Trade Deadline – Who are the Buyers – Who are the Sellers

Posted by John Friend on Jul 21st, 2012

As the July 31 trade deadline nears, MLB teams are scrambling, attempting to figure out if they will be sellers, buyers or neither for the 2012 season. Many teams have already made it known what their intentions will be, but there are a number of teams that are still trying to figure their 2012 fate out.

More teams are undecided on what path to take at the deadline than ever before, due mostly to an extra wild card spot available this season. Several teams that were predicted to be forces again in 2012 are hovering around the .500 mark and still feel they can make a jump in the standings.

The next 10 days will be crucial for the “undecided” teams to attempt to figure out what they will do come July 31. Teams such as the Marlins, Brewers, Phillies and Diamondbacks have plenty of time in the season left to turn their seasons around, but also have valuable trade pieces if they decide to be sellers.

With an extra wild card spot added, a ton of parity and the changes in changes in compensatory picks, teams are wary of trading top prospects for rental players, as they should be. There will be rumors surrounding big named players such as Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke, but a team is not likely to give up multiple top prospects for a three month rental player, unless they are truly close to winning a World Series.

Undecided Teams

Marlins (44-49)- After spending boatloads of money in the offseason, the Marlins have yet to play up to the standards that were expected. If the Marlins do not put together a winning streak soon, it seems as if almost all names on the roster will be subjected to trade talk. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Hanley Ramirez, Heath Bell, Josh Johnson, Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez have been all been discussed in trade talk to this point.

Phillies (41-53)- 13 games behind the division-leading Nationals, the Phillies would seem to be out of contention this season. But, with as talented of a team that Philadelphia has, they have not decided to be sellers just yet and is a smart move. According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick and Placido Polanco would all be available if the team decides to be sellers.

Brewers (44-48)- Milwaukee is not having the type of season they envisioned so far in 2012, but all hope is not lost as this team can still make a run. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the club recently offered Zack Greinke a five year extension worth up to $112.5 million. Greinke has still not accepted the deal and could be dealt at the deadline if the Brewers decide to sell.

Diamondbacks (45-48) -After winning the division in 2011, the Diamondbacks have not played great this season, but are still within striking distance. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Justin Upton will be traded, it is just a matter of time. Arizona is looking for a shortstop and third baseman in return.

Three of the four teams above were playoff teams in 2011 and the Marlins were predicted to be there in 2012. All four teams have major talent and one or any combination of them decide to sell, it could change the current market completely.

Below is a breakdown of what teams are predicted to buy and sell at this year’s deadline. In the coming days, we will have updates on all of them.