All articles tagged with #contending teams
As the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline nears, this guide maps targeted acquisitions for contending clubs—ranging from rotation upgrades (Tarik Skubal, Kevin Gausman, Reid Detmers) to power and versatile bats (Luis Arraez, Lane Thomas, Daulton Varsho) and bullpen depth (Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazobán)—across divisions, illustrating how teams might buy, sell, or hold to maximize their playoff chances.
Micah Parsons has requested a trade from the Cowboys, and while they are unlikely to agree, teams like the Bills, Ravens, and Broncos might consider making a high-stakes offer due to Parsons' impact and potential to help them contend, especially in the AFC.
With the MLB trade deadline seven weeks away, teams are preparing by identifying key needs and potential trade targets, focusing on bolstering their rosters for a playoff push, with most trades expected after the All-Star break.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Los Angeles Angels face a crucial decision regarding Shohei Ohtani, who will become a free agent after the season. While the Angels are still in the wild-card race, trading Ohtani is seen as the smart move given their recent struggles and his desire to join a contender. CBS Sports has ranked the 29 non-Angels teams based on their chances of acquiring Ohtani, with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays among the top contenders. The article also discusses the potential fit and obstacles for each team in acquiring the versatile superstar.
The St. Louis Cardinals, who are approaching the trade deadline as sellers, have expressed interest in acquiring starting pitcher Logan Gilbert from the Seattle Mariners. While there is no indication that the Mariners are willing to trade Gilbert, the Cardinals see him as a valuable addition to their rotation due to his performance and years of club control. The Cardinals are open to trading pitchers like Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Ryan Helsley, and Génesis Cabrera, while Jack Flaherty is already generating interest from other teams. The Cardinals are focused on improving their roster for next year and are unlikely to part with core players like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt.
The future of Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers remains uncertain, with speculation of him leaving the franchise this summer. However, recent developments, including the addition of young talent and the potential re-signing of Jerami Grant, suggest that the Blazers are still focused on building around Lillard and aiming to be contenders. If Lillard were to depart, potential trade targets could include Jaylen Brown and Pascal Siakam, but Lillard himself is signed with the Blazers until 2026-27.
Jim Bowden's big board of 100 potential trade targets for contending teams includes Braves' catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who is valuable to the team as a clutch hitter and insurance for injuries to catcher Sean Murphy and/or DH Marcell Ozuna. However, the Braves are unlikely to trade him due to his leadership in the clubhouse, lack of glaring needs, and his ability to crush lefties and serve as insurance for the All-Star catcher.
Despite some struggles from top AFC quarterbacks and roster changes, the conference still boasts impressive QB talent and contending teams. The Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills are established title contenders, while the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars make up the next wave. A massive middle-class glut includes the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders. The Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans are on the bottom and could be dueling for the same QB prospects in the upcoming draft.