Identifying All 30 MLB Teams as a Buyer or Seller Entering 'Deadline Month'

In the MLB, the beginning of July means the beginning of the busiest trade rumors season this side of the winter meetings.

While things are still far from sorted out in each division, we now have a clearer picture of who is in a position to contend this season and who needs to start thinking about next year and on down the road.

So here is my take on whether each MLB team will be a buyer or seller at the deadline, as well as a quick overview of their individual needs and/or trade chips as we move ever closer to the July 31 trade deadline.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Record: 39-40 (third in NL West)

Games Back (Division): 5.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 4

Deadline Expectations

The Diamondbacks had the luxury of turning to one of the most MLB-ready prospects in all of baseball in Trevor Bauer when starter Daniel Hudson went down with a season-ending injury. Bauer will likely be a part of the rotation for the remainder of the season.

Offensively, stars Justin Upton and Miguel Montero are finally starting to come around, which could mean a big step forward in the second half. The team could still use an upgrade at third base, but the market will be thin there, as always. 

They could look to add the standard bench bat or arm in the bullpen, but all in all, it's a matter of the team playing to its potential.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Atlanta Braves

Record: 41-38 (third in NL East)

Games Back (Division): 5

Games Back (Wild Card): 2

Deadline Expectations

The Braves have had an up-and-down season, but they are still right in the thick of things in the NL East and for the NL Wild Card.

Losing Brandon Beachy for the season following his Tommy John surgery cuts into their starting pitching depth, and the team is reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of its young starting pitching, including Julio Teheran, if it means adding a proven veteran to their rotation.

The team could also look to add a power bat in the middle of the lineup, potentially in left field, with Martin Prado moving to a super-utility role and selling Chipper Jones at third base.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Baltimore Orioles

Record: 42-37 (second in AL East)

Games Back (Division): 6

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

The Orioles have been the surprise story of the season so far, but they will need to sort out their starting pitching situation if they want to make a serious run at the postseason.

Outside of Jason Hammel (16 GS, 8-4, 3.43 ERA) and Wei-Yin Chen (15 GS, 7-4, 3.73 ERA), the team does not have a starter with an ERA under 5.00. Both Tommy Hunter and Brian Matusz were recently sent down, as the team continues to look for answers.

Chris Tillman (8-8, 3.63 ERA at Triple-A) could get a chance to capture a rotation spot, but either way, the team will need to add at least one arm. However, don't expect them to mortgage any of their top prospects and the future for a chance to win now.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers, but only for the right price.

Boston Red Sox

Record: 42-38 (third in AL East)

Games Back (Division): 6.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 0.5

Deadline Expectations

The Red Sox will benefit greatly from getting All-Star outfielders Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury and closer Andrew Bailey back sometime after the All-Star break.

They have managed to stay in the thick of things despite a tumultuous first half, and regardless of what trades are pulled off, there may be no team that adds as much as the Red Sox will in the second half.

That said, the rotation is still lacking and they could look to add one of the top veteran arms on the market for a potential second-half playoff push.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Chicago Cubs

Record: 30-49 (sixth in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): 14

Games Back (Wild Card): 13

Deadline Expectations

In the first year under the new front office team of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, the Cubs will likely be selling as aggressively as anyone, as the duo continues to try to shape the roster into a winner.

On the pitching side, starters Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are expected to be among the top starters available, and Dempster is a sure bet to be moved.

As far as hitters, the team will look to find a taker for outfielder Alfonso Soriano (15 HR, 46 RBI) while he is once again producing, even if it means eating most of his contract. All-Star Bryan LaHair could also be shopped, while role players like Reed Johnson, David DeJesus and Jeff Baker could all be traded as well.

Buyers or Sellers? Aggressive sellers

Chicago White Sox

Record: 42-37 (first in AL Central)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

Many expected the White Sox to begin the rebuilding process this season, including the White Sox themselves, to a point, as they traded outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Padres in the offseason.

Instead, they have emerged as the class of the AL Central, with the Tigers struggling and the Indians still not quite there. As a result, a team expected to sell will likely be on the offensive at the deadline.

