In this weeks Inside the Clubhouse, FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray lays out what he's hearing leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.
The baseball trade deadline is almost two months away, and yet there's clarity as to what direction many teams are likely to go in before July 31.
There are teams that have established themselves as clear contenders, such as the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays. There are teams hovering around .500 that are likely to add, including the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres. And there are non-contenders that are sure things to sell, with the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and Oakland A's being obvious candidates.
Here are six teams to watch ahead of the deadline, featuring three likely buyers and three likely sellers.
Buyer: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to explore the starting pitching and shortstop markets ahead of the deadline, and a meaningful starting pitching addition feels more likely of the two. Their rotation has been battered by injuries and there should be a plethora of starting pitchers available, though Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes could prove too expensive for the Dodgers' liking.
White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson will be the subject of trade rumors, but he is unlikely to be a fit in Los Angeles.
Buyer: St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has acquired starters the past two deadlines — J.A. Happ and Jon Lester in 2021 and Jose Quintana and Jordan Montgomery in 2022 — and this year should be no different. It would also not be surprising at all to see the Cardinals move on from outfielder Tyler O'Neill, who is believed to be available in trade talks.
Buyer: San Diego Padres
In recent years, the San Diego Padres have tried – and failed – to address the catcher position. They lack a long-term answer at the position and it could prove difficult once again for president of baseball operations AJ Preller to address it with no obvious trade pieces available now that Sean Murphy, William Contreras and Willson Contreras have new homes. Could Chicago Cubs catcher Yan Gomes be another short-term answer?
Seller: Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have a plethora of interesting trade pieces, including Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito, Mike Clevinger and Yasmani Grandal. There are numerous contending teams in need of bullpen help, and All-Star closer Liam Hendriks is likely to draw trade interest. The big fish is star right-hander Dylan Cease, who is under contract for two more seasons, but the massive asking price could make a trade difficult to consummate.
Seller: Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are already receiving trade interest in reliever Aroldis Chapman, and he is expected to be moved ahead of the July 31 deadline. Other trade candidates include Maikel Garcia and Nicky Lopez, as the Royals could look to further shakeup the infield logjam even after releasing Hunter Dozier.
Seller: Oakland A's
The Oakland A's are bad. Like, really bad. Historically bad. But they have trade pieces, with their top trade chip being outfielder Brent Rooker. Outfielder Ramon Laureano has drawn trade interest in the past. Reliever Richard Lovelady has far exceeded expectations after being acquired in an afterthought deal with the Atlanta Braves and could fetch a prospect in return from a bullpen needy team.
