Buyers or Sellers? NL Wild Card Teams at MLB Trade Deadline
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Washington Nationals
The Washington National has a young roster that has the potential to continue making strides this season. Still, it doesn't make sense for this group to add at the deadline. We might have a different conversation next year, but for now, the Nats don't need to rush things in their rebuild.
Verdict: Sell
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Atlanta Braves
Even after suffering multiple key injuries, there's just no way that the Atlanta Braves can do anything but buy at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. The Braves currently sit as the top wild-card team in the National League and have plenty of talent throughout their starting lineup and rotation. If there's a trade out there that can upgrade their lineup or rotation, the Braves will consider it.
Verdict: Buy
St. Louis Cardinals
Despite the St. Louis Cardinals' questionable -33 run differential, there are multiple reasons to be excited about this group. If some of the Cardinals veterans can continue rising to the occasion like they have of late, the Red Birds can make some noise in the National League. Adding another starting pitcher and potential bat could be in the works in St. Louis.
Verdict: Buy
San Diego Padres
There's reason to be bullish about the San Diego Padres pitching staff regressing to the mean and pitching better while their offense has the chance to come back to earth a bit. The Padres have the makings of a team that will be a difficult out in October, even more so if they make multiple additions to secure their standing in the wild card race.
Verdict: Buy
New York Mets
One of the more streaky teams in the National League this year has seen the New York Mets. There are some real reasons to be bullish about this group and other reasons to be more hesitant. It doesn't feel like a big splash is on the horizon for the Mets, but you never really know with this ownership group. It's not hard to see this group slightly tinkering around the edges.
Verdict: Buy
Arizona Diamondbacks
After making a surprise run to the World Series last year, the Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the running for a postseason berth in 2024. Sitting just 2.5 games out of a playoff spot, the D-Backs will likely find themselves in the market for multiple additions. Considering their offseason additions, it would be shocking to see them not be active leading up to the deadline.
Verdict: Buy
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San Francisco Giants
Injuries have been an issue for multiple teams in the National League, including the San Francisco Giants. It won't be a surprise to see the Giants slightly tinker with their roster heading into the deadline, whether that sees them buying or slightly selling. We'd recommend they stay the course and see what this roster can do when healthy.
Verdict: Stand pat
Pittsburgh Pirates
With a rotation that features three high-end arms at the top, including rookie All-Star Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates have the type of team where it wouldn't be a surprise to see them go on a run. The Pirates need to add more offense to the mix if they want to have a shot at rising up the National League wild-card standings.
Verdict: Buy
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have likely been better than their record indicates. They have a +26 run differential, which is a positive. Still, it's hard to say that this group is worthy of going out and adding pieces at the deadline. A little more patience might be needed in Cincinnati before they make that push in the National League.
Verdict: Sell
Chicago Cubs
Heading into the year, it looked as though the Chicago Cubs expected to be in a much better position heading into the deadline. That hasn't been the case, yet they still only sit 4.5 games out of a playoff spot. With at least seven teams to climb over, it would be silly to suggest that this is the year the Cubs should go all in.
Verdict: Sell
Washington Nationals
The Washington National has a young roster that has the potential to continue making strides this season. Still, it doesn't make sense for this group to add at the deadline. We might have a different conversation next year, but for now, the Nats don't need to rush things in their rebuild.
Verdict: Sell
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Atlanta Braves
Even after suffering multiple key injuries, there's just no way that the Atlanta Braves can do anything but buy at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. The Braves currently sit as the top wild-card team in the National League and have plenty of talent throughout their starting lineup and rotation. If there's a trade out there that can upgrade their lineup or rotation, the Braves will consider it.
Verdict: Buy
