Needs at the 2024 Deadline

When the current MLB CBA went into effect for the 2022 season, they got rid of the second trade deadline and moved to a single deadline at the end of July.  They also expanded the postseason from 10 teams to 12 that year, which means a lot more teams are in contention (or at least think they are) at the end of July.  Which really limits what teams are selling and who's available.  Because of that, there's been some talk about moving the trade deadline later (pushing it back two weeks to mid-August would make sense). 

I'm sure that'll be a point of discussion in the next CBA negotiations, but for now, we've still got just the one deadline.  And this year, the number of sellers will definitely be low.  In the National League, only the Rockies and Marlins are truly out of it, while in the AL, it's just the White Sox, A's and Angels, as well as maybe the Blue Jays.  That's not a lot of teams to choose from.  So, if you're a buyer, you'd better strike early to fill your needs and get who you want.

Will some of those teams on the fringe stand pat or will they go for it?  Or will it be some sort of combination?  And what about the true World Series contenders?  What will they do?  Frankly, some of them don't need to do much.  And players coming back from injury could sure be a factor, too.

Last year's World Series was between two wild card teams, and one of them was an 84-win Diamondbacks squad that just got in as the 6-seed in the NL.  So, just getting into the field is the important part.  Then, anything can happen.  It still might not be enough for some of those teams, though.  Especially if the true World Series contenders address their needs.  Teams such as the...

Orioles: Baltimore's need for starting pitching is well-documented.  It's the main reason why they got swept by the Rangers in the Division Series last season.  They went out and traded for Corbin Burnes in the offseason and he's been great.  He started the All*Star Game.  But they could use another starter to put behind Burnes in their postseason rotation.

Yankees: This recent stretch of playing absolutely terrible baseball may have actually been somewhat of a good thing for the Yankees because it exposed their weaknesses.  They need an upgrade at third base.  DJ LeMahieu isn't getting the job done.  They also love their bullpen for some reason, but it's not as good as they think it is, and getting a real closer so that Clay Holmes can move into the setup role where he belongs probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

Guardians: People don't realize just how good Cleveland really is.  That doesn't mean the team is flawless, however.  Their lineup is very lefty-heavy, so they could use a right-handed bat to balance it out (to be fair, they have a bunch of switch-hitters).  I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a move for a starter, either.

Royals: What will the Royals do?  It's been a few years since they've been in this position, so they might as well go for it.  They don't need to disrupt their young core that figures to keep them competitive for a while, either.  I also don't think they need to touch their starting staff that's been surprisingly solid.  Where they do need help is in the bullpen, and that's something they can get without giving up too much.

Astros: Houston's in first place and is primed to make a run at its annual ALCS appearance.  The Astros are a very interesting team, though, because they have a lot of players on the injured list (four starting pitchers alone are on the 60-day IL).  If they're confident about getting any of them back this season, that's as good as a trade for a starter.  If they aren't, they'll definitely be in the market for another one.

Mariners: If the Mariners' free fall out of a double-digit division lead isn't an indication they need to make a move or two, I don't know what is.  Seattle can't stand pat and hope to catch Houston or hold off the other teams in the mix for the wild cards.  Pitching-wise, they're OK.  But they desperately need a right-handed bat, preferably one who plays first base since they have a void at that position now after releasing Ty France.

Phillies: Don't be surprised if the Phillies stand pat.  Because, frankly, they're the one team that doesn't need to do much.  They had five pitchers (including three starters) make the All*Star team, and that doesn't even include their ace Aaron Nola.  If I wanted to nitpick, I'd say maybe they can upgrade at second base or in center field, but that's really about it.

Braves: They already struck.  Because they needed to.  With Ronald Acuna, Jr., and now Ozzie Albies out, they brought in super utilityman Whit Merrifield to help fill the void left by those two big bats.  Don't be surprised if the Braves continue to be aggressive, either.  Being aggressive at the deadline is what won them the 2021 World Series, after all.

Brewers: Who knows what the Brewers will do?!  They could very well stand pat and end up winning the NL Central with the team they've got.  If they do that, though, they won't win in the playoffs.  Not against the Phillies or Dodgers.  I just don't know what type of deal they'd make.  Shore up the bullpen?  A low-risk, right-handed infielder like a Luis Rengifo?  I really have no idea!

Pirates: Raise your hand if you had Pittsburgh as a potential buyer instead of a seller at the deadline.  Whether the Pirates can sustain it for another two months is a different question entirely.  And will they be willing to risk any of their young core (and upsetting what they've got going) by making a trade deadline move or two?  If so, I can see them being in the market for a third starter behind Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, as well as a right-handed setup compliment for Aroldis Chapman in front of their excellent closer, David Bednar.  A big bat sure wouldn't hurt, either.

Dodgers: Much like the Astros, the Dodgers have seemingly 35 starting pitchers on the roster, most of whom are on the IL.  I exaggerate, of course, but they're in a similar boat as Houston in that if they can get one or more of the starters back, that's as good as a trade.  If they can't, that'll definitely be an area of need they want to address.  They could also use a bullpen upgrade or two.  I'm not worried about their lineup since they mix-and-match guys already.

Padres: Trading your best player in the offseason, even if it is for the king's ransom San Diego got from the Yankees for Juan Soto, isn't usually a sign that a team is planning on contending that season.  Yet here the Padres are, right in the thick of it.  They still probably could use another starter and the bullpen's not super deep.  Lineup-wise, they're in great shape, though.  So, if they can strengthen their pitching, look out!