It’s that time of year where each major league baseball team must make the decision to be in or out. Some teams may only need a small tweak, while others are ready to unload the bank and start to retool. When looking at this year’s teams, there are a few that can put up the sell flag, no not the green Sell sign so relax. The Rockies, Marlins, Angels, Tigers, Athletics, White Sox, and I am also adding the Blue Jays to this list. Here is a quick look at what each team could be looking for to improve their playoff chances. This week we will look at the National League.
National League East:
Philadelphia: Leaders by nine games. The Phillies could use help in center field- Luis Robert Jr., or Jazz Chisholm would help. They also need bullpen depth.
Atlanta: Trail east by nine games, but lead wildcard by three and a half games. Outfield depth, Taylor Ward would be a nice fit.
New York Mets: They trail east by 12.5 games, and are third in the wildcard by a half game. Pete Alonso now seems off the market, and will look to add both starting and relief pitching. If things go south, they could become sellers. They have potential trade chips like Alonso, Severino, Quintana, and Bader.
Washington: 18.5 games out of the east, six in the wild card. There are quite a few quality players that could move-Patrick Corbin, Jessie Winker, and Lane Thomas will all get some calls.
National League Central
Milwaukee: They lead the central by 4.5 games. The Brewers already have made a trade picking up Aaron Civale but could use additional pitching depth.
St.Louis: They trail Milwaukee by 4.5 games despite a slow start, and are second in the wildcard. They need starting pitching, Yusei Kikuchi or Erick Fedde would add depth.
Pittsburgh: They are third in the central, 6.5 games behind. and trail in the wildcard by 1.5 games. They have the excitement of Paul Skenes but they need help in many offensive positions, still seems a year or so away.
Cincinnati: The Reds are eight games behind in the central and three games behind in the wildcard. They need a right handed hitter like Brent Rooker or Lane Thomas.
Chicago Cubs: I did not put them on the sellers list, but that’s really where they belong. Could they dangle Cody Bellinger again?
National League West
Los Angeles: Lots of injuries have made this team a mess, but they still lead the west by 6.5 games. Can’t believe I have to say this, but starting pitching is a need.
San Diego: The Friars are in second place, 6.5 games behind and a half game behind in the wildcard. Like the Dodgers, injuries could return some key performers… so bullpen depth and bench depth are essential for AJ Preller.
Arizona: They are currently tied with San Diego. The return of pitchers from injuries will make the difference between the snakes being buyers or sellers. Many teams could be interested in Christian Walker.
Next week we will take a look at the American League.
