Jays may have a year or two left to go all in. Areas of need would be: middle infield, outfield and relief pitching.

1. MINNESOTA TWINS (37-31)

The Twins are in a familiar spot – fighting for another playoff spot – but in an unfamiliar way. The Twins have $58,300,000 tied up in David Price, Yasiel Puig, Adam Jones and Alex Gordon.  With $30,000,000 coming off the books next season, don’t look for Adam Peterson to sell the farm in hopes of acquiring some veteran players to make a push – but a couple small deals could give them all they need to push their way into the Wild Card game come October.

1. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (36-33)

The Pirates have benefited from a weak showing throughout the NL Central this season, but this team being atop a division is no surprise. Equipped with both the 2017 NL MVP (Stanton) and NL Cy Young (Scherzer), as well as an incredible supporting cast (Votto, Rendon, Gardner, Heyward, Grienke) – this Pirates team has a bit of a “stars and scrubs” feel. If they can cash in on good 2017 seasons from Cobb and Straily and perhaps add a catcher and second baseman on expiring deals before July 31, the Pirates could become a tougher out for the playoff teams in the NL.

1. BALTIMORE ORIOLES (37-34)

The Orioles went all in this off-season, acquiring Jake Arrieta and Charlie Blackmon from the Red Sox. Sitting in 3rd place in a tough AL East – they shouldn’t be backing down at this point. The O’s could use some help in the rotation and bullpen, and maybe some depth bats at OF spots. They have 3 seasons of cheap Machado left, no reason to shy away from any trade that’ll give them a chance to win now.

1. CHICAGO WHITE SOX (36-34)

Bryan Herrman has been vocal with other GM’s about his ‘all-in’ mentality for 2018. The White Sox made a big splash in free agency – agreeing to terms with Gio Gonzalaz on a short, expensive 2 year deal to add to an experienced rotation (Lackey, Vargas, Quintana). Offensively, the South Siders have all-world 2nd baseman Jose Ramirez leading the charge with sluggers Nelson Cruz and Carlos Santana mopping up behind him. Battling two tough opponents in the AL Central – the White Sox may need to make a couple moves to get a legitimate late inning bullpen arm to help in high-leverage situations. With little cap space, Hermann will have to work his magic as we head towards July 31.
IN-BETWEEN:
This group of teams are on the brink of contention and could fall either way after a few more weeks of baseball. Some are younger teams and may not look to add much, and some are older teams that may have no choice but to make some trades to avoid spoiling some valuable seasons from a solid group of players.

1. WASHINGTON NATIONALS (35-33)

The Washington Nationals are caught in a battle for the second wildcard spot in the NL at the moment, but they are not pressed to jump into buy mode. They have Harper, Grandal and Upton all under contract next season as well, and big strides being made by Pivetta and Skaggs this season all make 2019 look like another season to take a shot at winning the division. GM Pat Chavalia may look to sell some assets before July 31st as both Daniel Murphy and Sean Doolitte could bring back a nice return. 

1. SAN DIEGO PADRES (37-35)

The San Diego Padres are tied for the second Wildcard spot in the NL, but don’t expect them to sell off many young players to try to improve their hopes of a playoff run in 2018. They may be looking for some more starting pitching or offensive depth pieces. Padres have shopped around some of their younger players nearing free agency (Christian Yelich) – which would all but end the Padres playoff hopes in 2018. We should have a better idea come July 1st.

1. NEW YORK YANKEES (34-35)

The New York Yankees have some insanely talented young players: Judge, Sanchez, Andujar, Fowler, Severino. The future is very bright in the Bronx. The Yankees are 5 games out of the second wildcard spot, but a couple good weeks could change their tune. If they move into buyer mode: a starter, a bat at first base and another man to handle the outfield would be targets. They could sell off some talented pieces to help teams looking to improve: Adam Warren, David Phelps would be two sought after relievers.

1. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (33-35)

Despite being 2 games under .500, the Cardinals are just 2.5 games back and have plenty of cap space to make a big splash and a take run at the division. They could target an outfielder and pitching before July 31st. They could also move into sell mode, with a plenty of relievers to offer teams in need.

1. NEW YORK METS (32-36)

The New York Mets are one of 6 teams with a legitimate chance at that second wildcard spot in the NL. The Mets have cap space to acquire a big name if they chose to move in that direction. Or they could look to sell off some pieces: Edwin, Starlin Castro, Jeurys Familia and Fernando Rodney could all be helpful on a playoff bound team.

1. CHICAGO CUBS (32-36)

The Cubs have both the best player on the planet and the best pitcher of the decade. They should be looking to improve before July 31st to take a run at the division. If the Cubs move into buyer mode, look for first-year GM Dave Harrell to be looking for a corner infielder or outfield bat and perhaps a high leverage arm to use late in games. If the Cubs suffer a tough couple weeks and move into sell mode – Jean Segura could be a heavily sought after name as we approach the deadline.

