Amateur draft and All-Star week are behind us, and now major-league front offices can focus on the upcoming July 30 trade deadline. Contending teams are looking to enhance their rosters for the pennant race and postseason by making trades with “sellers” and other contenders. They also aim to bolster their organizational depth to guard against unforeseen injuries down the stretch since they can no longer make August waiver trades. Despite a challenging trade marketplace due to the crowded playoff picture, front office communications are in full swing.
Life as a general manager at the trade deadline is filled with chaos and pressure. Each front office, regardless of market size, track record, or current standing, is scrutinized to some degree. Some front offices, whether clear sellers or aggressive buyers, face more expectations to make impactful deals. Below, we highlight the front offices and executives under the most pressure to make significant moves this trade season, as well as those teams that are under less pressure to swing deals.
Six front offices under the most pressure
Chris Getz has been in the GM chair for less than a year but this trade deadline could define his tenure. (Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today)
1. White Sox, GM Chris Getz
The White Sox are set up to be the headliners of this year’s trade deadline. They are 27-71 and a whopping 32 1/2 games out of first in the AL Central. Getz has told the other GMs that there are no untouchables on his major-league roster; he is open to trading anyone if it expedites their rebuild, and that includes ace Garrett Crochet, mid-rotation starter Erick Fedde and Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert Jr. Now, the White Sox don’t have to trade any of them, but if they do, the returns in those trades will significantly shape the legacy of Getz and perhaps even eventually determine the longevity of his tenure in this role.
2. Blue Jays, president Mark Shapiro, GM Ross Atkins
In my opinion, the Blue Jays need to extend the contracts of both first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette between now and July 30, and if they can’t sign them to long-term deals, they should trade both and do a complete rebuild. I understand the Jays instead could trade on…
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