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2023 MLB trade deadline primer: Sellers, buyers and teams to watch as August 1 approaches

By Justin Lewis

Jul 3, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Lane Thomas (28) leads off third base against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Lane Thomas (28) leads off third base against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB trade deadline buyers

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have been the runaway best team in baseball this year despite some glaring holes and injuries. Atlanta has seen 15 different names penciled in for a start this year. Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder are the only Braves to start double digit contests. Max Fried, Kyle Wright and Mike Soroka have all only made five starts each, but Fried is due back next week.

Nick Anderson, Jesse Chavez and AJ Minter have all been injured for the Braves bullpen but all should be ready to go come October. So while they will get guys returning, bringing in some insurance would not hurt.

What does hurt is Eddie Rosario’s fielding ability in left and the designated hitter only hitting .235 with a 26% K rate. Perhaps getting a third catcher would allow Atlanta to use the DH spot on Travis d’Arnaud or going after Lane Thomas or Eloy Jiminez would provide the upgrade they need.

Braden Shewmake and Vaughn Grissom are trade chips Atlanta should be willing to move if it means cashing in on a second World Series title in three years.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have nailed the draft and their rebuild. The American League leading O’s have the making of a team that is going to be around for quite some time. Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez and Gunnar Henderson are leading the youth movement while Felix Bautista continues to be awesome in the bullpen.

Baltimore needs to fortify their rotation for the postseason. Kyle Gibson is the lone vet in the rotation and the rest of the rotation is either young or over achieving based on previous data. Perhaps Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Dylan Cease, Eduardo Rodriguez or Marcus Stroman are names the Orioles can pursue to lead their postseason run.

Minnesota Twins

The American League Central is like that South Park episode where the boys are trying be the worst team on purpose. Just look at the batting averages up and down their lineup. Four of their regular starters have played 80+ games and the highest average is Carlos Correa at .228. Minnesota is in first place for two reasons: Their division sucks and their pitching is really good. Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez and Sonny Gray make for a really good postseason rotation. Jhoan Duran throws like 200 mph out of the bullpen and has only blown 4 saves in 21 chances.

Minnesota needs someone that can put the ball in play. Lane Thomas from the Nationals is a perfect fit here. Maybe the Twins would be interested in Eddie Rosario and Jared Shuster from Atlanta in exchange for Sonny Gray. Regardless, if the Twins can’t find some offensive production, the postseason will be quick, if they even get there.

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