Title: Slow Market for Hitters as MLB Trade Deadline Approaches
Introduction:
The MLB trade market has been bustling with pitching trades in the past few days, but the lack of movement in the hitters market has left front offices wondering when the bats will start moving. Despite significant trades involving top-tier pitchers like Max Scherzer and Lucas Giolito, teams are still holding onto their impact bats. Baseball executives have speculated on the reasons behind this slow market and provided some insights into the situation.
Limited Supply of Impact Bats:
One reason suggested by several baseball executives is the lack of sellers with impactful position players. The Nationals, Rockies, Pirates, A’s, and Royals, who are expected to be potential sellers, do not possess an abundance of impact bats. This scarcity is exemplified by Jeimer Candelario, who was non-tendered over the winter and is now considered one of the best position players available in this unusual market.
Cubs and Padres Not Selling:
The anticipated sell-off from the Cubs and Padres has not materialized as expected. Both teams have found success on the field recently, with the Cubs winning 10 out of their last 12 games and the Padres narrowing their gap to two games under .500. As a result, players like Cody Bellinger, who were previously considered available, are now off the market.
Cardinals Focused on Controllable Arms:
The Cardinals, despite having surplus outfielders, have shown little interest in trading them unless they can acquire controllable impact pitchers in return. The team remains committed to bolstering their pitching staff to facilitate a return to the postseason. Consequently, the Cardinals have been reluctant to part ways with their offensive pieces.
Angels Deviate from Being Sellers:
When the Los Angeles Angels decided to become buyers, it shifted their focus away from trading away position players like Hunter Renfroe. Instead, they entered the market to acquire additional bats, such as Randal Grichuk and C.J. Cron.
Limited Availability of Impact Bats:
The difficulty in finding impactful hitters in today’s game is another reason cited for the slow market. The league’s emphasis on pitching and defensive strategies, coupled with the changes in baseball creating a higher level of difficulty to hit, has made it challenging to find game-changing offensive players. The decline in home run numbers further highlights this shortage. As a result, available hitters on the market are often viewed as change-of-scenery options rather than clear upgrades.
Lackluster Upcoming Free-Agent Market:
The upcoming free-agent market does not offer many enticing offensive options, with players like Matt Chapman, Cody Bellinger, Jorge Soler, and Rhys Hoskins either playing for contending teams or coming off significant injuries. This limits the availability of impactful bats for teams looking to make short-term acquisitions.
Conclusion:
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the slow movement in the hitters market has left many baseball executives puzzled. The lack of sellers with impact bats and teams deviating from selling have contributed to this sluggishly progressing market. Additionally, the limited supply of impactful hitters combined with the uninspiring upcoming free-agent market has further constrained available options. As a result, teams might find themselves attempting the delicate balancing act of buying and selling, hoping for a net gain as the trade deadline approaches.