If you’re reading this, yes, the MLB trade deadline is still happening. Despite a heavy lack of movement to this point, there are expected to be several trades between now and 6 p.m. ET on Monday.
The lack of action so far, while slightly shocking, is largely owed to how competitive both the American League and National League have been through the All-Star break.
At the end of play on Tuesday, six teams in the AL were within 5 1/2 games of the third and final wild-card spot, while three of those clubs were 1 1/2 games or fewer back. Both the AL Central and West also don’t have clearly defined frontrunners.
The same goes for the NL side of things, where six teams ended Tuesday within 5 1/2 games or fewer of that final wild-card spot.
Which is to say, outside of the usual suspects (Rockies, Angels, Royals, Giants and Mets), almost every team was still within reach, blurring the lines between buyers and sellers. Clarity should be imminent, and that’s where we come in.
Welcome to The Athletic’s MLB trade deadline Big Board, a collection of 60 players who could move between now and Monday’s deadline. This is the final installment of three Big Boards we’ve published.
