5 Teams Most Likely to Be Sellers at 2019 MLB Trade Deadline

The 2019 MLB Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, and while things have been quiet on the trade front so far, we can expect a flurry of moves as we inch closer to the July 31 deadline.

The teams that are seemingly out of the postseason hunt are likely to trade some big-name players in exchange for prospects and a potentially brighter future. With that in mind, here are five teams that are likely to be sellers at the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline.

1. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are arguably the most likely team to be sellers, as the team has the worst record in baseball (30-67) coming into play on Thursday. It's anyone's guess as to which player is moved where, but the three names most heavily rumored have been starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, outfielder Nicholas Castellanos and closer Shane Greene. While Boyd and Castellanos have done little to raise their stock in recent weeks, Greene has continued his dominant season (1.22 ERA, 22 saves) and should be one of the top relief pitchers on the market.

2. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles (32-69) are also going nowhere this season, and have already begun their selling spree by trading Andrew Cashner to the Boston Red Sox for a pair of prospects. Closer Mychal Givens, who has an elite 12.2 K/9 on the season, could be the next member of the team on the move. The Dodgers are rumored as being interested in Givens, which would add another dangerous arm to their bullpen. The Orioles may also consider selling high on Trey Mancini, but are probably more likely to see what they can get for a veteran like Jonathan Villar.

3. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are clearly a team of the future, as they possess one of the best young offensive cores in baseball with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette. The Jays should definitely be looking to sell at the deadline, and, like many teams, will seek a trade partner interested in pitching. Ken Giles has had a bounce-back season in Toronto (1.59 ERA), and the team may also consider moving relievers like Daniel Hudson and/or Joe Biagini. The Blue Jays are also rumored to be shopping starter Marcus Stroman and first baseman Justin Smoak.

4. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers had a strong start to the season, but have crashed back down to Earth with a 5-13 record in July. As a result, they are more likely to be sellers than buyers, especially now that Joey Gallo is set to miss an extended period of time following surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his right wrist. Luckily, the Rangers have a bunch of seemingly overachieving veterans at their disposal. The top name is starter Mike Minor, who made his first All-Star team this year and currently sports a 3.00 ERA. Texas may also consider trading Lance Lynn, who is 12-6 with a 3.98 ERA. Hunter Pence, another 2019 All-Star, is another vet rumored to potentially be on the move.

5. Arizona Diamondbacks

While they're currently tied for second in the NL West (52-51), the Diamondbacks don't sound like a team with serious playoff aspirations this year. That's because they're being rumored as sellers rather than buyers, with a number of players potentially available on the trade market. The most talked about Diamondback is Robbie Ray, who has been linked to both the Yankees and Astros. The Diamondbacks may also consider shopping Zack Greinke, who is turning 36 in October and is due $64 million over the next two seasons. On the offensive side of the ball, Arizona is reportedly shopping oft-injured outfielder David Peralta, who just came off the IL following a shoulder injury.

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