1. MILWAUKEE BRWERS (32-37)

Milwaukee has a veteran group of players, and should be expected to take a run at a playoff spot in a weak division – however most their talent will be around next season, as well. The outfield features Ozuna, Brantley and Pollock. A breakout performer at 2B (Scooter Gennett) has made things interesting for next season as well. The early season loss of Miguel Cabrera is certainly a big blow to the Brewers – which may motivate veteran GM Dan Thurston to make some moves to get this experienced group into October in 2018. If they are looking to sell, the biggest trade piece may be David Robertson.
SELLERS:
This group of teams would be considered sellers based on their records and position on the re-build cycle. Look for these teams to be willing to make the deals that trade away expiring contracts.

1. SEATTLE MARINERS (33-37)

Anchored by a promising young group, this Mariners team may look to add to their prospect pool by selling off some veterans players.
Players to move: Dickey, Moss, Choo, Barney

1. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (31-38)

The D-Backs aren’t exactly out of the playoff race (4.5 games out of wildcard in NL), but with seven teams ahead of them, it would be challenging to leap-frog their way into a playoff spot. Arizona has a large group of helpful veteran players that playoff bound teams should be inquiring on.
Players to move: Ottavino, Miley, Norris, Perez, Guyer, Maldonado, Escobar, Utley, Young

1. OAKLAND ATHLETICS (31-39)

The Athletics have made some interesting moves this season that leads some to believe that they are hoping to move their window forward a few years. Trading for Lance McCullers Jr and Eric Hosmer has provided some big league punch to a roster full of promising young players. Oakland may be looking to add more talent at the deadline – but if they want to sell they may find some intriguing offers for Hosmer.
Players to move: Hosmer, Clippard, Farquhar, Shields, Ellsbury

1. KANSAS CITY ROYALS (30-40)

The Royals can add to their prospect pool by cashing in on some veteran players. There could be some teams calling on Freddy Galvis, and GM Morgan Davies should be open for business.
Players to move: Beltran, Hunter, Garza, Belisle, Galvis

1. TEXAS RANGERS (29-42)

GM Derek Donaldson has some cap space to play with around the deadline this year and with Hanley’s big contract expiring at the end of the season, he could get creative. The Rangers have a legitimate arm in Andrew Miller that could fetch a decent haul if he were made available. Look for Martin Perez to be a topic of discussion in July.
Players to move: Miller, Perez, Chirinos, Norris, Maybin, Pence, Hanley

1. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (28-42)

The San Francisco Giants went all the way to the World Series last season before running into the juggernaut Indians squad. GM Scott Brown went into sell mode this off-season and the re-build has started in the Bay. Giants have plenty of cap space to bring on contracts if needed and a couple players that could help a team trying to push their way into the playoffs.
Players to move: Span, Reyes, Moore

1. CINCINNATI REDS (27-42)

Cincinnati has finished last four years in a row, but the future is looking a little brighter these days. GM Bryan Arthur has been active at the deadline the previous two seasons, and we’d expect the same this year as well. The Reds have a handful of veteran hitters on multi-year deals that could help a team with a two year window.
Players to move: Lowrie, Molina, Fowler, Alonso, Franco

1. MIAMI MARLINS (26-44)

The Marlins have some promising youngsters (Verdugo, Tapia, Taillon, Heller) and more on the horizon (Soto, Kingery, Naylor, Greene). Marlins will likely try to add to that group of players. GM Anthony DiNardo has been vocal with his desire to move Ryan Braun – which may be tough with the bigger contract.
Players to move: Sanchez, Tanaka, Blanton, Braun

1. BOSTON RED SOX (26-45)

If you squint, you can see a few players that could be helpful to a contending team. The Red Sox do have a promising group of young players that would be untouchable: Margot, Moncada, and Devers. If GM Travis Herzing can get creative, he could package Lester to a contender, take on some bad money, and get a prospect in return.
Players to move: Lester, O’Day, Trumbo

1. ATLANTA BRAVES (25-45)

Atlanta has been active on the trade market this season, and they have more cap space than any team in the league. They could get really creative at the deadline and look to bring on some money with prospects.
Players to move: Uehara, Motte, Presley, Gentry, Saunders, Blanco, Napoli

1. LOS ANGELES ANGELS (25-46)

First year GM Sebastian Wong is expected to be busy come July 31st. If the Angels are to make Archer available at the deadline, it would certainly open up some interesting discussions.
Players to move: Archer, Bour, Alvarez, Workman, Erasmo, Pablo, Bautista
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