In the next 11 days, every team will have its final opportunity to shore up their holes as they get set for a postseason push. Only five teams appear to be clear sellers while just about every other team could make a case to be a buyer. So what will each team do?
American League East
Toronto Blue Jays (44-52): Short-term sellers
The Blue Jays will look to sell all their rental players and recoup some assets for next year. But don’t expect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette to go anywhere as Toronto tries to contend in 2025.
Baltimore Orioles (58-38): Buyers
The Orioles are one of baseball’s best teams and need to add an impact starter. They also have a top farm system in baseball, and nowhere on the field to put all their top prospects. Trades should be coming for Baltimore.
Tampa Bay Rays (48-48): Hybrid
The Rays will let the trade deadline come to them. An offer they can’t refuse for Randy Arozarena or Isaac Parades? Count them in. A cheap reliever or impact bat? They won’t say no.
Boston Red Sox (53-42): Buyers
The Red Sox are one of the league’s biggest surprises and have a serious chance to not only make a Wild Card spot but potentially win the division. This is the time to make the push.
New York Yankees (58-40): Buyers
The Yankees have some serious holes to fill, especially in the infield and bullpen. Look for them to address those in a must-win season before Juan Soto hits free agency.
American League Central
Cleveland Guardians (58-37): Buyers
The Guardians likely won’t make a big acquisition, but they could always look to add a player to aid one of the league’s most complete teams.
Kansas City Royals (52-45): Low-key buyers
Don’t expect the Royals to go all-in at the trade deadline, but they won’t be selling if they make any trades.
Detroit Tigers (47-50): Sellers
The Tigers are arguably the biggest wild card of the trade deadline. If they elect to go big and sell, they have the best player on the market in left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal. My bold prediction? He gets dealt for a massive prospect haul as the Tigers jumpstart a rebuild.
