by Sean Murphy
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024The annual MLB Trade Deadline is just over a week away so now is a good time to take stock of teams that will be looking to 'buy' and those that will be in 'sell' mode as the stretch run begins. Here's a look at two teams that fall into each of those categories.
Buyers
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox find themselves in no man's land, so to speak, as we approach the end of July. Sitting in third place in the A.L. East and also two games back of a Wild Card position, they're not really true contenders this season. With that being said, there's money to be spent and a fan base to appease. With their current likelihood of reaching the postseason hovering around 33%, a couple of savvy moves could put them over the hump. Boston's depth-shy bullpen could use an infusion of talent - no surprise if it reaches out to a number of teams regarding some late inning arms.
New York Mets
Most believed the Mets would be firmly entrenched in the 'sell' category at this stage of the season but here they are in the thick of the N.L. playoff hunt. A make-or-break stretch leading into the deadline includes matchups with the Yankees, Braves and Twins. There's light at the end of the tunnel, however, as they'll go up against the Angels, Rockies, Athletics and Marlins in succession after that. Guys like Luis Severino and Jose Quintana were thought to be held as key selling pieces but instead the Mets will need their veteran arms down the stretch. Like Boston, New York will also be looking mostly for bullpen help.
Sellers
Cincinnati Reds
It's unfortunate to see the upstart Reds in this category as they entered the season with so much young talent, and brimming optimism to go along with it. The season hasn't gone as planned, due in part to injuries. As we wind down the month of July, Cincinnati has less than a 6% chance of reaching the playoffs. The Reds do have some veteran pieces they can move. Frankie Montas will likely be an attractive back-of-the-rotation starter for a contending team. Look for Cincinnati to make at least a couple of moves that bolster their stockpile of prospects as they continue to build around some of their up-and-coming star players.
Toronto Blue Jays
Much to the chagrin of their fans, the Blue Jays might be one of the most active teams leading up to the deadline but only as sellers. This season has been a complete disaster north of the border. It all started during an offseason where the Jays narrowly (according to reporting at the time) missed out on Shohei Ohtani and then did little to bolster their roster. There are those that believe it's time to tear down the roster completely and start fresh as the nucleus led by Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer simply hasn't worked out as planned. There are too many assets to name when it comes to players that could be on the move. You have to figure guys like Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner and Kevin Gausman will top a number of pre-deadline shopping lists.
Buyers
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox find themselves in no man's land, so to speak, as we approach the end of July. Sitting in third place in the A.L. East and also two games back of a Wild Card position, they're not really true contenders this season. With that being said, there's money to be spent and a fan base to appease. With their current likelihood of reaching the postseason hovering around 33%, a couple of savvy moves could put them over the hump. Boston's depth-shy bullpen could use an infusion of talent - no surprise if it reaches out to a number of teams regarding some late inning arms.
New York Mets
Most believed the Mets would be firmly entrenched in the 'sell' category at this stage of the season but here they are in the thick of the N.L. playoff hunt. A make-or-break stretch leading into the deadline includes matchups with the Yankees, Braves and Twins. There's light at the end of the tunnel, however, as they'll go up against the Angels, Rockies, Athletics and Marlins in succession after that. Guys like Luis Severino and Jose Quintana were thought to be held as key selling pieces but instead the Mets will need their veteran arms down the stretch. Like Boston, New York will also be looking mostly for bullpen help.
Sellers
Cincinnati Reds
It's unfortunate to see the upstart Reds in this category as they entered the season with so much young talent, and brimming optimism to go along with it. The season hasn't gone as planned, due in part to injuries. As we wind down the month of July, Cincinnati has less than a 6% chance of reaching the playoffs. The Reds do have some veteran pieces they can move. Frankie Montas will likely be an attractive back-of-the-rotation starter for a contending team. Look for Cincinnati to make at least a couple of moves that bolster their stockpile of prospects as they continue to build around some of their up-and-coming star players.
Toronto Blue Jays
Much to the chagrin of their fans, the Blue Jays might be one of the most active teams leading up to the deadline but only as sellers. This season has been a complete disaster north of the border. It all started during an offseason where the Jays narrowly (according to reporting at the time) missed out on Shohei Ohtani and then did little to bolster their roster. There are those that believe it's time to tear down the roster completely and start fresh as the nucleus led by Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer simply hasn't worked out as planned. There are too many assets to name when it comes to players that could be on the move. You have to figure guys like Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner and Kevin Gausman will top a number of pre-deadline shopping lists.