They filled the gaping hole at third base by acquiring Kevin Youkilis, but they could still stand to add an arm to their rotation. John Danks will be back from injury at some point, but overall ineffectiveness by Phil Humber and Gavin Floyd is reason enough to consider bolstering the rotation.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Cincinnati Reds

Record: 44-35 (first in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): 1

Deadline Expectations

They haven't been spectacular, but the Reds have played well enough to currently rank first in the NL Central, and they really are without any glaring holes.

Four of the five pitchers in the starting rotation have ERAs over 4.00, but all are under 5.00 and have been pitching better of late.

The left field situation with Ryan Ludwick (.237 BA, 11 HR, 33 RBI) and Chris Heisey (.260 BA, 2 HR, 16 RBI) could use upgrading, but is not a necessity. They'll likely kick the tires on some relievers and could stand to add one, but they really only need to perform up to expectations with their current roster to make the playoffs.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers, but with no clear need.

Cleveland Indians

Record: 40-39 (second in AL Central)

Games Back (Division): 2

Games Back (Wild Card): 2

Deadline Expectations

The Indians pulled off the surprise blockbuster at the deadline last season when they dealt a package of four top prospects to the Rockies for Ubaldo Jimenez.

They likely won't be as aggressive this season, not for lack of need or team potential, but simply because their farm system doesn't have the horses to pull off another mega deal.

The team could use an offensive upgrade, perhaps in the form of a corner outfielder who could also play some DH. Both Josh Willingham and Jeff Francoeur would make sense and will likely be available, but both would mark an inter-division trade.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Colorado Rockies

Record: 30-49 (fifth in NL West)

Games Back (Division): 14.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 13

Deadline Expectations

A complete and utter lack of starting pitching, coupled with a nagging injury to superstar Troy Tulowitzki, has made the first half of 2012 an absolute disaster for the Rockies.

Offseason signings Michael Cuddyer and Ramon Hernandez could both be of interest to a contender, but Hernandez is nursing a hand injury, and the asking price for Cuddyer could be high.

Closer Rafael Betancourt is the type of veteran arm contenders covet, and infielder Marco Scutaro may well be the best middle infielder on the market this season. They have some movable pieces and could be aggressive sellers as a result.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

Detroit Tigers

Record: 39-41 (third in AL Central)

Games Back (Division): 3.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 3.5

Deadline Expectations

The most disappointing team of the first half has to be the Tigers, as they were viewed as World Series contenders following the signing of Prince Fielder, yet they're a game under .500.

The offense has been solid, and with Austin Jackson healthy again they should only be better moving forward, but the pitching staff needs some work.

Outside of Justin Verlander, the rotation has been hit-and-miss, and the team will likely look to add a veteran starter. Keeping Doug Fister healthy—just nine starts this season—would be a good first step. The Matt Garza to the Tigers rumors were one of the hottest of the winter, and they could be revisited.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Houston Astros

Record: 32-48 (fifth in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): 12.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 11.5

Deadline Expectations

Rarely has a team with a 32-48 record exceeded expectations, but that's exactly what the Astros have done. Most expected them to be hands-down the worst team in baseball as they begin a full-scale rebuilding.

That said, they'll still look to peddle their remaining veterans at the deadline, and they could net a decent return in the process.

First baseman Carlos Lee is not the hitter he used to be, but the market is thin on power bats, and he should generate some interest as a result. Meanwhile, Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez could both make a significant impact for a contender, although the price tag for Rodriguez will likely be high once again.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

Kansas City Royals

Record: 36-42 (fourth in AL Central)

Games Back (Division): 5.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 5.5

Deadline Expectations

The Royals have been a bit of a disappointment this season, largely due to the ineffectiveness of their patchwork starting rotation.

Their solid young core continues to improve, but the arrivals of top pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery and recently drafted Kyle Zimmer can't come soon enough.

