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MLB Power Rankings: Every team’s plan of attack before the trade deadline

By Sean Sears

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 23: Starlin Castro #13 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 23: Starlin Castro #13 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

28. Miami Marlins, 36-59, last in the NL East (ranked 27th last week)

The Marlins have reportedly received some calls about 2B Starlin Castro despite his down season. However, the 29 year old is just two seasons removed from smacking 16 home runs and making the All-Star game for the Yankees. Strangely, Castro’s value has slightly increased since he was originally acquired by the Marlins back in 2018, partially because the money owed on his contract has shrunk to about $4.7 million and his club option for next season of $16 mil can be bought out for just $1 million.

All those factors combined have piqued the interest in a few teams who may need some help at the keystone. Hopefully, Castro rebounds once he’s in a better lineup with hitters to protect him more.

But what’s really drawing interest from teams is the Marlins bullpen, which has been much better as of late, posting a 3.60 ERA over the last 30 days. A report cited the group being scouted last weekend during a series with the Mets, and while the scouts were likely there to see Mets starter Noah Syndergaard, guys like Jarlin Garcia, Nick Anderson, and Austin Brice are all being looked at as trade chips for teams this deadline.

Closer Sergio Romo could attract some teams as well. With only one blown save in 17 chances, the veteran closer could be a target for teams looking for bullpen depth on the backend. Marlins are selling and selling high despite Castro’s poor season in South Beach.

27. Kansas City Royals, 36-63, 4th in the AL Central (ranked 28th last week)

It was announced that Royals budding SS Adalberto Mondesi was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that could potentially knock him out for the rest of the season. The Royals haven’t released a timetable for Mondesi yet, but they’re already in full seller mode at the moment, first trading starter Homer Bailey to the A’s, then sending elite base-stealer OF Terrance Gore to the Yankees and finally moving veteran C Martin Maldonado in exchange for two years of former Cubs starter Mike Montgomery.

It’s expected that OF Billy Hamilton will be moved sometime before the July 31 trade deadline. The switch-hitting speedster was told early on that he’d likely lose playing time to former top prospect Bubba Starling so it comes as no surprise.

There were reports about the Cubs having interest in 2B/OF Whit Merrifield, but Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore would likely request three MLB-ready players in return for the 30-year-old Merrifield, who’s on a very team-friendly deal. The Dodgers reportedly showed interest in reliever Jake Diekman, but nothing serious has developed quite yet. Royals biggest moves may have already happened this trade deadline.

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