PhoenixOn Thursday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks kicked off the trade deadline festivities by acquiring two pitching prospects.
The D-backs are likely to make headlines again before the July 31 deadline.
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With a 50-53 record and a dismal season, Arizona presently seems to be among the most aggressive sellers on the MLB market, hanging onto starting pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen as well as third baseman Eugenio Surez.
Teams attempting to bolster their squads in anticipation of a deep playoff run, such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers, are among the prospective purchasers.
The market is rapidly heating up. On Friday, the Yankees will play the Rockies, while the Orioles will play the Orioles.
Due to management’s difficult decision to either acquire or sell, the D-backs have been among baseball’s most interesting teams in recent weeks. After sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals after the All-Star break, Arizona had a 50-50 record; however, the Houston Astros swept them next.
Although Arizona general manager Mike Hazen stated he is still open to adjusting their strategy, the three losses seemed to solidify their fate as sellers.
“I hope this group keeps going out there and playing,” Hazen stated. To be honest, I haven’t chosen how it will look. I’m open-minded on a variety of topics. To put it plainly, we are listening to what people have to say and offering, and we will act in the best interests of this organization in the long run.
The Seattle squad, which could use a little more punch, will benefit from Naylor’s departure. Su rez is undoubtedly the best bat available and is having one of his best seasons ever, hitting 36 home runs in 101 games.
As teams strive to make last-minute additions, here are a few of the best players that might be available:
Eugenio Surez, Arizona Diamondbacks, third base
Even though Suarez is currently only a mediocre defensive third baseman, organizations still want to sign him. His bat has the kind of pop from the right side of the plate that can keep a club going for weeks at a time. He is popular in the locker room, has hit 312 home runs in his career, and has a.300 average in his few postseason at-bats.
Pittsburgh Pirates SP Mitch Keller
The rise of teenage sensation Paul Skenes has eclipsed 29-year-old Keller in the Pirates’ rotation, but the right-hander has been a consistent starter for the last four seasons and was named an All-Star in 2023. The hitch is that the Pirates will need to make a significant haul because he is signed to a five-year, reasonably priced contract worth $77 million through 2028.
The Kansas City Royals’ Seth Lugo, SP
Over the last three seasons, Lugo has flourished in Kanas City, rising from the bullpen to the starting rotation and producing reliable outcomes. With 19 starts this season, the 2024 All-Star has a 7-5 record and a 2.95 ERA.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen, SP
With a 7-11 record and a 5.58 ERA, Gallen is having the worst season of his career, but he might still be a desirable addition to a team in need of a starter. The 29-year-old right-hander placed in the top 10 of the Cy Young vote in 2020, 2022, and 2023, making him one of the National League’s best pitchers over the last five years. He has had a few strong starts this season, and his stuff is still good.
Merrill Kelly, SP, Diamondbacks of Arizona
With a 9-5 record and 3.32 ERA, the 36-year-old right-hander has quietly been among baseball’s most reliable pitchers. He also had a 3-1 record, 2.25 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 24 innings during the 2023 D-backs’ postseason run. Although Kelly doesn’t have a powerful fastball, her five-pitch mix has been effective time and time again.
The Miami Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara, SP
Alcantara, a 29-year-old right-hander, still has a lot of potential even though he isn’t the same guy that won the 2022 NL Cy Young Award. In a victory over the Padres on Wednesday, he allowed just one unearned run in seven innings, which might increase his worth. With a 3.48 ERA over 17 starts, his rotation partner Edward Cabrera, another right-hander, may potentially draw notice.
Ryan O’Hearn, Baltimore Orioles, 1B/DH
With a career-high.281 average,.375 on-base percentage, and 14 home runs, the 31-year-old is making his first appearance on the All-Star team. In a contender’s lineup, his left-handed bat might be helpful.
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