For now, it shapes up as a severe seller’s market, with only a few teams looking like certain sellers: the already-open-for-business Royals, plus the Athletics and Nationals — three teams with few productive, high-priced veterans to trade. The Rockies and Tigers also are possible sellers, but Colorado doesn’t relish selling, and Detroit may be reluctant as there’s word that some there are intent on showing progress.
But it’s the potential surprise sellers — most are disappointing teams with high expectations that still seem more likely to buy or stand pat than sell — that carry the potential to make this market. Here are six such clubs :There has to be serious consideration of a sale, which normally isn’t their M.O. The White Sox have liked this nucleus, which reached the playoffs two years ago and seems much more talented than its record.
Dylan Cease delivers a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field.They almost never sell, but folks now say they’d only really be surprised if they moved one or both of their big stars, Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt. That clearly isn’t the Cardinal way.Jack Flaherty, Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, Tommy Edman.They spent to win, are playing well now and remain the only NL Central team with a positive run differential.
The defending AL Central champions are only a game out, but they are realists and reside in a smallish market with an understanding owner and fan base.Aaron Civale, Cal Quantrill.They’ve suggested they may buy, and that’s their intention. But reality sometimes intervenes.Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTKiké Hernandez, Justin Turner, Josh Winckowski, Chris Martin.They’ve badly underperformed, but still look like unlikely sellers .