Exclusive Insights: What’s Happening with the MLB Trade Deadline Just Two Weeks Away!

The Los Angeles Dodgers are feeling the pressure to bolster their bullpen. After spending a hefty $107 million on free-agent relievers like Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates, they still find themselves in need of more pitching help. Scott hasn’t performed well lately, allowing eight homers and posting a 4.09 ERA. Injuries are also a concern. While some pitchers are expected to return, their effectiveness is uncertain.

Evan Phillips is out for the season after Tommy John surgery. Treinen is set to return soon but has been dealing with forearm issues. Michael Kopech is working his way back from knee surgery, and Brusdar Graterol could start his rehab next month.

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman dislikes overspending at the trade deadline, but it looks like he’ll be in the market for more help anyway.

In Baltimore, pitchers Charlie Morton and Trevor Rogers are showing rapid improvement, changing their trade value dramatically. Morton, once struggling with a 10.89 ERA early this season, has turned things around with a 3.05 ERA over his last 59 innings. This turnaround makes him a valuable asset as the trade deadline approaches. The Boston Red Sox might consider him, especially since starting pitching options are limited.

Rogers, on the other hand, faced challenges initially, spending time in the minors after a rough debut. Yet since joining the Orioles, his ERA is an impressive 1.53. Rogers still has a year of club control left, making him appealing for a team looking to contend in the coming seasons.

Over in Chicago, the White Sox’s Luis Robert has had a disappointing season, earning a title of Least Valuable Player in some circles. His .190 batting average and high strikeout rate make him a candidate for trade, though it seems unlikely the team will pick up his expensive option for 2026. Will they find a market for him? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, the AL Central division seems to house potential trade candidates among its relievers. The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins have controllable pitchers like Emmanuel Clase and Griffin Jax, but trading them won’t be easy given both teams are still in the playoff hunt.

The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves at a crossroads. With a tough road ahead, their performance will influence whether they’ll make any trades. Players like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe have team-friendly contracts, and trading them might not be their first choice.

Looking ahead, there’s buzz about Kyle Tucker possibly joining the Rays if a new owner takes the helm. Tucker, a Tampa native, could be an exciting addition as he heads into free agency.

And on a lighter note, Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh is making headlines not just for his on-field performance but also for having the cleanest locker in the clubhouse, earning him the team’s “Golden Locker” award.

This baseball season is shaping up to be full of surprises as teams assess their rosters and make moves to improve. It will be interesting to see how these narratives unfold as the deadline approaches.



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Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, MLB