Major-league front offices are gearing up for the upcoming trade deadline on July 30th after completing the amateur draft and All-Star week. Teams are looking to make moves to improve their rosters for the pennant race and the postseason, as well as add organizational depth to prepare for potential injuries. The trade marketplace is challenging this year due to the crowded playoff picture, with only six teams sitting more than 7 1/2 games out of the wild-card standings.
The pressure is on for certain front offices to make significant moves this trade season. The White Sox, under GM Chris Getz, are open to trading key players to expedite their rebuild, potentially shaping Getz’s legacy. The Blue Jays, led by president Mark Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins, are facing decisions on whether to extend contracts for key players or consider trading them to strengthen their future. The Mariners, under Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander, are looking to add offense to complement their strong pitching staff.
The Yankees, led by GM Brian Cashman, are in need of a starting pitcher and offensive upgrades to meet the high expectations of their fan base. The Dodgers, under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, are dealing with injuries to key pitchers and are looking to improve their pitching staff for the regular season and postseason. The Marlins, under Peter Bendix, are expected to be sellers at the deadline, with key players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Tanner Scott potentially on the move.
On the other hand, some front offices are under less pressure to make major moves. The Phillies, led by Dave Dombrowski and Sam Fuld, have a strong team but could benefit from additions to their outfield. The Orioles, under GM Mike Elias, have a deep farm system that allows them to address their needs for pitching without sacrificing their top prospects. The Padres, with A.J. Preller at the helm, have already made significant trades earlier in the season and may focus on tweaking their roster at the deadline.
The Guardians, under Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff, have the best record in the American League and are in a strong position to make additions to their pitching staff. The Braves, led by Alex Anthopoulos, have dealt with injuries to key players but are still performing well and may make minor moves to bolster their outfield and starting rotation.
Overall, the trade deadline is a crucial time for MLB front offices to make strategic moves that can impact their teams’ performance in the postseason and beyond. The pressure is on for some teams to make significant deals, while others have the luxury of a strong position and may focus on smaller adjustments to their rosters. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the front offices to see how they navigate the trade market and position their teams for success.