It is that time of year again, the MLB trade deadline is this Thursday, July 31st. In this article I have the crazy idea of giving my opinion of what each MLB team should do before the deadline, that being said I think I am going to make it a little easier on myself with just giving one opinion and explaining why for each team. If you could not tell already this is definitely going to be an opinion piece and I would bet less than 10 percent of these happen this year. Without further ado let’s get right into seeing what I think what your favorite team should do by tomorrow afternoon. 

Leading off let’s start with the Las Vegas Athletics (Sorry will always be Oakland in my eyes). Looking at the standings the A’s are in last place of the American League West being 15 games behind. Thinking a playoff run is highly unlikely for them but still a decent season considering everything they have going on, I say I am going to label them a technically a selling team but not too crazy. Their best asset is their closer Mason Miller however I feel they hang on to him along with all their younger talent and try and move someone like Luis Severino. Ideally I see them trading Severino to a contender who needs another starting pitcher to take up innings and make a playoff push, Also I see the A’s requesting in return some younger prospects, focusing on the pitching roster because that what they desperately need. 

Next up let’s take a look at the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles have has a real lackluster year with all the hype coming off last season and all the young talent on their roster. That being said the Orioles are last place in the American League East which is a tough division to be last. I am going to give the Orioles the selling approach this year just due to having so many free agents and players heading for arbitration. The one move I would like them to make is trade a young asset (does not have to be a main one) in order to solidify pitching. Their pitching has been questionable and plagued with injuries so selling off high prospects to get a couple solid MLB ready pitchers seems like a good move. 

Moving right along time to get into the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox are an interesting team, right now they are third in the American League East with only one game separating them from second (Yankees) and five games from the division leader (Blue Jays). I actually would not mind seeing the Red Sox maybe just relax and take this deadline off, maybe making minimal moves but lets not get crazy. They traded away their “problem” player in Rafael Devers which was a move that was long time coming but still a massive move. I heard rumors of maybe trading Jarren Duran, I would not mind seeing him traded since the Red Sox have plenty of outfielders but other than that I say be chill and wait for free agency Red Sox. If the Duran trade happens, I say they get MLB ready talent at the pitcher position, maybe Sandy Alcantara?

Give me the Chicago White Sox as the next team. This goes without saying in my opinion that the White Sox should be full out sellers at this year’s deadline again.. I would even go as far as they are so on the all out sell ride that the owner needs to sell the team. The White Sox need way to much to just narrow it down to one or two positions, all I know is they need to move Luis Robert Jr and Andrew Benintendi coming off a decent series against their cross town rivals (my Cubs). Honestly, I do not even know where to start with the White Sox. I say trading both their main assets in Robert’s Jr and Benintendi to contenders for a nice prospect haul. 

Next up, the Cleveland Guardians to dive into before the deadline. The Guardians are in an interesting spot as a team. As of right now, they sit at second place in the American League Central being nine games behind and only a half game up on third place. All around this team is pretty decent and obviously can compete, however their offense seems to be missing a beat or two. My opinion on the Guardians, I say just sell a couple players like Steven Kwan and Shane Bieber (coming off Tommy John Surgery). Kwan is a great outfield talent that has lead off hitting capabilities, while Bieber is a starting pitcher with none of the first part of the season wear and tear on his arm. Bieber is a big risk with the Tommy John recovery but what a great option for a contender that needs CY Young capable pitching for the last stretch. If the Guardians trade both these players I feel they go with prospects but I feel they could also get some MLB players in the deal as well to fill the gaps for the remainder of this year. 

The Detroit Tigers have now entered the article. The Tigers are leading the American League Central by nine games and are considered one of the best teams in baseball, so what do they do? I think they play safe unless the right player/deal comes around. Their biggest need would be adding another starting pitcher and adding some relief pitchers to make the push for the playoffs. I like the Tigers being a little aggressive here and going after a starting pitcher like Sandy Alcantara or MacKenzie Gore, however this would cost the Tigers quite a bit in prospects and I am not sure they are willing to do that just yet. Overall, give me the Tigers kind of standing ground with what they have for right now. Although, the Tigers have been aggressive before and I could see them doing that this year with World Series aspirations. 

