The MLB trade deadline always brings chaos and hope. Teams scramble to make moves that can shake up the playoff race or kick off a rebuild.
With July 31st looming, the National League’s rumor mill is running hot. Struggling teams look ready to sell, dangling trade bait for contenders desperate to add firepower.
From the Colorado Rockies to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and even the Minnesota Twins, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s poke around the latest rumors, assets, and strategies shaping this year’s market.
Colorado Rockies: A Team with Assets That Appeal to Buyers
The Colorado Rockies just can’t seem to get it together, and 2023 isn’t breaking that trend. They’re shaping up as one of the more active sellers this deadline.
Contenders who want controllable talent or quick fixes are watching their roster closely.
Controllable Talent: Kyle Freeland and Ryan McMahon
Kyle Freeland and Ryan McMahon stand out as trade chips. Both guys are under team control and have already drawn calls from interested teams.
Freeland brings a steady arm to a rotation, while McMahon’s glove and occasional pop at the plate make him pretty appealing.
Short-Term Rentals: German Márquez and Austin Gomber
For clubs chasing short-term help, German Márquez and Austin Gomber could be in play. They might not move the needle as much as Freeland or McMahon, but a contender could slot them in for a stretch run.
The Rockies might also shop infielders Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer, though there’s not much buzz about those names right now.
Miami Marlins: A Pitching-Focused Fire Sale?
The Miami Marlins find themselves out of the playoff race yet again. Their young hitters are sticking around, so most of the trade talk swirls around their pitchers.
They’ve got a mix of veterans and up-and-comers on the mound.
Starting Rotation Chips: Cal Quantrill and Sandy Alcántara
Cal Quantrill, who hits free agency soon, seems like Miami’s most obvious trade candidate. He’s been up and down in 2023, but maybe a change of scenery sparks something.
Sandy Alcántara is under contract through 2026. Trading him would be a bold move, but with his recent struggles, maybe a team tries to buy low and bets on a bounce-back.
Bullpen Arms in Demand
There’s also interest in the Marlins’ bullpen. Relievers like Ronny Henriquez, Janson Junk, and Patrick Monteverde could move if a team makes a strong offer.
Playoff teams are always hunting for bullpen help, so these guys might fetch a decent return.
Pittsburgh Pirates: A Busy Deadline Ahead?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are stuck near the bottom of the standings. They look like one of the more intriguing sellers this year, with a mix of veterans and controllable players.
Veterans on the Move
Names floating around the rumor mill include Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andrew McCutchen, Tommy Pham, and Andrew Heaney. Any of them could give a contending team a little extra juice for the stretch run.
David Bednar: The Crown Jewel
Closer David Bednar is the real prize here. He’s putting up elite numbers and is under control through 2026.
If the Pirates decide to cash in, Bednar could bring back a serious haul.
Minnesota Twins: Refining from Within?
The Minnesota Twins aren’t in as deep a hole as some NL clubs, but there’s plenty to question. Their offense wobbles, and the rotation’s shaky.
With budget concerns and roster limits, they might play it safe this deadline.
Potential Needs Versus Reality
The Twins could use help at catcher and third base. Still, it’s not clear they’ll make any big moves for those spots.
Pablo López is coming back from injury, and they’ve got some internal options, so the front office might just ride it out.
Looking Ahead to the MLB Trade Deadline
As the trade deadline creeps closer, struggling teams in the National League face some tough choices. Their moves could shake up the entire league.
Players like Kyle Freeland, David Bednar, and Sandy Alcántara might end up changing the course of the pennant races. Sellers such as the Rockies, Marlins, and Pirates just want a shot at a brighter future.
Honestly, it’s hard to predict how this will all play out. It’s trade season—anything can happen.
Here is the source article for this story: Could One Of These National Leagues Sellers Help The Minnesota Twins?
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