5 Teams That Should Go All-In at the MLB Trade Deadline
Grant White
Host · Writer
Arizona Diamondbacks
Just last October, the Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world, emerging as National League Champs en route to a heartbreaking World Series loss. A quiet start to this season tempered hopes of repeating as league winners, but a recent hot streak and productive trade deadline could push the D-Backs over the edge this year.
Starting pitching has been the Diamondbacks' Achilles heel in 2024. Their 25-29 record is complemented by their laughable 4.80 ERA, which is fourth-worst in the MLB. It's time for Arizona to sell off some future assets for a chance to win now.
For whatever reason, the Oakland Athletics are making Mason Miller available. Whatever the asking price is, the Diamondbacks should pay it. Miller is a perfect fit for this organization and would be a cornerstone in helping them surpass last season's achievements.
Toronto Blue Jays
It would take a philosophical shift for the Toronto Blue Jays to become buyers at the trade deadline, but it is an approach they should take.
Before they arrived in Toronto, Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro had earned a reputation in Cleveland for taking a discounted approach to roster building. Eventually, they discounted themselves out of jobs, getting brought on to help the Blue Jays recapture their dynasty glory.
The minor league cupboards are filling up, and the Jays have several players who have failed to reach their full potential in this lineup. Bringing on a quality bat to insulate the top of the order while addressing pitching needs could help this team surprise many and go on a playoff run.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Count the Pittsburgh Pirates as a team that needs to bolster their roster ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The Pirates have developed some quality major leaguers over the past few years but need a catalyst to push them over the edge.
The Pirates remain in the wild-card hunt despite recording the ninth-fewest runs and fourth-worst OPS in the bigs. While Jared Jones and Paul Skenes are exceptional, they are not invincible. Relying on minimal offense is not a recipe for long-term success.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of quality bats available on the market. While they could go knocking on the Miami Marlins' door, approaching the Chicago White Sox or Oakland Athletics might be more fruitful.
Kansas City Royals
Like Pittsburgh, the Kansas City Royals have spent most of the past ten years cultivating major league talent. That's gotten KC to the point of competing for a division title, but the Royals might want to add to their coffers to expedite their path to glory.
Outside of Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, there aren't many quality bats in the Royals lineup. Vinnie Pasquantino deserves some laudation, but Michael Massey has been underwhelming since returning to the lineup at the end of June.
A one-dimensional roster doesn't hold up in the playoffs, and it will not help Kansas City compete with the best in the AL Central. They should consider moving some future assets for a player who helps them win now.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners employed some cost-saving measures this past offseason, but it didn't come at the expense of their competitiveness. Seattle remains in the hunt, but as the betting market implies, there's a lack of confidence in their ability to close out the campaign as AL West Champions.
As we approach the All-Star Break, the M's are short -130 chalk to win the division. The surging Houston Astros have moved within 2.0 games of the division leaders, casting doubt that Seattle can hang on. Consequently, the Mariners are priced as modest -130 favorites.
Pitching hasn't been what it needs to be for Seattle, with their starting rotation going 31-32 so far this season. Several quality arms are available via trade, any of which would thrive in the pitcher-friendly confines of T-Mobile Park. With so much room on the books, the Mariners brass should move all their chips to the center of the table.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Just last October, the Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world, emerging as National League Champs en route to a heartbreaking World Series loss. A quiet start to this season tempered hopes of repeating as league winners, but a recent hot streak and productive trade deadline could push the D-Backs over the edge this year.
Starting pitching has been the Diamondbacks' Achilles heel in 2024. Their 25-29 record is complemented by their laughable 4.80 ERA, which is fourth-worst in the MLB. It's time for Arizona to sell off some future assets for a chance to win now.
For whatever reason, the Oakland Athletics are making Mason Miller available. Whatever the asking price is, the Diamondbacks should pay it. Miller is a perfect fit for this organization and would be a cornerstone in helping them surpass last season's achievements.
Toronto Blue Jays
It would take a philosophical shift for the Toronto Blue Jays to become buyers at the trade deadline, but it is an approach they should take.
Before they arrived in Toronto, Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro had earned a reputation in Cleveland for taking a discounted approach to roster building. Eventually, they discounted themselves out of jobs, getting brought on to help the Blue Jays recapture their dynasty glory.
The minor league cupboards are filling up, and the Jays have several players who have failed to reach their full potential in this lineup. Bringing on a quality bat to insulate the top of the order while addressing pitching needs could help this team surprise many and go on a playoff run.
