With playoff races heating up and teams scrambling to patch holes before the trade deadline, MLB front offices are juggling injuries, slumps, and unpredictable trade markets. Let’s take a look at how some major teams are handling all this chaos—from the Dodgers’ bullpen headaches to the Rays’ financial puzzles and the Orioles’ careful trade dance.
The Dodgers’ Bullpen Finds Itself on Shaky Ground
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who always seem to be in the World Series hunt, have hit a rough patch with their bullpen. They spent a massive $107 million on free-agent relievers, but things just haven’t clicked.
Tanner Scott was supposed to bring stability, but he’s struggled. Injuries have torn through the group, too. Evan Phillips, maybe their most important arm, is out for the year after Tommy John surgery.
Who Could Return for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers still have some hope. Blake Treinen should be back soon, and Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol might return later this season.
No one knows if they’ll be effective after all those injuries, though. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman faces real pressure to find reinforcements.
He didn’t want to overpay at the deadline, but with the bullpen’s current state, he might not have much choice.
The Orioles Balance Present and Future
In Baltimore, the Orioles are finally enjoying a much-improved season. Still, they’re walking a tightrope between staying competitive now and shaping the team for the future.
Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, somehow thriving at 41, could be a valuable trade piece. Trevor Rogers has found his footing after a shaky start and remains under team control through 2026.
Will the Orioles Trade Key Players?
The Orioles are listening to offers for Rogers and closer Félix Bautista, but it doesn’t seem likely they’ll move either guy. Both are valuable and controllable, and teams crave that.
Instead, Baltimore will probably shop pending free agents, trying to get something for the future without gutting their current core.
The White Sox Face Challenges with Luis Robert
It’s been a brutal year for Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox. The talented outfielder has slumped to a career-worst season, posting a rough .599 OPS and a .190 batting average.
That’s tanked his trade value. Even if the White Sox cover part of his salary, moving Robert has been a real struggle.
Time Running Out
The White Sox are running low on time to make a deal for Robert that fits their rebuild. Every day his value drops, and the front office faces a tough call: hold on or try to move him and hope for the best.
AL Central Relievers and Teams Clinging to Wild-Card Hopes
A few AL Central relievers could be on the move—think Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith or Minnesota’s Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran. But since both teams are still in the wild-card race, they’re not eager to deal away bullpen arms they can control.
Guardians Play Hardball
The Cleveland Guardians have a reputation for being tough negotiators. Unless someone absolutely blows them away with an offer, they’re probably not moving anyone.
Other teams are left scrambling, trying to figure out where to find reliable bullpen help.
The Rays Walk a Trade Tightrope
In Tampa Bay, the Rays are trying to shake off a recent slump while weighing their trade options. Players like Brandon Lowe or Pete Fairbanks—who have shorter contracts—could be on the block.
Yandy DÃaz, though, is likely sticking around because his contract is just too good for the team to pass up.
Ownership Changes Could Be on the Horizon
There’s some buzz about a possible ownership change for the Rays. If that happens, a new owner might want to make a splash in free agency.
People are already whispering about chasing Tampa native Kyle Tucker, but only if the financials work out. Who knows? Stranger things have happened.
Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh’s Breakout Year
Finally, for the Seattle Mariners, Cal Raleigh has emerged as a standout performer in 2023. With 38 home runs and a Home Run Derby win, Raleigh has cemented himself as one of the most exciting catchers in MLB.
He even picked up a quirky team award for locker organization. Raleigh’s performance is grabbing headlines and bringing a spark to a Mariners team that’s fighting for a playoff spot.
As teams weigh their next moves, this MLB trade deadline could push the limits of bold decision-making and creativity. Who’s really going to rise to the occasion, and who might stumble when the pressure’s on?
Here is the source article for this story: Rosenthal: What I’m hearing about the MLB trade deadline with two weeks to go
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