Oh man, my favorite team the Houston Astros (Yes, that was sarcastic). The Astro’s are winning the American League West as of right now but only by four games. I try not to keep up with what the Astros do throughout the year ( I know terrible right), however with them leading the division I say maybe buy in just a little bit. They need some help in the outfield after losing Kyle Tucker in free agency so maybe a player like Steven Kwan to help fill some gaps in the outfield and solidify the lead off spot in the lineup?

The Kansas City Royals are up next for the trade deadlines opinions. The Royals are sitting at third in the American League Central being nine and a half games out of first and a half game out of second. They need to do some work by tomorrow if they want a chance at competing for a playoff spot this year. They a decent amount of young talent with the best shortstop in the league, Bobby Whitt Jr, and rookie Jac Caglianone. However they need some more bats in the lineup to surround these guys so they can really take off and play for a playoff spot. I say the Royals are a buying responsible team in order to look for proven MLB players in both the offensive and pitching side of the baseball. 

I see angels in the outfield?? Oh, my mistake that is the Los Angeles Angels who are next on my list. Overall, I am just happy Mike Trout is having a somewhat healthy season this year but the Angels are in fourth place in the American League West with no real shot of making the playoffs again this year. I want to say the Angels should trade Trout while having this healthy season as hard as that is to do but they would get a massive haul for him especially to a contending team. However, I am going to be realistic and say the Angels will sell somewhat high but in return looking for pitching. I do like Sandy Alcantara here as well and would help the Angels in seasons to come. 

The Minnesota Twins are next in the long line of teams. The Twins are a surprising team every year, however this year they are currently in fourth place in the American League Central being eleven games out of first but only two and half out of third. That all being said I say the Twins will be sellers this trade deadline, with one of the best relievers in baseball Jhoan Duran leading the way.  Personally, trading Duran this time of year to a contender will be perfect all the contending teams need pitching, especially a closer. I say sell him high and get a nice prospect haul with maybe an MLB ready pitcher in return and move on to next season. 

Here we go, the New York Yankees have made their appearance. The Yankees right now are in second place in the American League East being four games behind for the division lead. No surprise here, the Yankees should be buying like crazy this trade deadline in order to try and make it back to the World Series. They have plenty of prospects/players available to make some big moves. I could see them making a couple big splashes like Eugenio Suarez (if he is healthy) for third base and Sandy Alcantara/ MacKenzie Gore for a starting pitcher. Again, I fully expect the Yankees to become buyers before tomorrow and just wait for the flashy deals to happen. 

I sense a lot of rain with this next team, but that is just the Seattle Mariners getting ready for the deadline. The Mariners are in a good spot, holding the second place spot in the American League West only four games out of first. They have the best catcher in the game right now, who is also the home run leader, however they could use some help at third base and one relief pitching help. The Mariners recently made a little bit of a splash in nailing Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks to fix the first base position. I would like to see the Mariners buy heavy during this trade deadline season to make the push for a deep run in the playoffs. 

The Tampa Bay Rays are up next in the trade deadline talks. Personally another team I have not been keeping up with much this season. However, I say for the Rays being fourth in the American League East and only eight and a half games out of first they could make some moves to move up the standings this year. I do not expect anything crazy for the Rays more a sit back and hold for now unless the right deal comes around for a catcher or relief pitcher. 

Texas Rangers you are up. The Rangers right now are third in the American League West being only five games out of first. I fully expect the Rangers to be buyers and maybe with their GM aggressive buyers. The Rangers pitching is set for a big postseason run, however the offense is something to be desired. That being said I see them making moves to solidify the DH, Catcher, and First base. With Josh Naylor off the board first base may be a tough fill at this point. The DH and Catcher may be tough as well, but with the Rangers farm system and roster I feel they could work up some trades to make a splash at these positions, maybe a player like Marcelo Ozuna. Ozuna would fill out of holes with being a DH and possibly extra outfielder. 

Finally last for the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays. Personally I love this team with some sons of legend baseball players Vladdy Guerrero Jr (Vlad Guerrero)and Bo Bichette (Dante Bichette). The Blue Jays are sitting on top of the American League East with only a four game cushion. As of right now the Blue Jays offense is on fire and I do not see the need to do anything crazy on that side of the ball. However, I feel pitching needs to be the focus for them at the trade deadline. I like Sandy Alcantara a lot for the Blue Jays, young talent coming off Tommy John so has not thrown a lot through the first part of the season. Also I could see Mitch Keller fitting in well for this team. Final thought is a buy for the Blue Jays leaning heavy on the pitching sport. 

