MLB deadline buzz centers on thin seller list and starter hunt
ESPN’s Buster Olney and Jeff Passan say a crowded playoff bubble could turn the Aug. 3 deadline into a late scramble.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The MLB trade market is stuck in a stare-down, according to ESPN insiders Buster Olney and Jeff Passan: plenty of clubs are close enough to contention to dream, and few are ready to start selling.
Olney and Passan reported that this year’s deadline lands at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 3, a little later than usual. With less than two weeks left for front offices to choose a lane, both described a market that could stay blurry until the final days.
Olney said the clear group of teams looking to move players is short for now, naming the Giants, Mets and Rockies as declared sellers. He added that a few other clubs appear to be leaning toward trades, while many American League teams could let the next seven to 10 days decide whether they add, subtract or sit tight.
Passan framed the run-up as feeling more like a pennant race than a standard deadline warm-up. He reported that teams are treating the remaining games before the end of the month with urgency because joining the sellers could be tempting if losses pile up.
Starting pitchers look like the prize aisle
Both ESPN reporters pointed to starting pitching as the deepest part of the market.
Olney said clubs pushing for arms, including the Cubs, Phillies and Braves, should find a stronger menu than teams shopping for bats. He listed Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes and Robbie Ray among the pitchers tied to the current seller group, while leaving open the possibility that more names could surface if other teams fall back.
Passan agreed that starters lead the board, but he also highlighted relief pitching as a busy corner of the market. He reported that Boston’s recent play has made keeping Aroldis Chapman more plausible, while Josh Hader’s no-trade clause makes any deal involving him more complicated.
The Mets, according to Passan, have several relievers who could draw interest: Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley and Huascar Brazoban. He also identified Giants left-handers Erik Miller and Sam Hentges, along with right-handers JT Brubaker and Caleb Kilian, as possible options.
If the Padres decide to sell, Passan wrote, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon could rank among the best available relievers. He also named Ryan Zeferjahn, Elvis Alvarado, Brock Burke and Brennan Bernardino as less obvious bullpen pieces who could help postseason clubs in important spots.
Right-handed bats are the squeeze
The thin spot, according to both ESPN insiders, is right-handed hitting.
Olney reported that the Mariners, Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, Braves and Dodgers could all use a right-handed bat. For Los Angeles, he specified a right-handed-hitting catcher, citing uncertainty around Will Smith’s health.
Passan listed Byron Buxton, Shea Langeliers, Hunter Goodman, Willson Contreras, Jeremy Pena and Isaac Paredes as attractive potential right-handed targets, while noting that many such players are not presently easy to pry loose.
Olney said the Astros could alter the market if they made players such as Pena and Paredes available. He reported that rival executives believe Houston could command a strong return in that scenario.
Houston entered Tuesday six games under .500, and FanGraphs put its playoff odds at 16%, according to Olney. Still, he reported that the public messaging from the Astros has pointed toward continuing to push rather than selling.
For now, the deadline’s biggest drama may be the waiting. ESPN’s reporting suggests the market has arms, needs bats and lacks sellers, a mix that could make the final 72 hours busy if more clubs finally blink.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.