The Major League Baseball trade deadline, set for Tuesday, July 30, is rapidly approaching, and teams across the league are scrambling to finalize their summer rosters. With just over a week left, heavy action on the trade market is expected as franchises aim to bolster their lineups for the latter part of the season.
Astros Contend Despite Injuries
The Houston Astros are facing significant challenges with a slew of pitchers sidelined due to injuries. Justin Verlander, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France, and José Urquidy are all out of commission, with Javier, France, and Urquidy lost for the rest of the season. Despite these setbacks, the Astros have managed to stay competitive, posting an impressive 27-14 record since June. This resilience has them tied for the top spot in the highly competitive American League West.
As the trade deadline looms, Astros General Manager Dana Brown is taking an ambitious approach to fortify the team’s roster. “Try to go big and see if there's a deal that makes sense for the organization. If that doesn't work, we'll go down to mid-level and hopefully we can land something there. But it doesn't hurt to ask. When you go through this, ask and thou shall receive sometimes. We want to try to go big, and if we can't get the big thing done, we'll try to go mid-level so we can get through this," Brown said.
Braves Strengthen Lineup Amid Challenges
Over in the National League, the Atlanta Braves have also been dealt a blow with the loss of second baseman Ozzie Albies to a fractured forearm. In response, the Braves moved swiftly, signing former All-Star Whit Merrifield after he was released by the Philadelphia Phillies. Merrifield struggled with a .199/.277/.295 line over 53 games with the Phillies but showed more promise in the previous season with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a .272/.318/.382 slash line over 145 games. Additionally, the Braves have promoted prospect Nacho Alvarez for his big-league debut, adding depth and potential to their roster.
Rays and Orioles Eye Moves
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are actively scouting the Yankees’ system, perhaps looking to find some hidden gems to bolster their own ranks. The Baltimore Orioles are also making waves, having shown interest in Detroit Tigers’ left-hander Tarik Skubal. Not stopping there, the Orioles have been scouting Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, which may lead to further moves as they look to enhance their pitching options.
Mariners Make Bold Decisions
On the West Coast, the Seattle Mariners made a notable move by placing first baseman Ty France on outright waivers. France, who has a service time allowing him to reject a minor league assignment and opt for free agency, would retain his full salary of nearly $7 million if he chooses to take this path. With a 94 OPS+ this season, France's future is uncertain, but his potential departure could open the door for additional maneuvering by the Mariners as the deadline approaches.
The coming days will be crucial for MLB teams trying to cement their postseason aspirations. With various franchises analyzing their strategies and scouting potential acquisitions, the trade deadline promises to be a whirlwind of activity and pivotal decisions.