\n\tWith the July 31st trade deadline looming on the horizon, urgency will begin to mount for many Major League Baseball teams. While some clubs are firmly entrenched in playoff contention and will be looking to bolster their rosters, there is a distinct group already facing the reality of a lost season. So, who are the likely sellers from the National League? What valuable assets might they put on the market, and how could the Toronto Blue Jays leverage these opportunities to their advantage? Let’s delve into the teams poised to ignite the hot stove and the potential impact on the Blue Jays\u2019\u00a0 playoff aspirations.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tColorado Rockies \n\tMiami Marlins \n\tPittsburgh Pirates \n\tTwins’ Needs
The Rockies are on pace for all sorts of records – and not in a good way. The Rockies don’t have much in the form of rentals, with starters German M\u00e1rquez (6.62 ERA) and Austin Gomber<\/a> (just returned from a shoulder injury) the only expiring deals, but that’s not to say they don’t have trade chips. Most notably, I anticipate many teams will be calling about starter Kyle Freeland<\/a> (controlled through 2026) and third baseman Ryan McMahon<\/a> (controlled through 2027). Freeland\u2019s surface numbers are heavily inflated by pitching in Coors. On the road, the lefty has a 3.64 ERA (3.31 FIP) and a 14.6% strikeout minus walk rate. Concerning McMahon, Bob Nightengale of USA Today<\/a> has reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have already shown interest in the 30-year-old. Like Freeland, McMahon\u2019s surface stats are also impacted by Coors – a .739 OPS overall drops by nearly 200 points on the road. Other less notable names that could be available are infielders Thairo Estrada<\/a> and Kyle Farmer<\/a>, who both have mutual options for 2026.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Marlins are 15 games under .500 and well outside of the playoff picture. However, they are the youngest team in Major League Baseball, which makes it a challenge to know how much they’re willing to sell. Kyle Stowers<\/a>, Connor Norby<\/a>, and Agust\u00edn Ram\u00edrez<\/a> have all been great, but they’re also in their pre-arbitration years. Would the rebuilding Marlins really sell what looks to be a solid core of hitters? I doubt it. On the other hand, starting pitchers Cal Quantrill<\/a> (a free agent at season’s end) and Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara (controllable through 2026) could be attractive \u201cbuy low\u201d options at the deadline. Quantrill has an ERA minus FIP of 1.27 and Alc\u00e1ntara, a former Cy Young award winner, has underperformed his ERA by 2.43 runs. However, both have well below average strikeout minus walk rates, suggesting their upside might be limited with some tweaking of their pitch profiles. The Marlins have gotten some good production out of their bullpen from guys like Ronny Henriquez<\/a>, Janson Junk<\/a>, and Patrick Monteverde<\/a>. While these guys are controllable, it would make sense for the Marlins to listen to offers on any relievers.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Pirates are in a race for second worst team in the NL with the Marlins. There’s been (mostly sarcastic) speculation that they may trade starter Paul Skenes<\/a>, but I don’t think they will do that – for now. Instead, they have a few assets who will likely have a market over the next month and a half. There’s already been rumors floating around<\/a> regarding infielder Isiah Kiner-Faleda, who has a solid (but empty) .714 OPS. Other solid players on expiring deals include outfielders Andrew McCutchen<\/a> and Tommy Pham<\/a>, as well as starter Andrew Heaney<\/a>, and reliever Ryan Burocki. Aside from Burocki, whose peripherals suggest some positive regression, all players have been more than serviceable this season. However, the most valuable realistic trade chip is current closer David Bednar<\/a>, who is controlled through the 2026 season. In 20 appearances, the righty has a 3.42 ERA, 2.14 FIP, and a 29.2% strikeout minus walk rate. He may end up being the most sought after reliever on the market.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Twins’ inconsistent offense continues to drive their up-and-down performance this season, and now they’re dealing with a whole lot of uncertainty from their rotation. With Royce Lewis<\/a>‘ latest injury, a third base solution might be on the shopping list, though Luke Keaschall<\/a>‘s return could offer an internal option and more roster flexibility. Interestingly, second base, despite lacking a clear starter, has been productive, ranking ninth in OPS across MLB. Catcher, however, remains a weakness, but a trade for a new backstop seems unlikely without moving either Jeffers or Vazquez\u2014a tough sell. A full-time designated hitter doesn’t fit the Twins’ current roster design. Offensive improvement is needed, but it likely means trading a current contributor without adding to the payrolls On the pitching side, what was once a potential strength to trade for hitting has become precarious; one more injury )like a Bailey Ober<\/a> hip issue) would put them in a dire situation. And of course, this all overlooks the financial implications.<\/p>\n