The MLB trade deadline is in 50 days, if you can believe it. Beyond the unexpected, what can we anticipate in this new year?
I’ve been communicating by phone, text, and email with front-office managers and other baseball players to get a sense of how the trade market is developing. There are 50 days left before the deadline of July 30. Here are 30 things I’m hearing, observing, or considering.
1. Jesús Luzardo of the Marlins, Luis Severino of the Mets, Tyler Anderson of the Angels, Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet of the White Sox, Jack Flaherty of the Tigers, and Trevor Williams of the Nationals—if he’s healthy and pitching well—are the best starting pitchers anticipated to be traded at the deadline. (With a 2.22 ERA through 11 starts, Williams is on the disabled list due to a flexor muscle issue.) However, because there is such a small market for differentiating starters, most of them have outrageous asking costs, which is understandable.
2. It’s anticipated that Pete Alonso will be the largest power bat dealt at the deadline. The three-time All-Star might end up with the Astros, Mariners, Yankees, Giants, Cubs, or Twins. The Mets will work hard to re-sign Alonso this offseason even if they sell him. He loves New York, and they both adore Polar Bears.
3. Josh Bell of the Marlins, Taylor Ward of the Angels, Brent Rooker of the A’s, Lane Thomas of the Nationals, and Josh Bell of the Marlins are more prominent hitters who are anticipated to be traded. It won’t be until after the 2027 season when Rooker becomes a free agent.
4. The Padres’ wheeler-dealer president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, is continuing to try to close a big deal in order to acquire a starting pitcher who can make a difference, like Garrett Crochet or Jesús Luzardo. In addition, the Padres are looking to add a right-handed reliever and hone their bench.
5. The White Sox, Marlins, Rockies, Mets, Angels, and A’s are anticipated to be among the sellers in this year’s trade market. Additionally, a number of teams, including the Nationals, Pirates, Cardinals, Rays, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Tigers, might go either way in terms of purchasing or selling.
6. There are no untouchables on the major league roster of the White Sox. All of their finest players, including reliever Michael Kopech, starters Garrett Crochet and Erick Fedde, and outfielders Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jiménez, and Tommy Pham, are available for trade. In summary, they plan to hold a fire sale with the goal of adding as many quality prospects as they can and closing as many deals as they can.
7. J.D. Martinez of the Mets and Brent Rooker of the A’s are the designated hitters who are most likely to be moved.
8. Tanner Scott of the Marlins, Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals, and maybe Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals and Jordan Romano of the Blue Jays—should either team choose to sell—are the finest closers anticipated to be sold.
9. The Pirates feel they’re gaining momentum as rookie starters Paul Skenes and Jared Jones have the front office believing if they can improve the offense, the team could be surprise contenders this year (and if not, for sure next year). They’re searching for offensive upgrades at several positions including the outfield. Don’t expect trades for All-Stars, but they will look to add players who are better than what they’re running out there now.
10. Teams continue to contact the A’s about closer Mason Miller, but Oakland has little interest in moving the 25-year-old unless someone wants to make an outrageous offer and force its hand. Teams such as the Orioles and Dodgers have enough in their farm systems to make that kind of trade, but I’m told it’s still highly unlikely he’ll be dealt. However, teams do believe the A’s could move relievers Austin Adams or Lucas Erceg if in return they could land everyday position-player prospects who are close to the majors.
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