This week marks a brief pause in the baseball season as the sport celebrates the amateur draft, All-Star Game, and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It’s like a mid-season break from the regular action, allowing players and fans to honor the best of the game at various levels.
After these events, attention shifts to the trade deadline, and teams are now being sorted into preemptive trade tiers. Some teams are in a good position to buy, some to sell, and others are still deciding on the direction to take. Last year, there was a “Tailors” tier for teams looking to balance buying and selling.
This year, with the National League standings wide open, many teams could fall into the Tailors category. To address this, we will divide them based on those trending towards buying and those leaning towards selling. These next two weeks could help teams make a decision on their direction.
Here’s where all 30 teams stand as we approach the second half of the season.
Tier 1: Could be (should be?) aggressive buyers
New York Yankees
Record: 58-40
The Yankees need help, especially in their lineup. While they have standout players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the rest of the lineup has been inconsistent. They could benefit from upgrades across the infield and possibly at first base and catcher. Another reliever might also be on their shopping list.
Seattle Mariners
Record: 52-46
The Mariners have a surplus of starting pitching but lack offense. They might be open to trading a pitcher like Emerson Hancock for a bat. Their need for an offensive boost could make them an active trade partner at the deadline.
San Diego Padres
Record: 50-49
The Padres are actively looking to improve their pitching staff, especially with key pitchers out. They may need to make a move soon to address their bullpen and rotation needs.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 56-41
The Dodgers are facing a slew of injuries to key players, which has highlighted some weaknesses in their roster. They could use help in the outfield, infield, and pitching staff to maintain their title aspirations.
Tier 2: Typical buyers
Atlanta Braves
Record: 53-42
With the division likely out of reach, the Braves are looking to bolster their outfield. They might make a practical trade for impactful players as they gear up for a postseason run.
Baltimore Orioles
Record: 58-38
The Orioles are open to short- and long-term acquisitions as they weigh their options at the deadline. They could look to leverage their young talent and deep farm system to make strategic moves.
Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 62-34
The Phillies, led by “Dealer Dave” Dombrowski, are considering modest moves to further strengthen their already strong roster. They might target a center fielder and pitching depth to solidify their playoff chances.
Cleveland Guardians
Record: 58-37
The Guardians are on the buy side, focusing on pitching help to maintain their contender status. They are willing to be aggressive in the market with their solid playoff odds.