MLB Trade Deadline Predictions: Which Bubble Teams Will Buy or Sell?

With major league baseball teams playing nearly 70 games at this point in the season, we’re starting to feel out which teams are good and which teams will have more free time come fall. Of course, that still leaves some teams in the middle.

Many have talked about where Tarik Skubal might end up if the Tigers move him at the deadline, but the better question is which teams will be seen as buyers then. The Rays, Yankees, Guardians, Mariners, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, and Dodgers will almost certainly not be sellers at the trade deadline.

These teams have proven they will still be in contention by the trade deadline, and while they might not make any additions to their rosters, I would be very surprised if they subtracted any talent from them. For the teams following closely behind, here’s who I think will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.

Chicago Cubs (34-32): Sellers

After getting out to the fastest start in the sport, it’s been a rough last month for the Cubs, where they’ve been 7-20 since May 9th. The offense has been among the worst in the sport in this stretch, while the rotation has been decimated with injuries. This Cubs team has the talent to make the playoffs, but with massive injuries and an underperforming lineup, I doubt they add any significant financial burden to this roster.

San Diego Padres (34-32): Buyers*

While the Cubs roster might be underperforming, the Padres has lineup has done that to an even worse extent. However, they still have what might be the best bullpen in the sport, and a front office that loves to be aggressive. There’s still one problem for GM AJ Preller: When will the sale of the Padres be finalized? It’s expected to come before the trade deadline, but if that doesn’t happen, then I doubt the Padres are buyers.

Washington Nationals (35-33): Buyers

This team is too good to be sellers at the deadline. You’ve built one of the most exciting offensive cores in James Woods and CJ Abrams. Be aggressive with these guys and add any pitching at all to this roster. Only one starter (Foster Griffin) has put up at least 1 WAR this year. They desperately need to add any help to this starting rotation, and I think they will get that done.

Pittsburgh Pirates (34-33): Sellers or Sit out

It pains me to say it, but I don’t think the Pirates will be aggressive at the deadline. This team has been one of the most fun watches in baseball, and, with any bullpen, could be very competitive. The offense has been good enough, and the starting rotation, while underwhelming, is still solid. However, this bullpen is addicted to blowing games. 

At the end of the day, Bob Nutting still owns the Pirates, and if they don’t find themselves 10+ games over .500 I doubt he invests more money in a potential playoff push.