MLB Trade Deadline Gets Closer: Potential Deals on the Horizon
MLB Trade Deadline
With the MLB trade deadline getting closer, hundreds of trade rumors are spreading, fueling speculation about potential blockbuster deals set to change the league. With six days left until the deadline, teams are burning the midnight oil, strategizing to make game-changing moves that could lead them to a successful playoff run.
Is run differential the best indicator of who should buy or sell at the Trade Deadline? #MLBNow pic.twitter.com/LAtxeRN2UA
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) July 26, 2023
Shohei Ohtani trades?
At the epicenter of the trade market stands Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Angels. His name has been all over the trade rumors over the past month. The Angels’ jaw-dropping winning streak has significantly improved their playoff hopes, shifting the landscape and making it less likely they’ll part ways with Ohtani. But teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks are striving to secure Ohtani for their team.
BREAKING🚨The Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a trade that will send Shohei Ohtani to the Orioles in exchange for 1B Ryan Mountcastle, INF Joey Ortiz, 2B/OF Connor Norby, OF Dylan Beavers and LHP DL Hall, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. #orioles… pic.twitter.com/8GZWRonQHN
— Baltimore Birds (@the_bmore_birds) July 25, 2023
What’s going on in the trade market?
Meanwhile, the National League is witnessing a burst of intensity as the Cincinnati Reds strive to end their decade-long playoff drought. With a roster full of young prodigies like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Spencer Steer, the Reds are battling with the Milwaukee Brewers in an NL Central showdown. Many rumors are going around, pointing to the possibility of the Reds trading away their 2021 Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India. The Cincinnati’s are determined to enter the trade floor as buyers though, focusing on acquiring pitching stars.
The pitching market is gathering more and more attention as teams scramble to acquire current stars and new prospects. The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoarding two All-Star gems, Mitch Keller and David Bednar, making trade rumors even more uncertain. The Chicago White Sox, armed with their power hurlers, Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn, will be seen as active members in the trade too. Giolito’s skill makes him a target during the trade for contenders. Over in Chicago, the Cubs have a valuable trade chip in Marcus Stroman, also allowing them to be active members in the trade.
Are Position Players prominent in the trade?
Position players may be seen less in trade talks but still are much needed by many teams. C.J. Cron, the potent first baseman of the Colorado Rockies, nears free agency, spiking interest as a rental for teams in need of offensive firepower such as the Yankees. In the Mets and Nationals ranks, Tommy Pham and Jeimer Candelario shine as Ideal rental options with their contracts expiring soon.
Buck Showalter says Starling Marte has gone three days now without a migraine, hopes they will be able to turn Tommy Pham loose and let him play "in the near future" & the sense of urgency with the trade deadline a week away pic.twitter.com/ZHMMV75I83
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 25, 2023
In the end…
With six days left until the August 1 deadline, potential trade deals are gathering more and more attention. Some teams plan an all-out assault, preparing for the postseason, while others approach cautiously, preparing moves for long-term success. Both fans and analysts are eager for the upcoming MLB trade deals that could reshape the league.