I have insider with each team's deadline objectives.
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National League East
Washington Nationals
1st place in NL East (up by 2 games)
Trade status: Will merely tweak
For the Nats, just getting their own players back from the disabled list -- Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Jayson Werth, Stephen Strasburg -- is more valuable than any trade GM Mike Rizzo could make. However, it's clear that the bullpen is the one area of emphasis the Nats hope to improve at the trade deadline, and they have at least touched base with the teams that have the best relievers on the trade market, including Craig Kimbrel of the Padres, Aroldis Chapman of the Reds, Francisco Rodriguez of the Brewers, Jonathan Papelbon of the Phillies and Tyler Clippard of the Athletics.
Given that this is a team destined for the postseason, don't be surprised if the Nationals pay the price and add an impact reliever to go with Drew Storen late in games. They don't have to make a move to win the division, but they do need one more reliever to bring home a championship.
New York Mets
3 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Movers and shakers (buyers)
The Mets improved only slightly when they acquired third baseman Juan Uribe and utility infielder/outfielder Kelly Johnson in a trade last week. Uribe has really declined both offensively and defensively, though he still should be considered as an upgrade. The Mets still need to add an impact bat if they're going to reach the postseason, and they remain involved with many of the top bats available, including Jay Bruce and Marlon Byrd of the Reds, Yoenis Cespedes of the Tigers, Justin Upton of the Padres, Carlos Gomez of the Brewers, and Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies. They aren't close to anything, but they are trying.
Atlanta Braves
8 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Have mostly made their deals
The Braves did well in their trade of Uribe and Johnson, acquiring two pitcher prospects (John Grant and Rob Whalen) in return. Both are potential No. 3 or 4 MLB starters, which is a pretty good return for two aging stopgap utility players. I don't see any blockbusters happening here, but the Braves might not be done dealing, as they're listening to offers for reliever Jim Johnson, catcher A.J. Pierzynski and outfielder Jonny Gomes. Atlanta continues to stockpile young pitching in almost every move the team makes.
Miami Marlins
13 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Marlins have already dealt Steve Cishek to the Cardinals for a Double-A arm, which had more to do with dumping Cishek's $6.5 million salary than what they got in return. But the next two players they're expecting to trade should bring them more significant prospect talent, as they continue to listen to offers for starting pitchers Mat Latos and Dan Haren. They might have to wait until the top tier of starting pitchers has been dealt, but they hope to get something for these two veterans late in the process. With both pitchers throwing well, their return should be better than originally expected.
Philadelphia Phillies
18 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Phillies couldn't be happier about Cole Hamels firing a no-hitter Saturday. Not only did it give them a nice win in Chicago, but it assured to all the scouts in the industry that he was just fine. Now it's only a matter of time before he's dealt, with the Dodgers, Cubs, Rangers and Red Sox being the four most likely destinations, in that order.
The Dodgers say they won't give up prospects Julio Urias or Corey Seager but are open to combinations of the rest of their prospects. Meanwhile, the Cubs would consider Billy McKinney, Javier Baez and C.J. Edwards; the Rangers could deal a package of Chi Chi Gonzalez and either Nick Williams or Nomar Mazara, along with catcher Jorge Alfaro; and the Red Sox have Manuel Margot and Rafael Devers, among others, to offer.
The Phillies are also hoping to find a taker for Papelbon, with the Blue Jays, Nationals, Cubs and Tigers as the most logical fits. They're also trying to get a legitimate prospect for outfielder Ben Revere; the Angels and Mariners are the most likely suitors there.
National League Central
St. Louis Cardinals
1st place in NL Central (up by 6 games)
Trade status: Will merely tweak
The Cardinals have already pulled off a nice trade, acquiring Cishek from the Marlins for a 25-year-old pitching prospect in Double-A named Kyle Barraclough, who has control problems (he had 20 walks in 24 2/3 Double-A innings for the Cards). Now the Cardinals could use a left-handed-hitting first baseman, and have been linked to Adam Lind of the Brewers.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Hold the No. 1 wild-card spot in the NL
Trade status: Will merely tweak
The Pirates picked up Aramis Ramirez from the Brewers to solidify third base while Josh Harrison is out with an injury (thumb surgery), and Ramirez's veteran leadership should help this team down the stretch. The Pirates would also like to upgrade first base, where they're not happy with Pedro Alvarez's defense and huge holes at the plate. They would love to be able to trade him to an American League club. Possible upgrades at first base who could be available include Chris Davis of the Orioles, Adam Lind of the Brewers and Adam LaRoche of the White Sox (if the Pirates think he can bounce back).
Chicago Cubs
2 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Movers and shakers
The Cubs are bound and determined to get a starting pitcher, and they've been linked to every starter on the market, with David Price of the Tigers and Hamels being their top two choices. However, they also could make a smaller trade for Latos, who has pitched really well in his last three times out. The Cubs are also said to be interested in the Athletics' Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard. A starter, reliever and super-utility player are still their top three needs at this point.
