The MLB trade deadline is just five days away, and teams are facing a unique challenge this season. For the first time, the deadline can fall on any day between July 28 and August 3, giving teams more time to make their moves but also fewer games to chase a playoff spot.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs are among the legitimate contenders who are expected to be active at the deadline. The Dodgers have the ammo to make any trade they want, thanks to their loaded farm system, but injuries to Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker have hampered their ability to dominate.
The Braves have a vastly improved farm system, bolstered by a deep draft class, and are looking to add impact starting pitching to pair with Chris Sale. The Yankees, meanwhile, are struggling to stay afloat without Aaron Judge, who is still recovering from a rib fracture, and may need to prioritize adding a bat or two to their lineup.
The Phillies, who fired manager Rob Thomson in April, are still searching for consistency in their offense, while the Red Sox have made a remarkable turnaround since their 29-43 start, thanks in part to the addition of Curtis Mead from the Nationals. The Cubs, meanwhile, are in strong position to return to the postseason but face an urgent need for pitching upgrades.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are not typically aggressive traders, but may need to make some moves to stay competitive. The Brewers are facing a slew of injuries on the mound, while the Rays are looking to add some depth to their lineup.
With the deadline looming, teams will need to decide whether to focus on upgrading their major league team, making moves for the future, or finding a balance between the two. The next few days will be crucial in determining which teams will be buyers and which will be sellers.
The deadline is set to arrive on the latest possible date, and teams will play more games before the deadline than ever before, giving them more information to determine their plan. But with only five days left, time is running out for teams to make their moves.
The Red Sox, in particular, have already made a bold move by acquiring Curtis Mead from the Nationals, and may be looking to make another splash before the deadline. The question now is what else they can get done, especially with Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony seemingly not close to returning from injury.
The next few days will be crucial in determining which teams will be buyers and which will be sellers.
Source: Yahoo Sports