White Sox OF Luis Robert Jr.Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Miami Marlins already traded two-time batting champion Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres, so they figure to continue selling. LHP Jesús Luzardo is perhaps having too much of an injury-riddled season to be traded, but closer Tanner Scott, first baseman Josh Bell and corner outfielder Bryan De La Cruz are among those who should move.
The Chicago White Sox should be as active as any seller as well. While USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently suggested that the White Sox may not trade Luis Robert Jr., he’s bound to have a ton of suitors. So is LHP Garrett Crotchet, whom Nightengale says is expected to be dealt. RHP Erick Fedde, closer Michael Kopech, shortstop Paul DeJong and outfielder Tommy Pham could also be traded.
While the Tampa Bay Rays are still within striking distance in the AL wild-card race, their pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, so they could take advantage of a seller’s market. First baseman Yandy Díaz and outfielder Randy Arozarena have had down years, but being inserted into a pennant race could give them a jolt. Pete Fairbanks and Garrett Cleavinger are among the relievers in Tampa’s bullpen who should draw interest. If RHP Zach Eflin is healthy, he should be of interest to starter-needy contenders as well.
Elsewhere in the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays are pretty clear sellers as well. It’s just a matter of how much they’re willing to wave the white flag. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette are being most closely watched, but they may very well remain in Toronto. LHP Yusei Kikuchi, reliever Trevor Richards, DH Justin Turner and Kevin Kiermaier might be the best bets to be dealt. In between those two groups are RHPs Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassit, both of whom would likely be of interest to just about every contender.
The Chicago Cubs could play their way out of being a seller, and potentially even add. But even in one of the weaker NL playoff pictures ever, the Cubs don’t look like a team that’s built for October. If they do decide to sell, Cody Bellinger will have suitors. Left fielder Ian Happ and reliever Héctor Neris should be of interest to contenders, too.
Finally, the Oakland Athletics might resist trading star closer Mason Miller, but teams will be interested in other players on their roster. It’s unclear whether the A’s would want to give up multiple years of control in outfielders Brent Rooker and JJ Bleday, but it’s worth the call if you’re a contender. Veteran IF/OF Miguel Andujar feels like a lock to be traded, and the A’s are likely to get calls on relievers T.J. McFarland and Michael Kelly as well.