Cincinnati Reds
10 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Reds are in all-out sell mode, and they're off to a good start, landing three left-handed pitching prospects for Johnny Cueto, a solid return for a two-month rental. Now it's only a matter of time before Mike Leake is dealt as well. The Reds also could deal several other players, including outfielder Jay Bruce, second baseman Brandon Phillips, outfielder Marlon Byrd, reliever Manny Parra and maybe even closer Aroldis Chapman if a team is willing to overpay. A Joe Ross-for-Chapman deal might make sense for the Nationals, and it would help the Reds rebuild their rotation.
Milwaukee Brewers
11 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Brewers were pleased with their return for Aramis Ramirez; pitcher Yhonathan Barrios has plenty of upside. Now they're seeing what's available for other veterans, including Adam Lind.
National League West
Los Angeles Dodgers
1st place in NL West (up by 1 game)
Trade status: Movers and shakers (buyers)
The Dodgers' priorities: starting pitching quality and starting pitching depth. In fact, they could make two trades to land two starters, including one of the big names (Price or Hamels). Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi told me his team won't trade either of its top two prospects (Corey Seager and Julio Urias), but will listen on everybody else. The Dodgers also would like to improve the bullpen by adding another key middle man, but that priority is behind their starting pitching needs.
San Francisco Giants
Currently hold second wild-card spot
Trade status: Will merely tweak
This is rookie GM Bobby Evans' first trade deadline in this position, and it will be interesting to see how aggressive he is.
The Giants are looking to add bench depth, which was exposed earlier this year by injuries, and they always prioritize starting pitching and are staying in touch with all the teams that have a starter available. In fact, they've been in steady dialogue with the Phillies for Cole Hamels and have expressed interest in David Price as well. So they're at least thinking big, though I still say it's more likely they'll trade for bench help or just pitching depth.
San Diego Padres
7 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Padres are listening on every player on their team and are open to doing just about anything. Trading outfielder Justin Upton is their biggest priority since he's a free agent at season's end and probably would bring the biggest trade return of any position player at the deadline. The Mets, Angels, Astros, Cubs and Royals have all been linked to Upton. The Padres also would trade any of their starting pitchers, including James Shields, Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy, and they'll list their most valuable bullpen pieces in Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit. Bottom line: This season has been such a disappointment that the Padres are ready to makeover this team for next year and beyond.
Arizona Diamondbacks
7 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Diamondbacks are not expected to do much at the deadline, but they could move some veteran pitchers, such as Brad Ziegler and Jeremy Hellickson, as well as shortstop Cliff Pennington if they can get the right prospects in return.
Colorado Rockies
11 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Likely will stand pat
The Rockies have been listening to every team that has expressed interest in one of their players, but they aren't aggressively moving to get something done. As such, it's unlikely Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez will be dealt by the July 31 deadline. That doesn't mean those two players won't get through trade waivers in August, however; perhaps the Rockies can take a second look a month from now. But for the time being, they'll likely stay put in Colorado.
Several teams have inquired about outfielder Charlie Blackmon; he could be traded, along with some of the team's veteran bullpen arms, such as LaTroy Hawkins.
American League East
New York Yankees
1st place in AL East (up by 6 1/2 games)
Trade status: Movers and shakers
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said last week that he might stand pat, and also said he has no untouchables in his farm system. Cashman is an honest man, and I believe he did feel that way when he said those words. However, I don't think the Yankees will stand pat, and I don't think they're interested in trading top prospects Luis Severino or Aaron Judge. I think Cashman will eventually make a splash by acquiring either another starting pitcher, a middle-inning reliever or a second base upgrade. He knows this team is capable of going to the World Series, and I think he'll do anything he can to help their chances.
Toronto Blue Jays
3 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Movers and shakers
The Blue Jays have the best lineup in baseball. They just can't pitch.
Toronto must trade for a starting pitcher, and no GM has been more aggressive in acquiring one than Alex Anthopoulos. He has talked to the Padres, the Reds, the White Sox (about Jeff Samardzija) and the Marlins. I believe he'll get his starting pitcher upgrade this week, and if he doesn't, his fallback position will be a bullpen arm; he has interest in Clippard and Papelbon. Either way, the Blue Jays will do something. Promise.
Tampa Bay Rays
4 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Likely to stand pat
The Rays continue to hang around the AL East race thanks to their strong starting pitching and bullpen, but they need to improve their lineup. They have listened to offers for two of their best relievers, Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee, but GM Matt Silverman has not been as aggressive as other GMs, and it's hard to tell what he'll do leading up to his first trade deadline as a GM.
