MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Front-Office Execs Under Pressure, And What Can They Do?

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Front Office Executives Under Pressure and Their Possible Moves

As July 31 approaches, teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) are gearing up for the trade deadline. For those in the front office of teams vying for a playoff spot, this is a crucial time. One or two strategic moves could be the key to a successful postseason run, while inaction could lead to disappointment if expectations aren’t met. Here are five MLB executives feeling the heat as they prepare for the trade deadline:

Philadelphia Phillies

Exec on the hot seat: Dave Dombrowski (President of Baseball Operations)

Biggest team need: More bullpen help

This is the year for Dave Dombrowski to go all-in for the Phillies. Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are entering the final year of their contracts, while Zack Wheeler is nearing retirement at age 35. Nick Castellanos is set to become a free agent after 2026, and Bryce Harper, now 32, is in the seventh year of his 13-year contract, carrying significant wear and tear since debuting at 19 in 2012. With his recent injuries and a . 90 jilibet881 OPS marking his lowest since 2016, maximizing the roster talent through aggressive trades is crucial.

Moreover, relief help is essential since right-handed reliever Jose Alvarado will not be eligible to pitch in the postseason following an 80-game PED suspension. The Phillies’ bullpen ranks 25th in the league with an ERA of 4.55 jiligames login. After signing 40-year-old free-agent reliever David Robertson, the question remains: is this enough? Dombrowski must act boldly to elevate the Phillies’ chances for October success.

Seattle Mariners

Exec on the hot seat: Jerry Dipoto (President of Baseball Operations)

Biggest team needs: First base, outfield

Since taking charge in 2016, Jerry Dipoto has seen the Mariners reach the playoffs only once, back in 2022. Following a rebuilding phase, the team now has a playoff-caliber roster and one of the top farm systems in the MLB. However, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with recent roster decisions that have not yielded a World Series appearance.

With catcher Cal Raleigh showing incredible form and leading the league in home runs, the Mariners are in position to contend. Having won five of their last six games, including a sweep of the Detroit Tigers, the team is capable of making a deep playoff run. If the ownership wants a playoff appearance, a cautious approach may prevail, but an impactful trade could shift the balance in Seattle’s favor.

Chicago Cubs

Exec on the hot seat: Jed Hoyer (President of Baseball Operations)

Biggest team need: Pitching

The Cubs’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker during the offseason sparked significant expectations, and as they sit firmly in first place in the NL Central, it’s clear they are not a fluke. With Tucker, a two-time All-Star, leading their offensive charge, the Cubs need to ensure they maintain this momentum heading into the playoffs, given their 96% chance of qualification according to FanGraphs.

Jed Hoyer faces immense pressure to keep the winning streak alive as Tucker is set to hit free agency soon. tongits go rewards The Cubs have a solid offense but require pitching reinforcements. The return of southpaw Shota Imanaga is a step in the right direction, but if Hoyer can pull off an impactful trade, it could bolster their chances of reaching the World Series for the first time since 2016.

Boston Red Sox

Exec on the hot seat: Craig Breslow (President of Baseball Operations)

Biggest team needs: First base, rotation

Having struggled after the All-Star break in previous seasons, the Red Sox need to make significant moves to avoid repeating past mistakes. After two disappointing losses to the Chicago Cubs, Breslow must ensure the team remains competitive. Despite first base being a persistent need due to Triston Casas’ injury, the Red Sox are getting decent production from the combination of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro.

However, the starting rotation has faltered, with Walker Buehler struggling and Hunter Dobbins out for the season. Upgrading the pitching staff is essential, but adding a big bat to solidify first base would also be beneficial. Breslow must take decisive action and not rely on past acquisitions that did not pan out well, as the team strives for a playoff run.

Toronto Blue Jays

Execs on the hot seat: Mark Shapiro (Team President) and Ross Atkins (General Manager)

Biggest team needs: Pitching, pitching, pitching

With both Shapiro and Atkins facing pressure as their contracts nearing expiration, there is speculation surrounding their futures. 55 bmw online casino The Blue Jays are showing promise as they lead a competitive AL East, but if they don’t make significant moves now, when will they? The team’s pitching staff is ranked 25th in ERA, which poses a significant challenge for a franchise looking to contend seriously for a championship.

The extension of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 20jili.ph illustrates the team’s commitment to winning, but they need to bolster their rotation with reliable pitchers. With the right moves, the Blue Jays can solidify their position and potentially make a deep playoff run.

Deesha Thosar is a reporter and columnist covering Major League Baseball for FOX Sports. Previously, she reported for the New York Daily News, focusing on the Mets. Born to Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and currently resides in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.

What strategies do you think these executives should pursue before the trade deadline?