MLB Trade Deadline Looms as Verlander Chases History and Key Players Face Uncertain Futures
As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander grapples with an unprecedented winless streak for the San Francisco Giants, while the league’s transactional window sparks intense speculation around other major talents. This pivotal period will define the trajectories for several franchises and impact the careers of many prominent players across baseball.
Verlander’s Uphill Battle for 300 Wins
The formidable quest for 300 career victories, a rare milestone in baseball, continues to be an arduous task for Justin Verlander. At 42 years old, the right-hander began the season needing 38 more wins, a challenge requiring him to average 13 victories over three years or 10 over four. The path has grown significantly steeper as Verlander has yet to secure a win in his first 13 starts for the Giants, marking the longest such streak by a Giants pitcher since at least 1901.
Despite the historic drought, the veteran pitcher’s underlying performance metrics suggest his struggles are not catastrophic. His park- and league-adjusted ERA stands only 9 percent below the league average. A strained right pectoral muscle sidelined him from May 22 to June 18, undoubtedly impacting his early season rhythm. The veteran pitcher noted on Wednesday that he is optimistic about a breakthrough. “I feel like I kind of found something mechanically,” he explained, adding, “I’m hopeful it’s going to allow me to pitch the way I feel I still can. I’m still throwing 94-95 pretty consistently. I know that’s good enough to have success. I just need to find a way to make it click. That’s what I’ve been searching for.”
Verlander’s current numbers present a mixed picture. His average fastball velocity of 93.9 mph is below league average, and his strikeout rate ranks in the 26th percentile. Furthermore, his expected ERA of 5.09 is higher than his actual 4.26. He has faced several struggling teams, including the Athletics, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, and Chicago White Sox, without recording a win, though relievers also blew four save opportunities in his starts. The right-hander acknowledged the slow start but emphasized its limited sample size, stating, “I was hurt for a month. It’s still a small sample size. You can’t make a drastic decision based on that.” He expressed confidence in his ability to improve, asserting, “You’ve got to be pretty objective. Yeah, I’ve given us some chances. But I need to pitch better. I do think I’m capable of that. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be playing.” His next start is scheduled for Friday in West Sacramento. The veteran affirmed that he is capable of returning to an elite level if he can lock in his mechanics, believing he is close to achieving this.
Eugenio Suarez Navigates Trade Rumors and All-Star Hopes
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez finds himself at a personal and professional crossroads as the MLB Trade Deadline nears. Having been traded three times previously—from Detroit to Cincinnati in 2014, Cincinnati to Seattle in 2022, and Seattle to Arizona in 2023—he is wary of another mid-season upheaval, particularly given his family’s comfort in Arizona. “I don’t want to leave Arizona,” a prominent player stated. “Obviously, we know how the business of baseball is. But right now, I feel comfortable. I feel every time we win a game, we’ve got a chance to make the playoffs. Every time we lose, maybe something like that pops in my mind. Which is not good for me. I don’t want to get traded.”
Despite General Manager Mike Hazen’s stated desire to “buy” rather than “sell,” the Diamondbacks currently hover around a .500 record and are battling injuries, making Suarez, one of several enticing potential free agents, a valuable trade asset. The veteran infielder and his family have established roots in Arizona, which they “love,” he noted. Approaching his 34th birthday on July 18, Suarez has yet to engage in contract talks with the Diamondbacks, even as his 26 home runs tie him for fourth in the majors alongside the Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber.
Beyond trade speculation, Suarez is focused on earning his second All-Star selection, and first since 2018. The prospect holds added significance this year, as his daughters, Nicolle, 7, and Melanie, 4, are old enough to appreciate the experience, and his parents, Felipe and Rosalia, now residing in the U.S., would attend. The third baseman commented, “If I go, it’s going to feel like the first one, for sure.”
Adolis Garcia’s Future with the Rangers Uncertain
The Texas Rangers, with playoff odds at just 21 percent on Wednesday, appear increasingly poised to be sellers at the deadline, potentially positioning right fielder Adolis Garcia as an intriguing MLB Trade Deadline candidate. Garcia, 32, remains under club control through next season and is a popular figure among fans, having been a two-time All-Star and the 2023 ALCS MVP.
However, mechanical adjustments led to him being held out of the lineup for three consecutive games in late May. While this pause seemed beneficial, with Garcia batting .278 with a .761 OPS since, a second-half slump could render him a non-tender candidate. The Rangers would be hesitant to raise his arbitration salary from its current $10.5 million if he delivers a second straight sub-.700 OPS season. As a strong defender with a history of offensive production, his trade value is likely highest at the upcoming deadline compared to the offseason or next year. While the Rangers lead the majors in ERA and have several performing free-agent relievers, they otherwise lack attractive players on expiring contracts. Key pitchers Tyler Mahle (shoulder soreness) and Jon Gray (fractured forearm) are sidelined and unavailable for trade before the deadline.
Bryan Reynolds a Potential Fit for Kansas City
The Kansas City Royals, struggling offensively and ranking last in runs per game, are reportedly interested in Pittsburgh Pirates switch-hitter Bryan Reynolds. While early talks between the clubs have yet to intensify and the Royals are evaluating other hitters, Reynolds, 30, could be a compelling acquisition if his performance rebound continues.
Reynolds’ value hinges on whether he can sustain his above-average offensive production seen from 2021 to 2024. If not, the $74 million he is owed from 2026 to 2030, plus a $2 million buyout on a $20 million club option for 2031, could become a significant concern. The outfielder has shown positive momentum, improving his OPS from .644 in March/April to .732 in May and .772 in June. Despite poor defensive metrics and uncertain trade expectations from the Pirates, Reynolds is expected to attract considerable attention from offense-starved teams in the coming month.
Padres’ Difficult Search for Catching Upgrade
The San Diego Padres find themselves in a challenging position, ranking 26th in OPS at catcher despite the defensive prowess of Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado. The team is actively seeking to boost its offensive production from the position, but viable trade targets are scarce.
The Athletics are not looking to trade Shea Langeliers, who is eligible for arbitration this offseason and represented by agent Scott Boras, known for preferring clients to establish market value on the open market. Similarly, the Atlanta Braves are unlikely to move Sean Murphy, even with rookie Drake Baldwin’s emergence and recent team injuries. Under president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves typically maintain two quality catchers, and any potential Murphy trade (who is owed $45 million from 2026 to 2028 with a $15 million club option for 2029) would likely be deferred to the offseason to involve more clubs. This mirrors last year’s Garrett Crochet sweepstakes, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies made attractive offers near the deadline, but the Boston Red Sox ultimately acquired him in December.
The Baltimore Orioles, having recently placed three catchers on the injured list in a span of 10 days, may eventually consider making Gary Sanchez available for a second stint with the Padres once their roster becomes healthier. Sanchez previously hit 19 homers and posted a .792 OPS for San Diego in 2023 after being claimed off waivers from the New York Mets.
As the MLB Trade Deadline draws closer, the fate of veteran stars and the strategic shifts of franchises will capture the league’s attention. From a future Hall of Famer fighting for his legacy to key offensive players seeking stability or new opportunities, the next few weeks are poised to reshape the 2024 season and beyond.
