5 Teams a Bad July From Being Sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline
Grant White
Host · Writer
St. Louis Cardinals
After making the playoffs in nine of 12 seasons from 2011 to 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals are desperately trying to prove that last year was the exception to an otherwise reliable rule. But as we can see, this year's Cardinals squad is struggling to take off and could fall victim to more competitive teams.
As we approach the All-Star break, the Cardinals are three games above .500 and sitting in a wild-card spot. But with seven teams within 6.0 games of them for a wild card berth, the Cardinals are perched on an unsteady branch.
Nolan Arenado has never found his footing in St. Louis, while Paul Goldschmidt is in the twilight of his career. Contenders would be lined up around the block to land either of them, and it would be wise for the Cardinals to start listening.
Toronto Blue Jays
There's an argument to be made that the Toronto Blue Jays are already in this category, but they continue to show signs of life. But unless they are in a wild card spot by the MLB Trade Deadline, it's time to move on from this iteration of the Blue Jays.
Things have never come together for this once highly-touted squad. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. flaunts his power intermittently, while Bo Bichette has regressed in 2024. Toronto's brass has already moved on from Cavan Biggio, and they'll have to consider moving Guerrero and/or Bichette if they want to breathe new life into the organization.
Still, a busy trade deadline doesn't absolve Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro of their missteps since taking over the team nine years ago. This summer is analogous to their reign as a whole. Everyone knew Toronto's shortcomings, but Atkins and Shapiro took a discounted approach to addressing those issues.
Hopefully, they won't continue to make the same mistakes at the end of July.
Boston Red Sox
Since cheating their way to a World Series title in 2018, it's become painfully apparent that the Boston Red Sox don't have what it takes to compete in the American League or their AL East division. And as we'll find out, they are one bad July from selling off parts for another kick at the can next year.
After finishing with identical 78-84 records in each of the past two seasons, the Red Sox appear destined for a similar fate in 2024. A 7-3 start to the season remains their more prestigious accomplishment, as the team has been hovering around .500 ever since.
Like their AL East counterparts, the Red Sox have all the right pieces but never seem to come together. Rather than perpetuating this neverending cycle of mediocrity, the Red Sox would be wise to tear it all down and start fresh. Otherwise, they might never compete with the New York Yankees or Baltimore Orioles.
New York Mets
Steve Cohen's promise of a brighter future has yet to arrive despite his deep pockets and frivolous spending. The 2024 edition of the Blue and Orange has come to life in the middle part of the season, but unless they continue that trajectory, more changes seem inevitable.
The 2022 season stands out as an anomaly, as that's been the only time the Mets have eclipsed the .500 mark since acquiring Francisco Lindor. Even with the 101-win season, the pride of Queens has been 295-275 since the start of the 2021 season, which is hardly the record needed to compete in the NL East.
It might be time for the Mets to unhook themselves from the Lindor train. They could command a King's ransom for the Silver Slugger shortstop, pieces needed to dethrone the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates fans are patiently waiting for their young nucleus to come together. A fusion that has yet to take place. But the NL Central also-rans can avoid pitfalls that have beleaguered other up-and-coming squads by cutting ties with the players who have failed to reach their potential.
Paul Skenes and Jared Jones are the foundation of the Pirates' rotation moving forward. Likewise, Oneil Cruz, Nick Gonzales, and Bryan Reynolds are the immovable pieces on offense. Unless they make a sincere run up the standings, the Pirates should entertain offers on everyone else.
St. Louis Cardinals
After making the playoffs in nine of 12 seasons from 2011 to 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals are desperately trying to prove that last year was the exception to an otherwise reliable rule. But as we can see, this year's Cardinals squad is struggling to take off and could fall victim to more competitive teams.
As we approach the All-Star break, the Cardinals are three games above .500 and sitting in a wild-card spot. But with seven teams within 6.0 games of them for a wild card berth, the Cardinals are perched on an unsteady branch.
Nolan Arenado has never found his footing in St. Louis, while Paul Goldschmidt is in the twilight of his career. Contenders would be lined up around the block to land either of them, and it would be wise for the Cardinals to start listening.
Toronto Blue Jays
There's an argument to be made that the Toronto Blue Jays are already in this category, but they continue to show signs of life. But unless they are in a wild card spot by the MLB Trade Deadline, it's time to move on from this iteration of the Blue Jays.
Things have never come together for this once highly-touted squad. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. flaunts his power intermittently, while Bo Bichette has regressed in 2024. Toronto's brass has already moved on from Cavan Biggio, and they'll have to consider moving Guerrero and/or Bichette if they want to breathe new life into the organization.
Still, a busy trade deadline doesn't absolve Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro of their missteps since taking over the team nine years ago. This summer is analogous to their reign as a whole. Everyone knew Toronto's shortcomings, but Atkins and Shapiro took a discounted approach to addressing those issues.
Hopefully, they won't continue to make the same mistakes at the end of July.
