Finding the Perfect Trade Match for Each Contending Club's Biggest Need
Separating contenders from pretenders is as challenging as ever this season, as a single good or bad week leading up to Tuesday’s Trade Deadline can completely alter a front office’s plans.
As of Thursday, 20 teams are within five games of a postseason spot, presenting significant decisions for baseball operations departments around the league.
While some clubs have multiple holes to fill, here’s a look at the most glaring need for each of those 20 teams, listed in order of standings through Thursday.
(Note: Although multiple teams are likely to pursue some of the same players, each player listed as a “potential fit” is used only once.)
American League East
Orioles: Starting Pitching
Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez form a formidable 1-2 punch atop the rotation, but season-ending injuries to Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells have left the back of the rotation very thin. Baltimore has the trade capital to do pretty much anything it wants to.
Potential fit: Tarik Skubal (DET)
Yankees: Relief Pitching
New York’s bullpen ranks second in the AL with a 3.57 ERA, but the Yankees could use a swing-and-miss reliever – preferably a left-hander – for the late innings. Mason Miller would be ideal, but his price might be too high, and he just landed on the injured list with a broken left hand.
Red Sox: Starting Pitching
Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have led Boston’s rotation to the eighth-best ERA (3.75) in the Majors, but Garrett Whitlock and Lucas Giolito are out for the year, and the rest of the rotation has been inconsistent. Adding a reliable mid-rotation starter would be a huge help.
Potential fit: Tyler Anderson (LAA)
Rays: Outfielder
Tampa Bay’s right field production has been among the worst in the league, with only nine home runs and a .658 OPS. Josh Lowe (.642 OPS) hasn’t built on his breakout 2023 season, and Jonny DeLuca (.513 OPS) has struggled since the Tyler Glasnow trade. After trading Randy Arozarena to the Mariners, they have another hole in the outfield. Tampa Bay could look for a buy-low, change-of-scenery candidate.
American League Central
Guardians: Starting Pitching
The struggles of Logan Allen and Triston McKenzie landed them back in the Minors, leaving Cleveland searching for rotation answers. The Guardians are fighting for the AL’s top seed, assuming they can hold off the Twins and Royals in the AL Central, making rotation help crucial.
Potential fit: Yusei Kikuchi (TOR)
Twins: Starting Pitching
Minnesota’s rotation ranks 21st in the Majors with a 4.39 ERA, and Chris Paddack’s latest injury leaves the Twins thin behind Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober. Another injury would be disastrous, making a rotation addition a priority.
Potential fit: Frankie Montas (CIN)
Royals: Relief Pitching
Kansas City has already strengthened its bullpen with a trade for Hunter Harvey, but another late-inning arm would be beneficial. The price for available closers might be high, but there are plenty of reliable relievers to choose from.
Potential fit: Yimi GarcÃa (TOR)
American League West
Astros: Starting Pitching
The Astros have overcome their dreadful start despite losing three starters for the season and having three others on the injured list. Houston has used 10 starting pitchers this season, highlighting the need for another reliable arm to stabilize things down the stretch.
Potential fit: Erick Fedde (CWS)
Mariners: First Baseman
Seattle has endured numerous injuries, including Julio RodrÃguez and J.P. Crawford. First base has been a weak spot all season, despite the offense getting a boost from the acquisition of Randy Arozarena.
Rangers: Catcher
Rangers catchers have the fourth-lowest OPS in the Majors (.597). While Jonah Heim is locked in as the starter, adding a second backstop to share the load would benefit Texas in its pursuit of the Astros and Mariners in the AL West.
Potential fit: Elias DÃaz (COL)
National League East
Phillies: Outfielder
Center field has been an issue for the Phillies, with their .602 OPS ranking 25th in the Majors. Adding a left fielder and moving Brandon Marsh to center could upgrade their already lethal lineup.
Potential fit: Lane Thomas (WAS)
Braves: Outfielder
While most teams prefer controllable players, the Braves could look for an outfield upgrade with any impending free agents in play to complement Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Jarred Kelenic.
Potential fit: Tommy Pham (CWS)
Mets: Relief Pitching
The trio of Edwin DÃaz, Adam Ottavino, and Jake Diekman has struggled, making the need for a reliable late-inning reliever apparent. Despite adding Phil Maton, the Mets are still reshaping their bullpen.
Potential fit: Carlos Estévez (LAA)
National League Central
Brewers: Veteran Outfield Bat
Christian Yelich’s injury leaves the Brewers needing both a potent bat and a veteran leader. The young club would benefit from an experienced bat for the stretch run.
Potential fit: Mark Canha (DET)
Cardinals: Starting Pitching
The Cardinals’ rotation has been inconsistent, with a 4.40 ERA ranking in the lower third of the league. Adding a No. 2 starter to slot between Kyle Gibson and ace Sonny Gray would improve their postseason pursuit.
Potential fit: Zach Eflin (TB)
Pirates: Outfielder
Pittsburgh might use its pitching depth to acquire a much-needed bat. With the outfield’s .654 OPS ranking in the bottom five, upgrading from Jack Suwinski or Michael A. Taylor would strengthen the lineup.
Potential fit: Jesse Winker (WAS)
Reds: Impact Bat
Cincinnati ranks middle of the pack in most offensive categories. Adding a controllable bat would be beneficial for the young club. With a deep prospect pool, the Reds might dip into it for the right bat.
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