By Aiden Fiaschetti
With the trade deadline coming up and many things happening in the playoff picture there could be some big name players getting moved at the trade deadline. With teams trying to make a playoff push buying at the deadline and teams that have almost no chance selling at the deadline there could be a whirlpool of things happening in July. Here are 3 buyers and 3 sellers
Washington Nationals: Buyers
Coming into the season not a single person would have thought that the Nationals would have any chance at the wild card, but here we are with the trade deadline approaching the Nationals are right in the mix. The Nats are 39-44 but they are right in the middle of the NL wild-card race, and after calling up one of the MLB’s top prospects in James Wood it looks like they are going to be making a push for a playoff spot. The Nats need to get some offensive consistency if they want to contend for a playoff spot, they have had good offense from certain players but if they could get some more consistent bats throughout the lineup they could contend for a playoff spot.
Tampa Bay Rays: Sellers
Even though the Rays are not known for selling at the deadline this could very likely be the year they do. The Rays were expecting to come into this season hunting down a playoff spot as they have in recent years but after starting 40-41 with a few struggling players in the lineup they could consider selling a few big names. With two big names Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz struggling this season, rumors have been getting out about these two being traded. Even though both players are struggling they will both have a hefty price tag for inquiring teams to meet. The Rays also have a few players with expiring contracts at the end of the season that they could also deal with at the deadline.
Baltimore Orioles: Buyers
Even though the Orioles are in first place in the AL East they could still add to outlast the Yankees. The Orioles should look into adding a new center fielder with rumors already surrounding a Cedric Mullins trade. The former all-star started the season batting .218 and is a strikeout machine. With other teams selling there could be some big-name center fielders for the Orioles to pursue. With one of the strongest if not the strongest farm system in baseball the Orioles could call up anyone to help bolster their lineup at any time. Center field should be the main priority for the Orioles in late July and may very well be improved.
Chicago White Sox: Sellers
The White Sox are having an all-time bad season and almost everyone on their team with any sort of trade value can be moved. Star young players like Luis Robert Jr. and Garret Crochet hold the most trade value for the White Sox right now. With the kind of season the White Sox are adding right now they should be doing everything in their power to get everyone out of the door and bring in as many young prospects as possible. Michael Kopech and Tommy Pham are other players who could be moved at the deadline.
New York Mets: Buyers
The Mets started their season subpar once again in April and May staring straight at another wasted season, but June has shown a different side of the squad. The Mets are 16-4 in their last 20 games sitting one game below .500 and one out of an NL Wild Card spot. If the Mets can keep this heater rolling into July the trade deadline could be crucial. Even though the Mets are built to sell with four key pieces in Luis Severino, J.D. Martinez, Pete Alonso, and Sean Manaea all set to hit the open market after this season, the recent hot streak has made this decision more difficult. Steve Cohen has made it clear that he will do anything to help see the team win so this leads many people to believe that he will bring pieces in this deadline. With Edwin Diaz facing a suspension and Drew Smith going down with Tommy John, the bullpen is something to watch out for the Mets to improve
Miami Marlins: Sellers
Back in May the Marlins sent Luis Arraez to the Padres, letting everyone know that they were selling and won’t stop now. The Marlins have a few players that have expiring contracts and they will be looking to get them out of Miami, but the two big names are Jazz Chisholm and Jesus Luzardo. With these two stars rotting away on a struggling Marlins team they will most likely be dealt in July. Both these players will have a high asking price and the Marlins will take all that they can get. Many teams will have these players at the top of their wish list and the Marlins will be willing to let them go.