Baseball executives report that a third category of teams is emerging ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, with \"opportunist\" clubs joining traditional buyers and sellers in what promises to be a thin market.
These opportunistic teams hover around .500 but see a chance to capitalize on desperate contenders by setting high asking prices for valuable players. The trend gained traction after the Tampa Bay Rays\' strategy last summer of trading Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes despite being in wild card contention.
The Milwaukee Brewers could exemplify this approach in 2025, potentially dangling ace Freddy Peralta despite being within range of division-leading Chicago Cubs. Peralta, earning just $8 million with a team option for next season, would immediately become a top starter for pitching-hungry contenders.
\"Usually, what they ask for is unrealistic,\" one executive from a contending team told ESPN. \"They\'ll ask for your four best prospects and you say no and they move on and keep the player.\"
Market Constraints Favor Bold Moves
The American League\'s widespread mediocrity may limit traditional sellers, as even struggling teams like Baltimore remain reluctant to surrender talent given recent success.
Potential opportunist teams include the St. Louis Cardinals with Erick Fedde, the Minnesota Twins with Byron Buxton, and the Toronto Blue Jays with Chris Bassitt or Daulton Varsho. These players could command premium returns in a market notably thin on starting pitching and outfield talent.
Traditional sellers like the Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins and Chicago White Sox face challenges with their trade chips underperforming. Sandy Alcantara\'s 8.42 ERA since returning from elbow surgery and Luis Robert Jr.\'s .186 batting average have diminished their trade value significantly.
The Cardinals\' Nolan Arenado remains a potentially significant trade piece if he waives his no-trade clause, with the Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers all struggling to find consistent production at third base.