The typical progression for MLB front offices is to evaluate their team in the first two months of the season, work on improvements in the next two months, and then prepare for the postseason or the next season in the final two months. Throughout this process, teams assess player performances, past outliers, and potential for short- or long-term success based on evaluations and standings. Notable cases of teams turning their seasons around are highlighted, such as the 2019 Nationals and the 2022 Phillies.
Welcome to June. With the trade deadline approaching in 57 days, front-office decision makers from all 30 clubs were contacted to share their perspectives on their teams and trade priorities. Teams have been classified into three tiers – buyers, sellers, and those in between – based on evaluations and standings. As of now, there are 17 “buyers,” six “sellers,” and seven teams in between. The current standings of all 30 teams have been ranked to provide an overview of their positions.
Buyers
Gerrit Cole is scheduled to make his first rehab start this week. After jumping out to the best record in baseball, where will the Yankees look to upgrade? (R.J. Johnston / Toronto Star via Getty Images)
1. New York Yankees
Record: 42-19, first place in AL East
Run differential: +107
The Yankees are leading the major leagues in staff ERA, rookie Luis Gil has been pitching exceptionally well, and the offense has seen significant improvements. Despite the loss of Gerrit Cole to injury, the team has been performing at a high level. The right side of the infield is a focus area for potential upgrades via trades.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 41-19, first place in NL East
Run differential: +99
The Phillies stand out as the best team in the National League, with impressive performance in runs scored and pitching. The priority areas for upgrades are the outfield and bullpen.
3. Baltimore Orioles
Record: 37-20, second place in AL East
Run differential: +74
The Orioles have been showcasing their depth in hitting and pitching, ranking well in various categories. Their focus for trades is on upgrading the closer and set-up roles in the bullpen, as well as adding a right-handed-hitting outfielder.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 38-23, first place in NL West
Run differential: +86
The Dodgers have seen strong performances from key players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Focus areas for trades include enhancing the bullpen depth and outfield.
5. Cleveland Guardians
Record: 39-20, first place in AL Central
Run differential: +78
The Guardians have been a pleasant surprise in baseball, excelling in runs scored and pitching. Their trade targets include a starting pitcher and an outfield bat.
6. Kansas City Royals
Record: 36-25, second place in AL Central
Run differential: +74
The Royals have been another surprising team, with strong pitching and hitting performances. They are looking to enhance their back-end relief and outfield bats via trades.
7. Atlanta Braves
Record: 33-24, second place in NL East
Run differential: +40
The Braves are working through injuries to key players but are still in contention. Additional outfield help and potentially a starting pitcher are areas of interest for trade deals.
8. Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 36-23, first place in NL Central
Run differential: +63
The Brewers have shown consistency in topping the NL Central with a well-rounded team. They are looking to address starting and relief pitching depth through trades.
9. Seattle Mariners
Record: 34-27, first place in AL West
Run differential: +7
The Mariners have a strong starting rotation but are facing challenges with offensive output. Their trade focus is on acquiring a corner bat and improving bullpen strength.
10. Boston Red Sox
Record: 30-30, third place in AL East
Run differential: +22
The Red Sox have performed better than expected this season, particularly in pitching. They are looking to add more pitching depth, a shortstop, and await the return of a key player to boost their lineup.
11. San Diego Padres
Record: 32-30, second place in NL West
Run differential: +11
The Padres have faced challenges due to injuries but have managed to stay competitive with notable individual performances. Their trade focus is on adding a right-handed reliever and a bench bat.
12. Minnesota Twins
Record: 33-26, third place in AL Central
Run differential: +6
The Twins have dealt with injuries but have shown resilience and solid pitching performances. They are looking to enhance their lineup with a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder and overall pitching depth.
13. Texas Rangers
Record: 29-30, second place in AL West
Run differential: +8
The Rangers have faced injury challenges but are optimistic about a potential turnaround. Their early trade needs focus on improving middle relief and adding a bench bat, among others.
14. Houston Astros
Record: 26-34, third place in AL West
Run differential: -7
The Astros have underperformed compared to previous seasons and are seeking significant upgrades, primarily in starting pitching. They may need to trade their way to the playoffs this year.
15. Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 27-32, fourth place in NL West
Run differential: +0
The Diamondbacks have started slow and are focusing on improving their pitching and overall lineup depth to regain contention.
The teams in between
Tarik Skubal has delivered, but the Tigers have ground to make up if they hope to contend. (Rick Scuteri / USA Today)
18. Detroit Tigers
Record: 29-30, fourth place in AL Central
Run differential: +2
The Tigers have started slow and are focusing on improving their lineup, starting rotation, and bullpen depth to remain in the playoff hunt.
19. Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 29-31, fourth place in AL East
Run differential: -53
The Rays are looking to enhance their offense and starting pitching depth to elevate their performance.
20. St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 28-29, second place in NL Central
Run differential: -41
The Cardinals have seen improvements after a slow start and are considering acquiring another veteran starting pitcher. They will likely be sellers at the deadline, despite considering themselves as buyers.
21. Washington Nationals
Record: 27-31, third place in NL East
Run differential: -13
The Nationals are focusing on improving their lineup with middle-of-the-order bats through trades.
22. Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 27-32, fourth place in NL Central
Run differential: -25
The Pirates are looking to enhance their outfield and overall lineup through trades.
23. Cincinnati Reds
Record: 26-33, fifth place in NL Central
Run differential: -7
The Reds are targeting improvements in offense and need more trade options between now and the deadline.
24. Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 28-30, fifth place in AL East
Run differential: -31
The Blue Jays need to focus on enhancing their offense in left field, third base, second base, and DH through upcoming trades. They are also considering future decisions regarding key players.