These Five Teams Are in Limbo Approaching the Trade Deadline
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are back in the playoff hunt, just a game out of the Wild Card. With stars like Rafael Devers and breakout player Jarren Duran leading the way, the Red Sox have a promising future.
Comeback seasons from Tyler O’Neill, rookie Wilyer Abreu, and sophomore Masataka Yoshida have bolstered the team. However, the Red Sox face decisions on expiring contracts like Kenley Jansen, Nick Pivetta, and O’Neill.
The Red Sox might benefit from a quiet deadline, keeping their core intact and avoiding rental trades. Bettors should consider the team's mix of young talent and experienced veterans when evaluating their postseason potential.
Detroit Tigers
A week before the All-Star break, the Detroit Tigers were almost certain sellers. However, a recent hot streak has propelled them to just 5.5 games back of the Wild Card, creating a dilemma for bettors and fans alike.
The Tigers' hitting has finally turned a corner, with unexpected contributions from Ryan Vilade and Justyn-Henry Malloy. The pitching staff has remained consistent, providing Detroit with a formidable shot at the last playoff spot. Kerry Carpenter's impending return promises to boost the lineup even further, adding more value for those considering futures bets on the Tigers.
Detroit is now in a solid position to compete for a playoff spot, potentially justifying the acquisition of additional bats at the trade deadline. However, the smarter move for them might still be to sell. Mark Canha, Carson Kelly, Gio Urshela, and Andrew Chafin could be traded for promising prospects that could benefit the team in the long run.
Key trade pieces for the Tigers include Jack Flaherty and Tarik Skubal. While Skubal is likely off the table unless an exceptional offer comes in, Flaherty is a significant trade chip. He's been pitching at an All-Star level this year, and trading him could bring back a near-MLB-ready prospect, adding value for future betting considerations.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants find themselves 5.5 games back of the third Wild Card spot, a familiar position for bettors. With breakout star Heliot Ramos and the consistent performance of LaMonte Wade Jr., the Giants might push their chips in at the deadline. However, they also face decisions about the future, particularly with Matt Chapman and Blake Snell having player options after this year.
With Robbie Ray back in the rotation and Alex Cobb's return imminent, the Giants' pitching staff looks strong enough to contend. But, the question remains whether they should mortgage their future for a potential short-term gain.
The Giants don't have many attractive pieces to sell unless they decide to move Chapman and Snell. Cobb, Wade, and an underperforming Michael Conforto are potential trade candidates, but their returns might not justify a sell-off. Bettors should keep an eye on the Giants' moves as they could stand pat and ride out the season with their current roster.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are in a unique situation, sitting 4.5 games back of the Wild Card with a roster full of young talent. The addition of Rece Hinds and the return of Matt McLain and T.J. Friedl strengthen their lineup, making the Reds an intriguing option for bettors.
Their young pitching staff, led by Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo, gives the Reds a solid foundation. However, overcrowding in the infield might prompt a trade. Jonathan India is a potential trade candidate, and moving him could open up opportunities for other young players.
The Reds could also trade expiring contracts like Frankie Montas, Lucas Sims, and Buck Farmer. A conservative approach at the deadline might be best, allowing the Reds to build on their current success without sacrificing future potential.
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are fighting to stay in contention, currently 2.5 games back of the AL West and five games back of the final Wild Card spot. Their roster, loaded with talent like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Max Scherzer, and Jacob deGrom, makes them a formidable team on paper.
However, with several key players on expiring contracts, the Rangers face a tough decision. Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, and top bullpen arms like José Leclerc and Kirby Yates could all be traded for valuable prospects. Bettors should watch closely, as the Rangers' moves could significantly impact their postseason chances.
Selling off expiring contracts might be the best course of action, allowing the Rangers to retool and come back stronger next season.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are back in the playoff hunt, just a game out of the Wild Card. With stars like Rafael Devers and breakout player Jarren Duran leading the way, the Red Sox have a promising future.
Comeback seasons from Tyler O’Neill, rookie Wilyer Abreu, and sophomore Masataka Yoshida have bolstered the team. However, the Red Sox face decisions on expiring contracts like Kenley Jansen, Nick Pivetta, and O’Neill.
The Red Sox might benefit from a quiet deadline, keeping their core intact and avoiding rental trades. Bettors should consider the team's mix of young talent and experienced veterans when evaluating their postseason potential.
Detroit Tigers
A week before the All-Star break, the Detroit Tigers were almost certain sellers. However, a recent hot streak has propelled them to just 5.5 games back of the Wild Card, creating a dilemma for bettors and fans alike.
The Tigers' hitting has finally turned a corner, with unexpected contributions from Ryan Vilade and Justyn-Henry Malloy. The pitching staff has remained consistent, providing Detroit with a formidable shot at the last playoff spot. Kerry Carpenter's impending return promises to boost the lineup even further, adding more value for those considering futures bets on the Tigers.
Detroit is now in a solid position to compete for a playoff spot, potentially justifying the acquisition of additional bats at the trade deadline. However, the smarter move for them might still be to sell. Mark Canha, Carson Kelly, Gio Urshela, and Andrew Chafin could be traded for promising prospects that could benefit the team in the long run.
Key trade pieces for the Tigers include Jack Flaherty and Tarik Skubal. While Skubal is likely off the table unless an exceptional offer comes in, Flaherty is a significant trade chip. He's been pitching at an All-Star level this year, and trading him could bring back a near-MLB-ready prospect, adding value for future betting considerations.