Ok, now let’s start diving into the National League leading off with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are currently in a free fall, sitting at fourth in the National League West being twelve games out. They recently traded away their first basemen Josh Naylor so I say continue the sell trend. Currently the rumors are that they are trying to get rid of Eugenio Suarez their third basemen which will command a high price. If all this comes true, the Diamondbacks will be an all out sell and start to rebuild to get back to playoff contention. 

On our way down I65 South to talk about the Atlanta Braves. Currently, the Braves have some work to do in the standings if they want to make the playoffs. The Braves sit at fourth place in the National League East with being out sixteen games. Personally I feel the Braves should sell this trade deadline, I think they are too far out to make the playoffs run this season. That being said, I know Marcell Ozuna is a hot commodity for a playoff contending team needing a bat and outfield depth. I see the Braves selling players high to get pitching returns for future seasons. 

Yes, the time has finally come to cover my favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. First off let’s start by saying rest easy to Ryne Sandberg and absolute Cubs legend and hall of fame MLB player. Ryno was an inspiration and hero to a lot of people not only in Chicago but all over the country. Ok, back to trade deadline talk I want the Cubs to be buyers this year. This team I believe has the chance to make a deep playoff run but they are going to need some help. Two positions really stick out, starting/relief pitchers and third base. I would like to see the Cubs be aggressive and fill both positions before tomorrow. Starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore or Sandy Alcantara would be great fits for the Cubs adding a superstar talent arm to the rotation. Also, Eugenio Suarez would fit the third base spot however Suarez did recently get hit by a pitch on his hands so wanting to hear that. I also would not mind seeing the Cubs contact the Cardinals and ask about Nolan Arenado because seeing him in a Cubs uniform in Wrigley Field would be epic. 

Next up, going down to talk about the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds are such an interesting and young team. They are currently in third place in the National League Central with being eight and a half games behind. I can see the Reds taking a safe buying approach this year. Nothing too crazy, but trying to add some outfield and relief pitching help. I think Jarren Duran from the Red Sox would be a good fit for them to fill several holes including the outfield and hitting lineup. However, I do not think the Reds should break the bank to obtain Duran. 

Let’s go out to the mountains for this next team, the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are in a rough spot and have been for a few years now, currently they are last in the National League West being thirty four and a half games out. That being said, I would have the Rockies be a full sell and start a complete rebuild. Simply put the Rockies need talent to put on the field just to try and put start to getting a competitive team. 

Now on to everyone’s favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers (not). The Dodgers are currently in first place in the National League West. However the Dodgers are only up four games right now on the second place team (San Diego Padres). The Dodgers will obviously buy to some degree just because they are the Dodgers. This year, I am not sure if the Dodgers will go crazy but I could see them going after some outfield help (unless they actually just put Ohtani out there to actually play the field) maybe some like Jarren Duran? We all know the Dodgers are poised to make another World Series run but I am not so confident they will even make it out of the National League Division series, but we will see. 

Time to have some fun down in South Beach and talk about the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are a struggling franchise and have been for any years. This year the Marlins are having a decent year and currently sit third in the National League East and are ten games behind the division leader (Mets). Even though the Marlins are having a decent year, I am still saying they sell high starting with moving Sandy Alcantara. A lot of the contending teams need a solid/superstar caliber type starting pitching arm and Alcantara fits that mold. In return, the Marlins just need some “talent” so they can start putting pieces together to start making a competitive team. 

Ah, here we go time to talk about one of my rival teams, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers have another solid team this year and are currently on a hot streak. They currently sit a top of the National League Central by only two games. I am going to assume the Brewers will play it safe like always not doing too much or too little and maybe try and add some players at the deadline. Honestly I see the Brewers standing their ground and just rolling with what they have on the roster. 

Up next we have the New York Mets. The Mets are doing well this season,right now they are in first place in the National League East but they only have a half game lead ahead of them second place team (Phillies). Personally, I do not see the Mets finishing in first in this division unless they do some moves by tomorrow. They have some holes on their team including, relief pitching, center field, third base, and starting pitchers. I feel there is no way they fill all these needs but Sandy Alcantara or Mitch Keller fits the starting role spot most definitely and I would focus on that first and work down the needs list. 

