NL Wild-Card Race Heats Up: seven Teams Pursue Deadline Deals
The National League wild-card race is proving to be far more competitive then its American League counterpart,wiht a larger contingent of teams vying for limited playoff spots. While the Nationals, Marlins, Pirates, and Rockies have already conceded their postseason hopes and are expected to be sellers at the July 31 trade deadline, seven other teams find themselves in a fierce battle for a coveted wild-card berth. The giants have already made a significant splash by acquiring Rafael Devers, raising the stakes for contenders looking to bolster their rosters down the stretch.
With seven of eight remaining NL teams within 2.5 games of a wild-card position as of Tuesday, strategic deadline moves could very well determine wich teams extend their seasons and which head into the offseason. Hear’s a look at one potential,difference-making trade proposal for each team in the thick of the NL wild-card chase (excluding the atlanta Braves,who sit six games out).
did you know?-The MLB trade deadline is set to 3 p.m.MT on July 31. Teams often wait until the last minute to finalize deals, leading to a flurry of activity as the deadline approaches.
1. New York Mets: Bullpen Boost with Rockies Relievers
The Mets find themselves in a tight divisional race with the Phillies, with the looming threat of the Braves potentially closing the gap. To secure a playoff spot, either through winning the NL East or grabbing a wild-card berth, bolstering their bullpen depth is crucial. A proposed trade with the Rockies would bring in right-handed pitchers Jake Bird and Seth Halvorsen in exchange for outfielder Drew Gilbert and versatile player Chris Suero.
Bird, 29, has been statistically impressive this season with a 2.06 ERA in 33 appearances and a strikeout rate of 11.5 per nine innings. Halvorsen, 25, offers more long-term upside and could develop into a high-leverage closer with the Mets’ renowned pitching development program. Both pitchers are under team control through the 2030 season, providing stability.
In return, the Rockies would receive Gilbert, a future everyday outfielder with 18- to 22-home run power and a .356 on-base percentage in the minors.The Mets acquired gilbert in the Justin Verlander trade two years ago, and he’s currently batting.230/.343/.376 at Triple-A. Suero, 21, adds further value as an offensive catcher who can also play first base and left field, aligning with the rockies’ need to acquire future position players.
2. San Francisco Giants: Adding Depth After devers Acquisition
having already made what many consider the biggest move of the deadline with the acquisition of rafael devers, the Giants aren’t stopping there. Their focus now shifts to fortifying their bullpen.A trade for Nationals right-hander Kyle Finnegan makes sense, offering a proven closer with 18 saves and a 2.93 ERA in 28 appearances.
Reader question:-How much dose team chemistry factor into trade deadline decisions? Is it better to keep a cohesive but less talented team,or risk disrupting the clubhouse for a potential upgrade?
The Giants would send left-handed pitching prospects Joe Whitman and Jacob Bresnahan to Washington.Whitman, 23, has a 5.56 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings at Double-A, while 19-year-old Bresnahan boasts a 3.33 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 46 innings at Low-A.Both prospects were ranked among the Giants’ top prospects by The Athletic’s Keith Law earlier this year.
3. Milwaukee Brewers: Addressing Offensive Void at Third Base
The Brewers are struggling to find consistent offensive production on the left side of their infield. A potential trade for Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon could provide a solution.McMahon, 30, has slugged.542 in June after a slow start to the season, despite making $12 million this year and being owed $32 million over the next two years.
To facilitate the deal, the Rockies would likely require the Brewers to cover a significant portion of McMahon’s contract. In return, Milwaukee would send first baseman/third baseman Luke Adams to Colorado. Adams, a former 12th-round pick, has a .424 on-base percentage over four minor-league seasons and an .899 OPS at Double-A this season,showcasing the potential the Rockies are seeking. He is currently on the injured list with a shoulder contusion.
4. St. Louis Cardinals: A Future-Focused Trade for Elite Prospect
While still in the wild-card hunt, the Cardinals could be positioning themselves for a long-term rebuild. acquiring infielder Kevin McGonigle from the Detroit Tigers would be a significant step in that direction. McGonigle, 20, is considered one of Detroit’s top-three prospects, possessing elite hitting ability and positional versatility.
The price for McGonigle would be steep: third baseman Nolan Arenado, right-handed closer Ryan Helsley, and cash considerations. The Tigers would be betting on Arenado’s offensive and defensive impact at third base, while adding Helsley to a strong bullpen already featuring Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle. Arenado would need to waive his no-trade clause,and the Cardinals would likely need to absorb a significant portion of his remaining contract.
5. San Diego Padres: All-In for Marlins Ace Sandy Alcantara
Known for their aggressive trade strategy, the Padres could make a bold move for Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara, a former Cy Young Award winner, has shown signs of returning to form with a 2.74 ERA over his last four starts.
the Padres would likely need to part with top prospects Ethan Salas (catcher) and Leo De Vries (shortstop),along with pitching prospects humberto Cruz and Braden Nett. While Salas has been sidelined with a back injury, both he and De Vries were top-100 prospects entering the season. This is a steep price, but acquiring Alcantara, who is under contract through 2026 with a team option for 2027, would solidify the Padres’ rotation for years to come.
6. Cincinnati Reds: Adding Power with Orioles Outfielder/First Baseman
the Reds could benefit from adding another power bat to their lineup. Acquiring Ryan O’Hearn from the Orioles would be a solid move. O’Hearn, an impending free agent, is slashing .305/.387/.480 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs in 256 plate appearances.
Pro tip:-When evaluating trades, consider not just the player’s current stats, but also their contract situation. Acquiring a player with multiple years of team control can be more valuable than a rental player.
In exchange, the Orioles would receive right-handed pitching prospect Chase Petty (known for his triple-digit velocity), left-handed pitching prospect Adam Serwinowski (62 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings at High-A), and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura. This trade represents a short-term boost for the Reds and a long-term investment for the Orioles.
7. Arizona Diamondbacks: Seeking Pitching Help Despite Uncertain Future
The Diamondbacks face a crossroads. plagued by injuries and with several key players approaching free agency, they could either sell or buy. Given their position just 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot, and a clear directive from team president Mike Hazen to acquire pitching, a trade for Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson could be a sensible move.
Anderson, 35, has a 4.56 ERA over 15 starts and will be a free agent after the season. The Diamondbacks would send right-handed pitching prospects Yordin Chalas and Roman Angelo to the Angels. While both prospects have struggled this season, they are considered organizational prospects, and the Angels would also shed Anderson’s $13 million salary.
