MLB: Four teams with a big decision to make at the trade deadline

With the trade deadline less than a week away, the time is now for teams to decide if they should go for gold or make a selfless move for the future. That decision is particularly difficult for four MLB teams.

The decision to expand the MLB playoffs from one wild-card entry per league to two wild-card entries per league was one of both genius and cruelty. While the change certainly makes for an exciting watch, it must drive general managers crazy. Rebuild? Stay Put? Add on? Buy huge? Buy small? These are questions way too many front offices are currently pondering. Worst of all, teams must now draw an imaginary line pertaining to being too far from playoff contention, or still within reach.

The current wild-card standings place six American League teams within five games of the two wild-card leaders. On the other hand, only the Chicago Cubs are within shouting distance in the National League wild-card race. However, the true NL entertainment lies in the Central division, where the Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, and Cardinals all have something to fight for.

Most of the teams in contention will survive no matter the outcome. But some teams are in a dire scenario. Deciding how aggressively or tentatively to chase contention is a great problem to have. Though, at some point, the decision has to be made…is competing for a shot at a one-game playoff worth forgoing an opportunistic rebuild? Four teams must answer that question.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have rallied off 13 wins in their last 19 games. Over that span, Pittsburgh has climbed in the division and are now just four games off the Cubs’ lead. Suddenly, Andrew McCutchen is an MVP caliber player again, and Starling Marte’s return is significantly more meaningful than it was expected to be a few months ago. Additionally, every noteworthy Pirate is off the trade market.

The momentum is at a season high in Pittsburgh, but is the Pirates’ success the worst thing that could have happened to them?

McCutchen’s stellar play skyrocketed his trade value; however, as McCutchen has gone, so has his team. A potential prospect heavy return for Andrew McCutchen is no longer in the works or even in thought. While the talks could resurface this offseason or next trade season, McCutchen is no longer a factor in this year’s trade market.

The same goes for Gerrit Cole. Cole was among the starting pitchers prominently mentioned at the opening of trade talks this season. At age 26, and still under control, the Pirates could have received a greater return for their current ace than for their all-star outfielder.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to contend or rebuild is not as stressful as some of the following teams. They have a lot of young players in Gerrit Cole, Josh Bell, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow. Pittsburgh will continue to improve in the coming years, but its their competition that is concerning. The Cubs look to be a World Series threat for many years to come. Milwaukee appears slightly more ready than Pittsburgh. And the Cardinals are a team that will never be counted out. Ultimately, Pittsburgh may be a step behind in their division for an annoyingly long time. That is why a rebuild could be justified.

Kansas City Royals

Ever since a poor opening month, talks surrounding the Kansas City Royals have been confined to moving their stars for a rebuild. Well, if the playoffs were to begin today, the Royals would be in. Kansas City holds a half game lead in the second wild-card spot. They are also only 1.5 games out of first place in the AL Central.

The Royals are now buyers. They proved this when they acquired Trevor Cahill, Brandon Maurer, and Ryan Butcher from the San Diego Padres this past Monday. The deal would not classify as blockbuster, however, it is evident Kansas City is trying to make the most of a fading opportunity.

Why is the opportunity fading? Whether they fall out of the playoff hunt or win the World Series, most of their talent will hit free agency this offseason. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, and Jason Vargas will all be free agents after the 2017 season. Cain has struggled some this year, but Hosmer has been solid, and Mike Moustakas and Jason Vargas are having career seasons.

As a catch-22, the outstanding play of the soon-to-be free agents is the primary reason the Royals are currently a playoff team. On the other hand, the team is passing on a major prospect overhaul, as each eventual free agent is at an all-time high in value.

Whether or not they’ve dug their own grave will only be determined over time. If their failure to re-sign any of the mentioned free agents is followed by five seasons of garbage, then everyone will reflect solely on the 2017 regular season, as to why the Royals didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild.

Understandably, the Royals will take one last shot with their beloved core. But let’s face it, they do not stack up with the power houses of MLB and they will not win a World Series. Their core has already provided the franchise a long-awaited championship; this was the time to let go. Kansas City will regret their “go for it” approach for many years to come.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles are loaded with untouchable offensive talent, and their starting pitching is worthless in value. Thus, the only value that lies within the roster is out of the bullpen. Thankfully they have a very good bullpen.

Relievers mentioned in trade talks include Darren O’Day, Brad Brach, and Zach Britton. Bullpen arms don’t generally flip for groundbreaking talent, however, the demand for a shutdown reliever is at an all-time high in today’s game. Just look at what the Yankees got for Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller just a year ago. Coincidentally, both Chapman and Miller partook in the World Series last year.

If Baltimore wants to make any worthwhile move before the trade deadline, they’ll have to deal closer Zach Britton.

As dominant as Britton has been in a Orioles’ uniform, he is actually relatively expendable. The team relied on Brad Brach to takeover the closing duties for an injury-riddled Britton this season. Brach was no slouch. The 31-year-old converted 16 of 20 save opportunities, and he has held opposing hitters to a .183 batting average against. While he is not expected to be or become Zach Britton, the Orioles would likely be okay with Brach taking over as closer. But only if they move Britton for a nice return.

There is no team more desperate for a lights out closer than the Washington Nationals. Washington can check mark every box on the contender list except for the box next to “shutdown closer”. The Nats have come so close to a World Series appearance; Baltimore should rely on a them to overpay for Britton.

It does appear the Baltimore Orioles will choose to contend. More power to them. They are not in immediate need of a rebuild. Plus, they are limited in sales product. They can always opt to move Britton next season as well. Still, if the right deal is offered, they should trade Britton.