MLB power rankings: Ranking which teams are under the most pressure before the MLB trade deadline

MLB power rankings: The teams under the most pressure before the MLB trade deadline

With the MLB trade deadline in just over two weeks, there are plenty of MLB teams feeling the heat. But which ones are under the most pressure with August 1 looming?

Every team will have a different approach at the MLB trade deadline, and there are certainly a range of scenarios that can still play out as the next two weeks evolve for some teams (we’re looking at you, San Diego and the uninspiring teams lurking near the top of the American League Central). But which teams have more at stake over the next two weeks than others? That’s where this week’s MLB power rankings come in.

30) MLB Power Rankings: Washington Nationals

Outside of where Jeimer Candalerio will go, there isn’t much drama inside Nationals Park. Washington should get a nice return from him to pair with the players received in the Juan Soto and Max Scherzer/Trea Turner deals, so it’s all about finding that best return before August 1.

29) MLB Power Rankings: Oakland A’s

Let’s be honest … the pressure for the A’s comes more about the future off the playing field than it does on. Trying to figure out exactly where it will be playing over the next five years takes more attention right now to ownership than the product that is on the field. Field the calls for Brent Rooker, Seth Brown and anyone else of interest and get the best return you can. If you’re in the A’s front office, just a word of advice … if the Atlanta Braves call, don’t pick up the phone.

28) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals

The Royals have already dealt away Aroldis Chapman and are not (repeat, are not) trading away Salvador Perez. That leaves reliever Scott Barlow as likely the biggest trade chip left to move and the Royals should be getting plenty of calls about him. Like Washington, it’s about finding the best deal in return as Kansas City continues to build toward the future.

27) MLB Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies

Things could actually be interesting in Denver at this year’s trade deadline. Don’t laugh. I’m being serious. The Rockies have several players who could be moved, ranging from outfielder Randal Grichuk to relievers Brad Hand, Brent Suter and Pierce Johnson. Now it’s just a matter of if general manager Bill Schmidt pulls the trigger on a deal. The Rockies should be active at the trade deadline as a seller, but will they? Believe it or not, signs are pointing to yes.

26) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates

It’s already been a fun season in Pittsburgh, right? The Pirates started off hot and had plenty of folks around MLB buzzing about the beginning of their season. Then reality set in and Pittsburgh once again slumped into the lower parts of the National League Central. Andrew McCutchen came back to the franchise, and that was fun too. The Pirates aren’t trading Bryan Reynolds or McCutchen, and it seems to hard to believe they would move David Bednar as well. Unlike previous trade deadlines, this could be a relatively quiet one in the Steel City.