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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams on the fence between buying and selling

By Rucker Haringey

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 05: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the top of the first inning at AT&T Park on June 5, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 05: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the top of the first inning at AT&T Park on June 5, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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As the MLB trade deadline approaches, several teams are facing tough calls over whether they should buy or sell. Here’s advice for five clubs.

Quite a few MLB teams have a clear understanding of whether they should buy or sell as the trade deadline approaches. Issues for those GMs are pretty simple. They’re trying to make the best deals possible for their teams.

General managers in the middle face much tougher choices. They have to elect to make a bold run at contention or cut bait and rebuild for next season. Their choices can shape the direction of their respective franchises for years to come. In many ways, it’s the teams in the middle that have the most at stake.

This piece will take a look at five teams who are facing really interesting dilemmas. Some need to be daring and make moves to catapult them up the standings. Others need to acknowledge the sober reality that they don’t have enough to contend this season. We’ll star our analysis with a team that needs to buy.

5. Los Angeles Dodgers – Buy

A few weeks ago, the idea that the Dodgers would be in position to contend for an NL West crown this season seemed laughable. Suddenly, they only find themselves two games back. That’s a clear signal to the team’s front office that they should be looking to add talent ahead of the deadline.

Like a lot of would-be contenders, the Dodgers could stand to add another starting pitching. Clayton Kershaw’s health is a serious question moving forward. They probably don’t have the pieces to acquire an ace, but a serviceable starter should be within their grasp.

In terms of hitting, it might be time to pull the plug on Chase Utley. He’s a great clubhouse presence, but his .216 batting average is weighing the lineup down. Upgrading his spot in the order could do a lot to solidify the Dodgers lineup for the rest of the season.

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