MLB Power Rankings: How likely each of the 30 teams are to sell at the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have set themselves up early to become trade deadline buyers, but a slump in June or July could completely change things. In fact, they might end up as one of those ball clubs that buys and sells at the same time. Last year they traded Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres and made a few other moves more akin to what a seller would do. This season, trading Corbin Burnes for multiple pieces might be the outside-of-the-box type of move they make. Swapping him for a lesser arm and a bat is extreme yet not out unimaginable.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox
Do we start believing the Boston Red Sox can compete? Their offense is leading the way. The bullpen isn’t so bad either. This is another team that’s tough to pinpoint. They were cautious about selling at last year’s trade deadline, holding onto players like J.D. Martinez who eventually just left in free agency. They’re going to need a turnaround from the starting pitching staff to remain in the buyer’s market.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
No one should have a clear picture of exactly who the Seattle Mariners are this season. They’ve been much more average than they were last season. A major sell-off isn’t going to happen, but a couple of pieces could head elsewhere. Someone like Teoscar Hernandez would be an addition many teams would like to add to their roster as a power bat. The Mariners are a bit of a mess right now. Have confidence they’ll turn it around.
17) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets
The New York Mets haven’t been trade deadline sellers during either of the two seasons under the ownership of Steve Cohen. This season is tracking a little differently. There aren’t any incredibly good trade pieces they could send elsewhere. Nobody is ready to take on the huge Max Scherzer contract. Despite the narrative of the Mets being a disaster this year, the extra wild card spots and a talented roster should have them in contention and buying in July and on the first of August.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
A lot of the same facts apply for the Philadelphia Phillies as they do for the New York Mets. It hasn’t been a beautiful start to the year for the defending National League Champions. The difference between them and the Mets is the Phillies started off very slow and are finally starting to turn things around. In what could be Aaron Nola’s last season with the ball club, they should look to move him only if their playoff chances are dead. As they learned last year, all you need to do is get into the postseason.