Pressure Mounts on 7 MLB Executives Ahead of Trade Deadline

The MLB trade season’s heating up, and we’re finally seeing some big moves before the July 31 deadline. In a blockbuster that’s sent shockwaves through the league, the Boston Red Sox traded star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Father’s Day.

This bold move shakes up the Red Sox roster and sets a high bar for other MLB execs scrambling to improve their teams. Injuries, slumping offenses, playoff dreams—everyone’s feeling the pressure. With Devers gone, all eyes are on how other front offices will handle this critical stretch.

Rafael Devers Trade: A Game-Changer for the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have endured a rollercoaster 2023 season. They just clawed their way back to a .500 record after weeks of inconsistency.

Executive Craig Breslow made the gutsy call to ship off Rafael Devers, one of Boston’s cornerstone players, to the Giants. The trade caught a lot of folks off guard, but it opens up chances for younger talent.

Breslow’s gamble aims to reposition the team for both short- and long-term success. It’s the kind of move that makes you wonder what’s coming next.

What This Means for the Giants

For the Giants, landing Devers is a huge win. The All-Star third baseman brings serious offensive firepower to San Francisco’s lineup.

The Giants instantly boost their playoff chances in a tough NL West. Their bold move puts pressure on other teams to keep up.

Across the League: Key Executives Under the Spotlight

With Devers off the board, the trade deadline pressure now lands squarely on several MLB front offices. July 31 is coming fast, and teams dealing with injuries, underperforming rosters, or postseason expectations need to act decisively.

Here’s a look at the key executives and the challenges staring them down:

• Mike Hazen, Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona’s playoff hopes are in limbo as injuries keep disrupting their season. Hazen has some tradeable assets, but will he risk the team’s core to stay in the hunt?
• Dave Dombrowski, Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies have a veteran-heavy roster and want a deep playoff run. Dombrowski’s top priority? Fixing a struggling bullpen, though that’s easier said than done in a thin relief market.
• Jerry Dipoto, Seattle Mariners: Mariners fans are losing patience with the team’s sluggish offense. Dipoto’s got a strong farm system, but can he finally add the power this lineup desperately needs?
• Chris Young, Texas Rangers: The Rangers’ offensive struggles are killing their momentum. Young faces a tough call: wait it out, or make bold moves now to keep their postseason hopes alive?
• Mike Elias, Baltimore Orioles: For the Orioles, the focus is already on 2024. Elias might have to part with valuable assets to build a better rotation for the future.
• J.J. Picollo, Kansas City Royals: Kansas City’s losing streak could force Picollo’s hand. The team may look to trade key pitchers for prospects.
• Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs: The Cubs show flashes of potential, but pitching remains a weak spot. Hoyer’s got to find arms without overpaying if Chicago wants to contend.

Why These Executives Are Feeling the Heat

The next few weeks could define these executives’ legacies. For teams on the playoff bubble, a smart trade might be the ticket to October baseball.

For struggling teams, shrewd moves now could set them up for future success. The trade market feels unpredictable, with high prices and not much top talent available—every deal’s a gamble, really.

The Summer’s Biggest Storyline

The Rafael Devers trade might be the headline of the season, but honestly, it’s just the start of what looks like a wild, unpredictable trade deadline. Executives across the league have some brutal choices coming up: buy, sell, or just sit tight?

Big moves or subtle tweaks—whatever they choose, these calls will shape the league for months, maybe even years. With the clock running out, everyone’s watching MLB’s front offices. Who’s going to step up and who’s going to crumble?

For the Boston Red Sox, moving Devers marks a huge shift. It sends out a ripple effect that’s hard to ignore.

The rest of the league? Well, it feels like a wake-up call. If teams want in, they’d better act now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Olney: The 7 MLB execs under the most pressure at the trade deadline