Offseason acquisition Jonathan Sanchez is a free-agent-to-be and could represent a low-cost option on the trade market, while Jeff Francoeur is perhaps the team's best trade chip if they decide to move him. Even Yuniesky Betancourt could be of some interest in a market with virtually no middle infielders.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

Los Angeles Angels

Record: 45-35 (second in AL West)

Games Back (Division): 5

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

After a slow start, the Angels are as hot as any team in baseball entering July, and they are finally playing like the World Series contenders most people thought they'd be after their offseason spending spree.

The addition of Ernesto Frieri, who has yet to allow an earned run in 24.1 innings of work and is a perfect 10-of-10 on save chances, has solved the Angels' bullpen woes, which ranked as their biggest concern.

Once Chris Iannetta returns from wrist surgery, the lineup will have no glaring holes. The rotation is healthy, and Garrett Richards has stepped up as a reliable fifth starter. All in all, there's not a whole lot the Angels need to do moving forward aside from continuing to play well and staying healthy.

Buyers or Sellers? Neither

Los Angeles Dodgers

Record: 44-37 (second in NL West)

Games Back (Division): 1.5

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

Despite a lengthy injury to superstar outfielder Matt Kemp and various other injuries up an down the lineup that have stretched the team to the limits, the Dodgers have continued to play good baseball for the most part (they were 1-6 last week). 

That said, they have a number of areas of need and will be aggressive in trying to fill them at the deadline with new ownership ready to build a winner.

The team has a big hole at third base, needs another starter, has a somewhat thin bullpen and is in serious need of a right-handed bat. With so many needs and a willingness to deal, the Dodgers could be the deadline's most aggressive team.

Buyers or Sellers? Aggressive buyers

Miami Marlins

Record: 38-41 (fourth in NL East)

Games Back (Division): 8

Games Back (Wild Card): 5

Deadline Expectations

The Marlins have fallen short of expectations so far this season, after they shelled out big-time money to bring in Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell in the offseason.

The pitching has been solid, and Bell has turned things around after a terrible start, but the offense still needs another bat.

An All-Star last season, Gaby Sanchez (.194 BA) has been a hole at first base this year. In the end, the team will likely stand pat and could even look to deal free-agent-to-be Anibal Sanchez.

Buyers or Sellers? If anything, sellers—but likely neither.

Milwaukee Brewers

Record: 37-42 (fourth in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): 7

Games Back (Wild Card): 6

Deadline Expectations

The Brewers have struggled in the wake of Prince Fielder's departure, and they have perhaps the biggest decision of any team regarding whether or not they become sellers.

If they do decide to sell, they could hold the biggest trade chip on the market in Zack Greinke. Granted, he won't want to pitch for a team in a major market, but there are still a number of teams who would pay an arm and a leg to acquire the Brewers ace.

Aside from Greinke, the team could look to deal reliever Francisco Rodriguez, starter Shaun Marcum and even some smaller pieces like Jose Veras and George Kottaras if someone were interested.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers, but for major league-ready talent in the case of Greinke, as they won't want a long rebuild.

Minnesota Twins

Record: 34-45 (fifth in AL Central)

Games Back (Division): 8

Games Back (Wild Card): 8

Deadline Expectations

To put it bluntly, the Twins have been terrible this season—their pitching in particular has been horrendous—as they looked destined for another last place division finish.

The duo of Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano will likely be made available, but seeing as both have ERAs north of 5.00, they won't garner much interest. Closer Matt Capps could net a decent return, although nothing comparable to what they gave up to get him in the first place (Nationals C Wilson Ramos).

Their best trade chip would be outfielder Josh Willingham, who they signed to a three-year, $21 million deal this past offseason. The trade market is thin on hitters, but either way their asking price will likely be high for the slugger.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

New York Mets

Record: 43-37 (second in NL East)

Games Back (Division): 3.5

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

If you had asked me at the beginning of the year, I would have guessed the Mets would be actively shopping free-agent-to-be David Wright by this time.

Instead, they have been one of the best teams in the National League. They look to be the real deal with a terrific starting rotation and resurgent season from Wright.