Once again another team I like to keep up with during the season, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are playing some great baseball right now and currently sit second in the National League East with only being a half game behind the leader (Mets). I fully expect the Phillies to be aggressive before tomorrows trade deadline, they need some help in the likes of relief pitching and outfield. Tow players I would like to see the Phillies go after would be Jhoan Duran (closer from the Twins) and Luis Robert Jr (outfielder from White Sox). Duran is on of the best relief/closing pitchers in the game and can really help out in the tight race to win the National League East and start a World Series run. Luis Robert Jr is definitely a talented center fielder that has had good season for one (if not the worst) worst teams in baseball, the Chicago White Sox. Robert Jr fills the hole in center field defensively and if he gets hot at the plate could really put the Phillies offense over the top. 

Ahoy, matey it is time for the Pittsburgh Pirates trade deadline talk. The Pirates are currently last in the National League Central and eighteen and a half games out. Personally, the Pirates can only play spoiler in this division and the rest of the season unfortunately I do not see the Pirates making a push for the playoffs this season. That being said how about at this deadline they put some pieces around Paul Skenes and get some offense! I say they are a full sell at this point, I know rumors have said O’Neil Cruz is being sought after by several teams so I say just roll with it trying to get some high prospect talent and some MLB ready players to start building this team so they can keep Skenes. 

Anyone want to go down to the gas lamp district to talk about our next team, the San Diego Padres? I will not lie the Padres are my second favorite team (obviously behind my Cubs). The Padres are currently in second place in the National League West and four games behind the division leader (Dodgers). I would like to see the Padres be aggressive at this year’s trade deadline, they need to fills some holes at catcher, outfield, and starting pitcher. Personally the Padres make some splashes this year in a win now attitude to get PetCo park rocking this playoff season. I will take Sandy Alcantara or MacKenzie Gore for a superstars caliber arm to add to their rotations, give me Jarren Duran or Luis Robert Jr to fill a hole in the outfield and team up with Tatis. The catcher is a tough spot to find, I will go out on a limb and see if the Cardinals would get rid of Willson Contreras. I doubt all these happen but if they do 50% of the moves I just listed I feel the Padres could be World Series bound/champions. 

Alright, time to go out to the bay and discuss the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are probably the hardest team to try and figure out what they should do? They currently sit at third place in the National League West being nine games out of first (Dodgers) and only five games back from second place (Padres). In this top heavy division this year, I think the Giants may be stuck this year. That being said I could see them making a couple moves to sure up their starting pitching and second base needs. Personally with the Giants adding Rafael Devers I feel their big “flashy” moves are done for this year and maybe looking more to free agency for help. 

Oh boy my other arch rival team is up next, the St. Louis Cardinals. Currently the Red Birds are fourth in the National League Central but only ten games out of first place. The Cardinals are at an interesting spot this year, they are not way out to be sellers and not up near the top to be buyers. I will give them a sell responsibly, meaning get rid of some talent to get younger prospect talent with some major MLB upside. I feel their time is now to get rid of Nolan Arenado which would get them a starting pitching prospect or MLB ready starting pitcher since so many contending teams need a third baseman. However, I feel the Cardinals will take the same approach as the Brewers and stand still or maybe make a little move here and there but nothing spectacular. 

Last but not least lets go to the capitol and discuss the Washington Nationals. The Nationals are currently last in the National League East and seventeen and a half games back of first. I fully expect the Nationals to be in full sell mode especially trying to move MacKenzie Gore to a contender for a high price. Other than that they have some young talent at key positions they are going to hold on to and try and build around starting with this year’s deadline. 

In ending, I know this article is a little long but I wanted to cover something about every team in the MLB. This trade deadline is shaping up to maybe be the most exciting and frantic deadline we have seen in quite awhile and I am all in for it. Hopefully your team makes the right move (or what you think is the right move). I am just praying my Cubs actually do something this year that is noteworthy especially since they announced they are extending Jed Hoyer to a multi year deal. I think it will be a fun couple days and will definitely making the end of the season very interesting.