Baltimore Orioles
3 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Movers and shakers ... and sellers
The O's are looking for outfield upgrades and have inquired about Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes and Carlos Gomez. However, they also have been in "sell" mode at the same time, and given some teams the indication they could trade some of their impending free agents, including first baseman Chris Davis, catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Wei-Yin Chen. Will they buy or sell ... or both?
Boston Red Sox
8 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The Red Sox's goal is to improve the top of their starting rotation for 2016 and beyond. They would be in "sell" mode, but have little to offer with Mike Napoli having a down year, Shane Victorino always being hurt and Koji Uehara overshadowed by so many other closers on the market. I would look for a quiet deadline in Boston.
American League Central
Kansas City Royals
1st place in AL Central (up by 7 1/2 games)
Trade status: Made their big deal; now will tweak
The Royals just got the staff ace they were looking for in Johnny Cueto; now it's time to get a temporary upgrade in left field and a utility infielder. Those are much easier asks than acquiring a No. 1 starter with little long-term exposure, which is what Cueto represents.
Minnesota Twins
Currently hold second wild-card spot
Trade status: Will merely tweak
The Twins are literally and figuratively a wild card at the deadline. They could do nothing or they could shock all of us by making a Justin Upton-type of deal. This team continues to win, and if GM Terry Ryan can make a deal that assures them a good chance at a wild-card spot, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger. This will be an interesting team to watch this week. Things have been pretty quiet from Minnesota, although I hear they are looking for a reliever, possibly Joaquin Benoit.
Detroit Tigers
4 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Buyers
Perhaps their best long-term solution would be to trade both David Price and Yoenis Cespedes now, but the fact that they're only four games out of a wild-card spot makes it tough for me to believe they'll sell. There's plenty of time left in the season, and if they bring home a wild-card spot, they'll have Price to pitch the wild-card game and a lineup that can beat October pitching. That was what my gut said -- and Tigers president/GM Dave Dombrowski personally backed that assertion with me Sunday night, saying the team will continue to try and win. Expect them to continue their pursuit of a starting pitcher and a reliever.
Chicago White Sox
5 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The White Sox are expected to trade Samardzija at the very least, but will listen on most of their players. Several teams have expressed interest in Samardzija.
Cleveland Indians
6 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Likely to stand pat
The Indians should be in sell mode, but they really don't have much to sell outside of a fourth outfielder (David Murphy) or a failed prospect such as Lonnie Chisenhall. As such, it should be a quiet deadline for the Tribe. That said, they have talked to the Blue Jays about a Carlos Carrasco trade that would bring back a productive bat.
American League West
Los Angeles Angels
1st place in AL West (up by 1 game)
Trade status: Buyers
The Angels need a left fielder and have been linked to Justin Upton, Jay Bruce, Josh Reddick, Ben Zobrist, Yoenis Cespedes, Charlie Blackmon, Marlon Byrd and Ben Revere. Given that they're a legit World Series contender and will be battling to fend off the Astros in the final two-plus months, I think they should go all-in and try to trade for Upton, Cespedes or Bruce.
Houston Astros
Currently hold the first wild-card spot
Trade status: Buyers
The Astros made the first big deal of the deadline when they landed Scott Kazmir from the A's for two minor leaguers on July 23. (Kazmir promptly shut out the Royals in his first start with his new team.) The Astros' rotation is now good enough to compete with the Angels, and likely would fare well in a short playoff series.
But the Astros aren't done yet. GM Jeff Luhnow told me Friday he is still looking for a bat to fill in for the injured George Springer, a reliever and maybe even another starter. He understands that these opportunities don't come along very often, and he's prepared to go for it. Given that the Astros have one of the best farm systems in baseball to trade from, don't bet against Luhnow making another significant move by the deadline.
Texas Rangers
4 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Buyers
The Rangers are "in" on Hamels because he'd help them the next four years and not just this year. They can envision a healthy Yu Darvish and Hamels being a solid one-two punch going forward. They have the farm system to make a deal work with the Phillies, and this will be a gut-wrenching decision for team president Jon Daniels. The organization has worked hard to build this great system … do they tear it apart for a top-of-rotation starter or wait until free agency and try to sign one on the open market while keeping their best prospects?
Seattle Mariners
6 1/2 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Will merely tweak
The Mariners already made their big deal, landing Mark Trumbo from the Diamondbacks in June, and are not expected to be overly aggressive at the deadline. However, they do need better offense at catcher and could use hitters with better on-base percentages. It has been a disappointing year for the Mariners, and it could be the same at the deadline.
Oakland Athletics
9 games behind second wild-card spot
Trade status: Sellers
The A's did really well in their prospect return for Kazmir, and they'll be looking to make similar trades this week. I'm expecting both reliever Tyler Clippard and infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist will be traded by the end of the week, probably in separate trades.