They need bullpen help, as Frank Francisco is not a contending team's closer and is suffering through an oblique injury to boot. The team could also use a right-handed power bat or for Wright to regain his power stroke. Either way, expect them to go after a top reliever or two if nothing else.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

New York Yankees

Record: 48-31 (first in AL East)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

The Yankees entered the offseason with starting pitching as their biggest question, and they enter July with the same glaring issue.

With Michael Pineda's season over before it started, Andy Pettitte now shelved with a fractured ankle and CC Sabathia nursing a groin injury, there is no question the Yankees will look to add a starter or two.

They have identified Matt Garza as their preferred target, but they could also take a look at Ryan Dempster, Wandy Rodriguez and possibly even guys like Cole Hamels or Zack Greinke if they're made available.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Oakland Athletics

Record: 39-42 (third in AL West)

Games Back (Division): 11.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 4

Deadline Expectations

After selling off Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill in the offseason for a bevy of prospects, it would make absolutely no sense for the A's to be buyers at this point.

That said, they've played decent baseball this season, thanks in large part to a great pitching staff that has a combined 3.52 ERA to rank sixth in all of baseball.

Veteran setup man Grant Balfour is likely on the move, and someone like Jonny Gomes could be of interest to someone looking to add some pop. The biggest question is whether they move ace Brandon McCarthy or are planning on extending him, as he'll be a free agent at season's end.

Buyers or Sellers?: Sellers

Philadelphia Phillies

Record: 36-45 (fifth in NL East)

Games Back (Division): 11

Games Back (Wild Card): 8

Deadline Expectations

The Phillies could be the wild card of the deadline, as they have a big decision to make that will not only affect this season but the franchise moving forward.

On one hand, they could hope for a strong second-half push with the recent return of Chase Utley and impending returns of Ryan Howard and Roy Halladay. Perhaps they could even look to add some low-cost pieces to make a serious run, as their core certainly isn't getting any younger.

Or, they could put Cole Hamels on the block and reap the prospect reward of dealing one of the game's best pitchers, a pitcher they could lose anyway after the season, when many feel he'll sign with the Dodgers. Shane Victorino is also set to hit free agency and could also fetch a solid return if he were dealt.

Buyers or Sellers? Biggest question mark of any team. In the end, I think they hold on to their pieces and look to make a run with their superstars on the mend.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 43-36 (second in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): 1

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

The Pirates made a similar run at contention last season and were active at the deadline in acquiring the veteran bats of Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick.

This year, their pitching staff has been nothing short of phenomenal, but they only have one legitimate offensive threat in Andrew McCutchen.

They have a deep enough farm system that they could pull the trigger on deals for a guy like Carlos Quentin and still hold onto their top-tier prospects. Expect them to make a serious run at an impact bat, although those are few and far between this year.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

San Diego Padres

Record: 31-50 (fourth in NL West)

Games Back (Division): 14.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 13

Deadline Expectations

Despite their awful record and combined .233 team batting average, the Padres hold two of the biggest offensive trade chips on the market this year.

Outfielder Carlos Quentin didn't make his season debut until May 28, but he's shown the same terrific power than made him an All-Star in Chicago. He's likely to be the biggest bat on the market and the Padres could make a solid score on a player they flip after half a season.

The other bat belongs to third baseman Chase Headley. Under team control through 2014, the Padres don't need to trade Headley, but his value is incredibly high right now. Someone could make them an offer they can't refuse. 

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

San Francisco Giants

Record: 45-35 (first in NL West)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

The Giants pulled off the robbery of the offseason when they dealt Jonathan Sanchez to the Royals for Melky Cabrera, as he has given the offense a much-needed boost. The return of Buster Posey has helped as well, and while they still have holes, the offense is improved as a whole.

Up the middle, the duo of Ryan Theriot and Brandon Crawford is not going to scare anyone offensively and is not nearly good enough defensively to make up for it.

Someone like Marco Scutaro would be a major upgrade, and the team could look to add some sort of offense off the bench as well, as they currently have none.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Seattle Mariners

Record: 35-47 (fourth in AL West)

Games Back (Division): 16

Games Back (Wild Card): 8.5

Deadline Expectations

If the Mariners could hop in a time machine and move forward two or three years, they undoubtedly would, as they have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. They could produce a number of future stars in Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, Nick Franklin, Mike Zunino and James Paxton.

