A Short MLB Trade Deadline Preview
There is an incredible amount of anticipation as the July 30 Trade Deadline approaches. Why? Well, because it’s the MLB Trade Deadline, that’s why!
As if the deadline isn’t always exciting, there is a general agreement amongst MLB executives that we are sure to see a good amount of action prior to the deadline’s 4 p.m. ET arrival. So who are the stars that will be sporting new threads come August? Which teams are selling, and which teams are buying? Well, this article will answer a few of those questions, and while I’m at it, I’ll give you a few names that could be on the move come July 30th.
Who’s Selling?
Well, one team that has been pretty up-front about its intentions to sell is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-Backs are sitting in last place in the NL West, with a 22-59 record and are 29 games back of first place. They’re on pace to go 44-118 this season, which would put them as one of only three teams in MLB history with 118 losses or more, joining the 2003 Tigers and the 1962 Mets. As such, the Diamondbacks are already engaged in trade discussions and should be on the verge of dumping several of their prominent pieces.
In addition to the D-Backs, it looks like another NL West team is likely to be sellers before the deadline: the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies, although not as bad as their NL West counterparts in Arizona, are sitting at a disappointing 33-47 and the league’s fifth-worst record in 2021. Several names have been floated around as possible trade pieces for the Rockies, a point I’ll touch on a bit later.
Okay, Gotcha. Then Who’s Buying?
Well, reader, that’s another fair question. Many teams seem like they’ll be in the mix-up until the clock strikes 4 p.m. on July 30th. But there are a couple of teams that seem more likely than others to make a move. Among those are the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees. Let’s start with the Yanks first.
Look, it’s no secret -- the Yankees have been somewhat of a disappointment this season. Sure, they’re three games over .500, but they’re sitting 7.5 games behind their rivals in Bean Town for first place in the AL East, and if they want to assure their spot in the postseason, they may need to make a move or two. The Yankees are sitting in the bottom half of the league in batting average, and they’re a “middle of the road” team in terms of OPS. If I’m the Yankees, I’m looking for a solid bat that can get on base.
The Rays, as they always seem to be in recent years, are in the thick of a division race and could use some help getting over the hump. This means that the Rays would likely be in the market for a rental option, preferably a big bat with a manageable, expiring contract. A few names, like Nelson Cruz and C.J. Cron, come to mind. Nevertheless, the Rays are always a team that’s in the mix during the deadline, so we’ll just have to wait and see what they decide to do.
That All Makes Sense. So Who’s On the Move?
Ah, the question of the hour! Well, lucky for you, I have a few educated guesses on who is likely to end up in a different uniform come July 30th. I’m only going to list a couple of guys, but there are many more names that have been circulated as potential trade candidates.
Trevor Story (SS, Colorado Rockies)
Two-time NL All-Star Trevor Story is one of the biggest names on the trade block in 2021, and the Rockies would be ridiculous not to cash in on his value. (via USA Today Sport)
Story’s name has been circulated as a trade target since before the season even began, with most of those speculating that he’ll end up a Yankee. The Rockies owe Story $18.5 million this season, after which he’s slated to be a free agent. With the Rockies having very little chance of sniffing the playoffs -- especially in the loaded NL West -- they would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t trade their star shortstop to ensure that they at least get something in return, as opposed to just letting him walk away with nothing to show for it. Sure, Story has had a down year, slashing just .259/.332/.446, but he’ll likely demand a good amount of value on the trade market, and I expect the Rockies to cash in before the deadline.
Eduardo Escobar (INF, Arizona Diamondbacks)
It looks as though the Diamondbacks will soon be parting ways with their utility infielder Eduardo Escobar, as trade talks swirl involving a deal with the White Sox. (via Getty Images)
Okay, I’ll be honest -- this one was pretty easy to include in this article. That’s because the D-Backs have already been rumored to be close to a deal to send the switch-hitting veteran infielder to the Chicago White Sox. This move makes total sense, especially considering White Soxs’ rookie second baseman Nick Madrigal suffered a potentially season-ending hamstring tear in June. In fact, the White Sox have been riddled with injuries this season, and they could use a utility player like Escobar. Escobar provides a solid power bat in the middle of a depleted White Sox lineup, and it looks like that deal is just over the horizon.
