MLB trade deadline: Nationals and Mets for sale, plus wish lists for Phillies, Braves, Marlins

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams in the NL East are looking to make moves to either bolster their playoff chances or build for the future. Now the winners are buyers, the losers are sellers and it’s the front office’s time to shine. Let’s check in with the NL East, who is being sold, and the buyer’s wish lists.

Selling the NL East: Washington Nationals: Trading Kyle Finnegan

The Washington Nationals find themselves in a unique position as one of the few clear sellers in the NL East. With a record of 43-59 (.422) and sitting at the bottom of the NL East, the Nationals need a rebuild and have several players who could be attractive trade assets to contending teams.

The Washington Nationals are not in contention for the playoffs this year, and one positive sign for them has been the development of young pitchers like Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan began the season as the team’s closer but has rebounded in a late-inning role, with a 3.16 ERA in 42.2 innings pitched. With the recent injury to Hunter Harvey, Finnegan could fetch a better return in a thin market. The Nationals could trade Finnegan in exchange for solid pitching and infield prospects to further bolster their farm system.

One player who stands out as the Nationals’ top trade asset is Jeimer Candelario. Candelario has bounced back in a big way after a rough 2022 season with the Detroit Tigers. He is hitting .256/.336/.819 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI, and 29 doubles.

While he may not be a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, his defense has improved this year thanks to the banning of the shift. Candelario’s rebound season makes him an attractive trade candidate. Playing on a one-year deal worth $5 million, with up to another $1 million in incentives, he offers contending teams a cost-effective option at third base. His improved plate discipline and offensive production make him a valuable addition to any lineup.

New York Mets: Selling and building for the Future

The Mets made headlines in the offseason by running up the largest payroll in MLB history. However, their on-field results have not lived up to expectations. With a record of 47-53 (.470) and a significant gap in the NL East standings, the Mets may need to reassess their plans for the remainder of the season.

New York could be an active participant in the trade market. Despite their high payroll and offseason acquisitions, the Mets have struggled to find success on the field this season. As a result, they are likely to explore potential trades to improve their roster and position themselves for future success.

Max Scherzer and Mark Canha also have contract options yet to be exercised. The Mets could package two of these players to fetch a strong return. Even if they choose not to trade their high-priced starters, making a deal would still improve the organization and allow them to continue building a youth movement.

These players have expiring contracts, and the Mets may look to acquire prospects or young talent in exchange for their services.

Tommy Pham, in particular, has been mentioned as a player who could draw interest from other teams. The 35-year-old outfielder has enjoyed a resurgent season with the Mets, posting a .271 batting average with nine home runs and a .827 OPS. His solid performance and playoff experience make him an attractive option for teams needing outfield depth.

Carlos Carrasco, who the Mets acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, has struggled with injuries this season. Despite his limited playing time, the veteran pitcher could still be an intriguing trade target for teams needing rotation help. His track record and experience could be valuable assets for a contending team down the stretch.

David Robertson, a reliable reliever with a history of success, could also be on the move. The 37-year-old right-hander has performed well for the Mets this season, posting a 2.05 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in 40 appearances. His ability to pitch in high-pressure situations could make him an attractive addition to a team in need of bullpen help.

One player who could potentially be on the move but presents a more complex situation is Justin Verlander. The veteran pitcher, who signed a two-year, $86.67 million deal with the Mets in the offseason, holds a full no-trade clause. This means that he has the power to veto any trade the Mets may propose.

Verlander, who has a storied career and a Cy Young award under his belt, has not been as dominant this season as in years past. His ERA has risen to 3.24, and his strikeout rate has declined. However, he has shown improvement in recent months, posting a 1.69 ERA since the start of July.

Undecided in the NL East: Philadelphia Phillies: Seeking Right-Handed Production

The Phillies (54-47) have struggled to get consistent production from their top hitters, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber. To have a productive offense, especially from the top of the order, the Phillies need to address their lack of production from the top two spots. While there are in-house options that can fill these roles, the team should consider acquiring a right-handed impact bat to balance their lefty-heavy lineup.

Another option to consider is Randal Grichuk of the Colorado Rockies. While Grichuk can be inconsistent, he brings power from the right side and can play either corner outfield spot, providing the Phillies with some versatility.

Tommy Pham and Mark Canha of the New York Mets are also worth considering. Pham, known for his hot streaks and high OPS, would be a productive addition to the lineup. Canha, if the Mets decide to sell, could provide the Phillies with a bat that performs more consistently than his 2023 numbers suggest.

With Rhys Hoskins out due to injury, the Phillies must find a replacement at first base. While Bryce Harper is rumored to be transitioning to first base, it remains to be seen if he can provide the same level of production as Hoskins. The ideal candidate to fill this position would be a right-handed power hitter.

One high-end target that has been mentioned is Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals. Goldschmidt, a former MVP, would bring a significant boost to the lineup with his right-handed power and solid defense at first base. However, acquiring Goldschmidt would likely require a substantial package of prospects. A trio of top-20 prospects like RHP Griff McGarry, OF Carlos De La Cruz, and C Rickardo Perez should be good for St. Louis.

If the Phillies seek a more affordable option, C.J. Cron of the Colorado Rockies could be a viable alternative. Cron, a power-hitting right-handed first baseman, may not offer much defense, but he would be an upgrade over Bryce Harper’s experience at first base and allow Harper to focus at DH. While Cron’s numbers may not be outstanding, his power potential could be unleashed as the season progresses.

Buying the NL East: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves (64-35), currently leading the NL East with the best record in baseball, are facing some challenges as they navigate the season. Injuries to key players, particularly in the starting rotation, have put pressure on the bullpen, and the outfield production has been inconsistent. As the August 1 trade deadline approaches, the Braves are actively seeking solutions to strengthen their team. While their limited farm system rankings restrict their options, the Braves are exploring potential trade targets that could address their needs.

One viable trade option for the Braves is Joe Kelly from the Chicago White Sox. Despite Chicago’s disappointing season, Kelly has performed admirably and could be a valuable addition to the Braves bullpen. Known for his impressive two-seam fastball and lethal slider, Kelly possesses a combination of power and finesse that could strengthen the team’s pitching arsenal. Furthermore, the fact that Kelly is in the final year of his contract, with one club option remaining in 2024, offers the Braves short-term stability and future flexibility.

Richard Lovelady, a left-handed pitcher currently with the Oakland Athletics, presents another intriguing option for the Braves. Lovelady has consistently demonstrated his reliability as a left-handed reliever, maintaining an impressive 3.06 ERA for the season. His ability to perform under challenging circumstances highlights his potential impact on the Braves pitching staff. Given the Braves’ previous trade history with the Athletics, acquiring Lovelady could be a feasible option. A possible trade package could involve offering left-handed pitching prospect Dylan Dodd and shortstop Ignacio Alvarez to secure Lovelady’s services.

Currently, with the Oakland Athletics, Brent Rooker represents an intriguing option for the Braves outfield. Although Rooker’s recent performance has declined, his early-season success cannot be overlooked. He started the season strong, hitting .348 with nine home runs through April. Placing Rooker in a potent and deep lineup like the Braves could potentially revitalize his offensive production. With Rooker’s arbitration timeline offering financial flexibility, the Braves could benefit from his potential while maintaining long-term flexibility. Including Rooker as part of a trade package for Richard Lovelady could be a mutually beneficial arrangement, with the Braves potentially adding a top-30 prospect like catcher Drake Baldwin.