However, the team on the field right now is going nowhere fast. They have begun to infuse the lineup with some young talent in guys like Kyle Seager, Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak, and at the end of the day they don't have much in the way of tradeable pieces.

Former closer-turned-setup man Brandon League is in the final year of his contract and could be of interest to someone, and veteran Kevin Millwood is having a solid season. Don't expect much noise from Seattle one way or another before the deadline, though.

Buyers or Sellers? Sellers

St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 42-38 (third in NL Central)

Games Back (Division): 2.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 1.5

Deadline Expectations

Despite a myriad of injuries to key players, the Cardinals remain near the top of the NL Central, and you can't say enough about what Carlos Beltran (.308 BA, 20 HR, 63 RBI) and Lance Lynn (10-4, 3.62 ERA) have meant to the team this year.

Their lineup is fine as is and will only get better once Lance Berkman returns from injury, but their pitching staff could be cause for concern moving forward.

Already without Chris Carpenter, the team recently lost Jaime Garcia for an extended period of time to a shoulder injury. Joe Kelly has pitched well in four starts, but the team will likely go after a reliable No. 5 starter at the deadline to provide some depth, if nothing else.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Tampa Bay Rays

Record: 42-38 (fourth in AL East)

Games Back (Division): 6.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 0.5

Deadline Expectations

The Rays offense has been woefully bad this season, yet they remain in contention thanks to their great pitching staff.

Getting Evan Longoria back will be a big step in rectifying that problem, but the team still has gaping holes at shortstop and catcher.

Whether or not a better option at either of those positions will present itself on the trade market remains to be seen, but if they can come up with a cheap option to plug in at either position and hit over .225, it'd be an upgrade.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers, if they can manage to find anyone at their positions of need for relatively cheap.

Texas Rangers

Record: 50-30 (first in AL West)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

The Rangers have been hit hard by injuries to their pitching staff, as Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Neftali Feliz, Alexi Ogando, Koji Uehara and Mark Lowe are all currently on the disabled list.

That has made the signing of Roy Oswalt that much more significant, and the team has had the luxury of moving Scott Feldman back to the rotation from the bullpen and calling up top prospect Martin Perez to fill out the rotation for the time being.

In the end, the team could still look to add a low-cost veteran for some insurance and also a bat off the bench for the postseason, as they are incredibly thin beyond their starting nine.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 40-40 (fifth in AL East)

Games Back (Division): 8.5

Games Back (Wild Card): 2.5

Deadline Expectations

Much like the Rangers, and to a certain extent worse so, the Blue Jays' starting rotation has been decimated by injuries. Brandon Morrow, Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison are all on the DL.

Where it gets worse for them is that Drabek and Hutchison are likely out for the rest of the season, and instead of someone like Roy Oswalt or even Scott Feldman to step in, they've turned to the likes of Carlos Villanueva and Aaron Laffey to bridge the gap.

The Blue Jays have an incredibly deep farm system, and there should be a player for one of the top arms available on the market as they look to snatch someone out from under the division rival Red Sox and Yankees, who are also in the market for a front-line starter.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers

Washington Nationals

Record: 45-32 (first in NL East)

Games Back (Division): zero

Games Back (Wild Card): zero

Deadline Expectations

On the back of their phenomenal starting rotation and the unexpected contributions of some youngsters like Bryce Harper and Steve Lombardozzi, the Nationals have been perhaps the most consistently good team in the National League.

With Lombardozzi and Harper shoring up left field and center field, respectively, the team has no glaring need on offense. And with a 3.19 team ERA that ranks tops in all of baseball, their pitching staff is clearly solid as is.

At the end of the day, they'll likely look to add some end-of-the-bench guys and perhaps another arm to help deal with the eventual shutdown of Stephen Strasburg (assuming that still happens), but there may not be a more complete team on paper right now than the Nationals.

Buyers or Sellers? Buyers if something intriguing presents itself, but not out of necessity.