As the 2023 MLB trade deadline approaches, the excitement in the league is palpable. Unlike previous years that saw blockbuster trades involving stars like Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022 and Max Scherzer with Trea Turner moving to the Dodgers in 2021, this year's list of trade candidates may not boast the same level of star power. However, the players expected to be traded this week will undoubtedly influence the pennant races in the coming months.
According to an American League executive, “There is no huge fish who is definitely getting traded.” This unpredictability is what makes the trade deadline thrilling, as teams assess their needs and make strategic decisions. Recently, discussions have been marked by both sellers and buyers being described as “unreasonable” with their offers, leading to only a handful of trades thus far. An NL executive commented, “It seems like there are extreme relief pitching prices and a lot of ‘eye-of-the-beholder’ bats.”
The influx of teams vying for playoff positions, thanks to the addition of a third Wild Card spot, has created a congested postseason picture. Many teams find themselves in a precarious situation, close enough to a playoff berth that buying is a possibility, yet aware that a poor performance could necessitate a shift towards selling.
One team that executives from potential sellers are closely monitoring is the New York Yankees. After acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, the Yankees are looking to bolster their roster further. Despite starting strong with a seven-game lead in the AL East on May 28, they have struggled recently, posting a 22-28 record in their last 50 games. This decline positions them 5 1/2 games behind the leading Toronto Blue Jays.
Adding to their woes, the Yankees placed reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge on the injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, which may limit his return to designated hitter duties. With uncertainties surrounding Judge's health, General Manager Brian Cashman faces pressure to make aggressive moves to improve the team's chances in the postseason.
The AL East, featuring the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Rays, is one of the most competitive divisions to watch as the trade deadline approaches. The Yankees currently hold the first Wild Card spot, while the Red Sox occupy the second. Interestingly, despite recent struggles, the Rays are only three games out of the final Wild Card spot.
In the NL Central, the Brewers, Cubs, and Reds are also likely to be active buyers. With Chicago and Milwaukee tied for first place and Cincinnati just a game behind in the Wild Card race, the division's dynamics could lead to significant moves ahead of the deadline.
As teams evaluate their rosters, several notable players are expected to be on the move. Eugenio Suárez has been identified as a key player, although his price has been deemed “exorbitant.” Other names include Ryan O’Hearn, Luis Robert Jr., Marcell Ozuna, and Cedric Mullins, who are currently experiencing below-average offensive seasons.
The starting pitching market features names like Dylan Cease along with struggling aces such as Zac Gallen and Sandy Alcantara. A host of mid-rotation pitchers, including Merrill Kelly, Charlie Morton, and Nestor Cortes, are also available, potentially reshaping teams’ rotations.
As is typical, the relief pitching market is expected to be the busiest leading up to the deadline. Controllable relievers like Jhoan Duran and David Bednar may command high prices, while rental relief arms such as Ryan Helsley and Raisel Iglesias could be more affordable options for teams looking to add depth.
“At this point, it seems unlikely that many controllable pieces will move,” said an AL executive, emphasizing that many sellers are optimistic about competing in the near future, which drives up the asking prices for impactful players. In summary, while the upcoming trades may not feature top-tier stars, the activity leading up to the deadline promises to be engaging and could significantly impact the playoff landscape.
