Five MLB Teams That Need to Move Early in the Trade Market

The MLB trade deadline is set for July 31. Most teams wait until the final days to make their moves, often to gather more information or gain leverage in negotiations. This season, that approach could prove costly. With tight wild-card races and competitive division battles across both leagues, a few weeks of added production might make the difference between a playoff run and a near miss.

Here are five teams that should act sooner rather than later.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have remained in the playoff race, but their offense continues to lag behind expectations. Even after adding Andrew Knizer, Daniel Johnson, and Dominic Smith, San Francisco ranks below league average with a 90 wRC+ since the start of May. This underwhelming production is holding back one of baseball’s most effective pitching staffs.

Despite the issues at the plate, the Giants are keeping pace with the Dodgers and Padres. Their World Series odds have shortened since Opening Day and FanDuel currently lists them at +1000 to win the division. If they want to stay in the hunt, the lineup needs reinforcements.

Matt Chapman’s recent hand injury only adds to the concern. Second base remains a clear hole, and relying on Dominic Smith to hold down first base long-term is risky. His 86 OPS+ since 2021 shows limited offensive upside.

Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ryan McMahon all make sense as early trade targets if Buster Posey is ready to act decisively. San Francisco’s pitching deserves the support.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have the second-best record and best run differential in the National League. Their offense and bullpen have been consistent, but the rotation is a concern. That was true even before losing Justin Steele for the year.

Since May 1, Chicago ranks 20th in rotation ERA. They are 16th in K-BB%, which offers some encouragement, and their FIP sits inside the top 10. Still, the group lacks depth, and Shota Imanaga has made only eight starts so far.

With a five-game lead in the division, it may not seem urgent. But the race for a top two seed and a first-round playoff bye is fierce. The Cubs need to keep pace with the Dodgers and Braves. They cannot afford to wait. Merrill Kelly, Michael Wacha, and Yusei Kikuchi are all potential targets who would solidify the rotation.

Philadelphia Phillies

For a team with postseason aspirations, the Phillies have a serious bullpen problem. Since May 7, they rank 23rd in bullpen ERA, 24th in FIP, and 29th in groundball rate. These issues have contributed directly to losses in recent weeks, and they cannot afford to continue without reinforcements.

The Phillies are already in the heart of the wild-card battle. If they wait, they risk slipping further behind. José Alvarado is suspended and unavailable for the postseason. Jordan Romano has a 57 ERA+, and Carlos Hernández owns a 5.06 FIP. The need is obvious.

They could aim high and pursue a controllable arm, or they could make multiple mid-tier upgrades. Either way, the urgency is real, and the market has options. Waiting has burned the Phillies before. They need to act early.

Seattle Mariners

Seattle has hovered around league average offensively since early May. The production at first base and third base has been a particular issue, with a 90 wRC+ and 80 wRC+ respectively over that stretch.

The Mariners’ pitching remains elite, but the offense must improve. Rowdy Tellez, Ben Williamson, and Donovan Solano have not delivered enough. Injuries to Bryce Miller and Logan Gilbert have tested the rotation depth, and the lineup has not done enough to compensate.

At just three games back in the AL West, Seattle is still within striking distance. However, a 6–14 stretch has raised alarm bells. If they fall further, buying may no longer be wise.

O’Hearn, Lowe, and McMahon all fit their needs. So do Josh Naylor, Rhys Hoskins, and Eugenio Suárez. The front office needs to act quickly if it wants to keep pace with Houston.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, going 21–10 with the third-best wRC+ and fifth-best bullpen ERA since May 1. Despite that surge, they remain flawed in key areas.

Their starting rotation owns a bottom-10 ERA and the fourth-worst FIP since early May. Left field and designated hitter continue to underperform. The trade for Andrés Giménez has yet to make an impact. Anthony Santander has disappointed. Questions remain despite the recent success.

Toronto holds the top wild-card spot at the time of writing and clearly plans to contend after extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They cannot afford to rely solely on internal improvement.

Brendan Donovan, Taylor Ward, Gavin Lux, Harrison Bader, and Andrew McCutchen are all potential upgrades on the position player side. On the mound, Wacha, Seth Lugo, Tyler Mahle, Chris Paddack, and Trevor Williams could be targets.

Final Thoughts

Waiting until late July is standard, but for these five teams, moving early could be the difference between contending and chasing. The margins are razor thin this year. The best front offices will recognize the opportunity and act before the market tightens. Every win matters. Especially the ones you can buy in June.