Trade Deadline Strategy: Cubs in the Spotlight
The **Chicago Cubs** are making headlines as the 2024 **MLB Trade Deadline** approaches. The team is actively involved in trade discussions, balancing between being buyers and sellers. They are looking to acquire new players while also considering trading away some of their current roster. This dual approach aims to strengthen their team for future seasons.
Recent Acquisitions by the Cubs
The Cubs have made significant moves recently. They acquired **Isaac Paredes** in a deal involving **Christopher Morel** and two prospects. Paredes is a controllable player beyond 2024, making him a valuable addition. Another notable acquisition is **Nate Pearson** from the **Toronto Blue Jays**. Pearson, like Paredes, is controllable for multiple years beyond 2024, adding depth to the Cubs’ roster.
Potential Trades and Interests
The Cubs have shown interest in **Blake Snell**, a left-hander from the **San Francisco Giants**. Snell has a $30 million contract for 2025 but can opt out to test free agency this offseason. This potential move could significantly impact the Cubs’ pitching lineup.
Trade Candidates: Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon
**Cody Bellinger** is a possible trade candidate despite his down season and injury issues. Bellinger has a three-year contract with an opt-out option after each year, earning at least $25 million per season. His performance stats include nine home runs and a 108 OPS+ through 97 games this year. However, his injury history, including a rib fracture and fractured finger, complicates his trade value.
**Jameson Taillon** is another player who could be traded due to the high demand for quality starting pitching. Taillon is signed through 2026 and is having an excellent season with a 2.96 ERA over 17 starts. Potential fits for Taillon include the **Baltimore Orioles**, **San Diego Padres**, **New York Yankees**, and **Boston Red Sox**.
Team’s Future Focus
While the Cubs are looking to contend in future seasons like 2025, they are unlikely to move key pieces such as **Justin Steele** and **Shota Imanaga**. The team is focused on building a strong foundation for the coming years.
Challenges in Trading Players
The Cubs face challenges in trading players due to performance issues, contract status, or injuries. This makes it difficult to find suitable trade partners and get the best value for their players.
Additional Notes on Trade Discussions
**Jon Heyman** reported that trading Cody Bellinger might be difficult due to his contract parameters and recent performance downturns. **Bob Nightengale** mentioned that the Yankees and Red Sox had engaged in talks about acquiring Jameson Taillon. These discussions highlight the complexities and strategic decisions involved in the trade deadline.
MLB Power Rankings: Top Teams Ahead of Trade Deadline
The **ESPN MLB Power Rankings** for Week 17 provide insights into where teams stand ahead of the trade deadline. Analysis by **Jesse Rogers** and **Dave Schoenfield**, along with input from other ESPN MLB experts, offers a comprehensive view of team performances and needs.
Philadelphia Phillies: Top of the Rankings
The **Philadelphia Phillies** hold the top spot with a record of 64-38. They need an outfield upgrade, with potential targets including **Luis Robert Jr.** or a left fielder like **Randy Arozarena**. The Phillies are looking to strengthen their lineup as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Baltimore Orioles: Pitching Needs
The **Baltimore Orioles** are second in the rankings with a record of 60-41. They need pitching due to injuries in their rotation and also require bullpen reinforcement. The Orioles are focused on addressing these needs to maintain their competitive edge.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Seeking Key Additions
The **Los Angeles Dodgers** are third with a record of 61-42. They are looking to add a front-of-the-rotation starter and an everyday outfielder. These additions could bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run.
New York Yankees: Improving Bullpen and Offense
The **New York Yankees** are fourth with a record of 60-44. Their priorities include improving the bullpen and offense. Potential targets for the Yankees include late-inning relievers and productive infielders. These moves aim to enhance their overall team performance.
Cleveland Guardians: Starting Pitching Help
The **Cleveland Guardians** are fifth with a record of 61-40. They need starting pitching help and possibly an outfielder. However, they are unlikely to take on significant salary, which limits their options.
Milwaukee Brewers: Monetary Constraints
The **Milwaukee Brewers** are sixth with a record of 59-43. They need another starting pitcher despite already acquiring **Aaron Civale**. Monetary constraints limit their ability to make big moves, but they are still looking to improve their roster.
Houston Astros: Reclaiming AL West Lead
The **Houston Astros** are seventh with a record of 53-49. They have reclaimed the AL West lead but need improvement at first base and rotation depth. A possible target for the Astros is **Isaac Paredes**, who could provide the needed boost.
Atlanta Braves: Offensive Struggles
The **Atlanta Braves** are eighth with a record of 54-46. They are struggling offensively due to key injuries. The Braves might seek temporary fixes or hold onto prospects for future seasons, depending on their long-term strategy.
Other Notable Teams
The **Minnesota Twins** (9th) are looking to acquire a starting pitcher but face financial constraints. Their top starters, **Joe Ryan** and **Simeon Woods Richardson**, have been reliable this season.
The **Kansas City Royals** (10th) have shown signs of improvement post-All-Star break. They acquired reliever **Hunter Harvey** but still need another arm in the bullpen and a middle-order bat.
The **Boston Red Sox** (11th) are in playoff contention but under ownership that has tightened payroll. They could add starting pitching, relievers, or a right-handed hitter if they make moves.
The **Seattle Mariners** (12th) need offensive upgrades. They are potentially targeting big bats like **Luis Robert Jr.**, **Cody Bellinger**, **Brent Rooker**, or **Vladimir Guerrero Jr.**.
The **San Diego Padres** (13th) could use another starting pitcher due to limited starts from **Joe Musgrove** and **Yu Darvish**. Their recent performance might push them into making moves.
The **Arizona Diamondbacks** (14th) got a boost with **Jordan Montgomery**’s return from the IL. Their bullpen holds a high ERA, making it a likely area for upgrades.
The **St. Louis Cardinals** (15th) are likely to work on margins to bolster their wild-card chances. They could find room for a hitter, starter, or reliever without making bold moves.
MLB Player Props: Best Bets for Friday, July 26
The article from **Newsweek** discusses the best MLB player prop bets for Friday, July 26, highlighting three specific players and their potential to hit home runs based on recent performance and matchups.
Tyler O’Neill: Home Run Potential
**Tyler O’Neill** is a strong candidate to hit a home run, with odds at +390 on FanDuel. O’Neill has hit four home runs in the past week and has impressive advanced metrics, including a barrel rate of 23% and a fly-ball rate of 52.9%. He is facing **Nestor Cortes**, who struggles more against right-handed hitters.
Bryce Harper: Power at the Plate
**Bryce Harper** has odds of +400 on Caesars to hit a home run. Harper has hit two home runs in the past week and has a strong home ISO rate of .316. He is facing **Ben Lively**, who allows high exit velocities and hard-hit rates, making this a favorable matchup for Harper.
Juan Soto: Consistent Power
**Juan Soto** has odds of +420 on FanDuel to hit a home run. Soto has hit three home runs in the past week and has the fourth-best ISO rate at .289. He is facing **Brayan Bello**, who has been struggling recently, making this a good opportunity for Soto.
Conclusion
The past week in MLB has been filled with significant developments, from trade rumors and power rankings to player performances. Teams are making strategic moves as the trade deadline approaches, aiming to strengthen their rosters for the remainder of the season. With key players like **Cody Bellinger**, **Jameson Taillon**, and **Bryce Harper** in the spotlight, the coming weeks promise to be exciting for baseball fans.
