The MLB trade deadline isn't until Aug. 1, but that won't stop rumors and chatter from occurring for the next couple of months. That being said those expecting major movement to occur between now and then may be disappointed.
There was a time when the MLB trade deadline was the best trade deadline in sports. Almost every year, you would see huge names changing teams midseason. You didn't see that nearly as much in the NBA, and you certainly didn't see it in the NFL.
But now, the midseason hot stove may be cooling down.
Due to the expansion of the MLB playoffs where six teams from each league now qualify for the postseason, ballclubs are less likely to wave the white flag, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says.
While playoff expansion is great for baseball as a whole because it gives more teams a chance and makes the pennant races more exciting, it has certainly taken some oomph out of the trade deadline. Even teams well below .500 may have second thoughts of becoming sellers if they have a stretch of good baseball, Rosenthal notes. He used the Colorado Rockies as an example, saying that they have been playing better ball lately and may be less inclined to trade some of their top players now than they were a couple of weeks ago.
Of course, there are still two-and-a-half months until the deadline, so all that can change.
Which MLB teams will be sellers at the trade deadline?
The Miami Marlins are an obvious example of a club that will likely sell. They have already started doing so, trading two-time batting champion Luis Arraez earlier this month. The Marlins may also move sluggers like Josh Bell and Jake Burger, and some of their relievers may be trade candidates, as well.
But what other teams may jump into the fray?
The Rockies could end up moving third baseman Ryan McMahon, who is slashing .304/.384/.472 with six home runs and 22 RBI while also playing stellar defense this season. McMahon is under contract on a very team-friendly deal through 2027, so he should have considerable value on the trade market. Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill is another player who could be dealt, as he is off to an impressive start in 2024.
Then you have clubs like the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics. Outfielder Tommy Pham seems like a prime trade candidate in Chicago, while Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker could end up being one of the biggest bats available at the deadline. Rooker has already smashed 10 homers and boasts a .952 OPS.
Two of the most interesting teams could be the New York Mets and Houston Astros.
The Mets could potentially move first baseman Pete Alonso, as Alonso is playing out the final year of his deal and may price himself out of New York's comfort zone in free agency. For the Astros, Justin Verlander is someone who could potentially send the market into a frenzy, although he has a no-trade clause and can fully dictate his future. Plus, Houston has been showing improvement and is just five games behind the Seattle Mariners for first place in the AL West.
You also have the Los Angeles Angels, who will be without Mike Trout for the remainder of the season and sit in last place in their division. The Angels could gauge the market for lefty pitcher Tyler Anderson, although it remains to be seen if they want to sell off pieces while Trout is still in his prime.
The picture will certainly become clearer the more the deadline draws near.
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