As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, teams are in a frenzy to finalize their summer rosters. With the deadline set for Tuesday, July 30, teams have just over a week to shape their squads for the remainder of the season.
The Houston Astros are facing significant challenges as they look to continue their successful run. Currently without key pitchers such as Justin Verlander, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France, and José Urquidy, the Astros’ rotation has taken a considerable hit. To complicate matters further, Cristian Javier, J.P. France, and José Urquidy are out for the rest of the season. Despite these setbacks, the Astros have managed an impressive 27-14 record since June, tying them for the top spot in the American League West.
General Manager Dana Brown remains optimistic about the possibility of strengthening the Astros’ roster as the deadline approaches. "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 stated.
The Atlanta Braves are also making significant moves ahead of the deadline. The team recently lost second baseman Ozzie Albies to a fractured forearm, leading them to sign former All-Star Whit Merrifield, who was released by the Phillies. Merrifield’s performance with the Phillies has been less than stellar, hitting .199/.277/.295 in 53 games. However, his previous season with the Blue Jays, where he posted a .272/.318/.382 line over 145 games, indicates the potential value he could bring to the Braves. Additionally, the Braves have promoted prospect Nacho Alvarez, who will make his big-league debut soon.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays have been actively scouting the Yankees' system, looking to make strategic decisions as the deadline looms. Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles are showing interest in the Tigers’ left-hander Tarik Skubal. To better evaluate the promising pitcher, the Orioles have been scouting Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk.
The Seattle Mariners are also making headlines, having placed first baseman Ty France on outright waivers. France has the service time to reject a minor-league assignment, opting instead for free agency while retaining his full salary of nearly $7 million. With a 94 OPS+ this season, the Mariners’ decision could significantly alter the team's dynamics.
As the trade deadline nears, the moves made by these teams could significantly impact their future performance. Whether they're aiming for a big acquisition or seeking to bolster their roster with mid-level additions, the coming days will be crucial as teams across the league strive to solidify their lineups for the remainder of the season.