The countdown to Major League Baseball's trade deadline on Tuesday, July 30 has intensified, as teams scramble to solidify their rosters for the stretch run. With just over a week left, the league's front offices are in overdrive, strategizing moves and evaluating players.
Astros Face Pitching Woes
The Houston Astros are navigating a particularly challenging period, grappling with the absence of key pitchers. The rotation currently lacks Justin Verlander, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France, and José Urquidy. Notably, Cristian Javier, J.P. France, and José Urquidy are sidelined for the rest of the season. Yet, despite these setbacks, the Astros have maintained an impressive 27-14 record since June, sharing the lead in the fiercely competitive American League West.
General Manager Dana Brown exemplified the aggressive mentality teams adopt during this period, stating, "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."
Braves Seek Reinforcements
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves are also dealing with their share of challenges. The team recently lost second baseman Ozzie Albies to a fractured forearm, prompting a swift reaction to fill the void. The Braves turned to former All-Star Whit Merrifield, recently released by the Phillies. Merrifield struggled with a .199/.277/.295 slash line during his 53 games with Philadelphia, but his previous season with the Blue Jays, where he posted .272/.318/.382 over 145 games, offers a glimmer of hope.
Additionally, the Braves have promoted prospect Nacho Alvarez for his major league debut, injecting new talent into their roster as they gear up for the playoff push.
Trade Speculations and Moves
The Tampa Bay Rays are also actively scouting, keeping a close eye on the Yankees' system, while the Baltimore Orioles have shown interest in Tigers' left-hander Tarik Skubal. The Orioles' scouts have been frequenting Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, hinting at potential moves to strengthen their pitching staff.
In other news, the Seattle Mariners have placed first baseman Ty France on outright waivers. This decision opens a range of possibilities, given France's service time, which allows him to reject a minor league assignment and opt for free agency while retaining his nearly $7 million salary. France's performance this season, reflected in his 94 OPS+, leaves much to ponder.
As the trade deadline looms, the MLB landscape is poised for significant changes. Teams like the Astros and Braves are strategizing to overcome injuries and bolster their rosters, while others like the Orioles and Rays are scouting diligently to find game-changing additions. The upcoming week promises a flurry of activity that could redefine the season's narrative.