The Best-Case Scenarios for Every MLB Team at the Trade Deadline

Although it can't happen, every team wants to come out on top in a potential trade. Over the next few slides, we'll take a look at how each organization can make that happen. 

The MLB trade deadline isn't just for contending teams trying to make last-minute tweaks for the pivotal stretch run. Cellar-dwellers can also use this time to kickstart their rebuilding efforts by flipping veteran assets for promising prospects.

Just a quick glance at the current MLB standings proves how important making shrewd moves at the trade deadline can be. The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs have used previous deadlines to stock up on promising young talent. Now, both teams are in a great position to qualify for the postseason. 

Each team's place in the standings, tradable assets, farm-system depth and organizational state will be taken into account when determining their best-case scenario. 

Let's get started!

Arizona Diamondbacks

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The Diamondbacks may look to improve, but the club needs to lock away its collection of young arms.

Best-Case Scenario: Hold onto young pitching prospects

There may have been some temptation for the Arizona Diamondbacks to buy before the deadline, but general manger Dave Stewart must be realistic about his team's postseason chances in 2015. 

If Stewart does decide to aggressively approach the deadline, it's imperative that he does so without dealing away any of the multitude of young pitching prospects in the organization. Archie Bradley, Patrick Corbin, Robbie Ray, Aaron Blair, Braden Shipley and Yoan Lopez are all highly regarded young hurlers who are either already in the majors or on the cusp of promotion.

If Arizona can improve, great. But a short-term boost can't happen at the expense of the promising pitching talent that's been stockpiled over the last few seasons. 

Atlanta Braves

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Matt Wisler was one of many promising players acquired by the Braves via trade.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire at least one more high-upside prospect 

Atlanta Braves fans have been treated to a glimpse of John Hart's vision for the organization this season. 

As president of baseball operations, Hart made a splash by trading away fan favorites like Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Evan Gattis and Justin Upton. But in each of those blockbuster deals, Hart was able to replenish a once-barren system. 

Some of those prospects have already paid dividends in 2015, including Jace Peterson, Matt Wisler, Mike Foltynewicz and Manny Banuelos. By the time the Braves move into their new stadium in 2017, the likes of Max Fried, Tyrell Jenkins, Rio Ruiz and Touki Toussaint should be ready to help. 

As for the upcoming deadline, Hart can add to that group of young talents by shopping names like Jim Johnson, Juan Uribe, A.J. Pierzynski and Chris Johnson over the coming weeks.

Baltimore Orioles

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The O's must be in the market for a dependable starter to pair with Ubaldo Jimenez and Wei-Yin Chen.

Best-Case Scenario: Add a dependable starter 

The Baltimore Orioles are one of many American League East teams with playoff aspirations, but the O's are unlikely to repeat as division champs without acquiring a dependable starter. 

Baltimore starters rank 20th in ERA this season. Ubaldo Jimenez and Wei-Yin Chen have been fantastic, but Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Bud Norris and Mike Wright have been inconsistent or downright bad all year. 

Tillman and Gonzalez could turn it around in the second half, but Baltimore has a giant hole at the back end of their rotation. Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto may be too costly, but Scott Kazmir, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Leake or Mat Latos would give the club a significant boost. 

Boston Red Sox

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The Red Sox need to be focused on the future.

Best-Case Scenario: Get in a better position for future seasons

The Boston Red Sox aren't totally dead in the AL East, but the club has shown no signs of catching fire and making a magical run to the top of the division.  

Despite a disappointing 2015, Boston still has a talented organization. The Red Sox are on the cusp of returning to the top of the AL standings and should make moves that will pay dividends over the next few seasons. 

Trading closer Koji Uehara and any other free-agents-to-be would be a good start. Uehara is a particularly interesting trade chip, as the 40-year-old is a proven late-inning commodity in the playoffs. 

If Boston decides to buy, incoming players must be under team control for more than one season. The Red Sox could finally decide to pull the trigger on Phillies ace Cole Hamels since he's under contract through at least 2018. 

Chicago Cubs

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Jon Lester and the Cubs could use an upgrade at the backend of the rotation.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire a starter to plug into the back end of the rotation 

After years of frustration, Chicago Cubs fans could be in store for October baseball in 2015. Acquiring a starter to plug into the rotation will go a long way toward solidifying a postseason appearance. 

Attacking free-agent starters on the market will allow the organization to hold onto its impressive collection of young talent. For that reason, the Cubs should stay way from names like Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto and focus on short-term fixes instead.

With Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs have a potent starting rotation. But adding a low-cost arm will give the rotation some much-needed insurance in case of an injury. 

Chicago White Sox

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With plenty of teams looking for starting pitching, the White Sox could end up with an impressive return for Jeff Samardzija.

Best-Case Scenario: Bring back an impressive haul for Jeff Samardzija

The Chicago White Sox are clear-cut sellers, but they have few assets to offer contenders. For that reason, Chicago must cash in on free-agent-to-be Jeff Samardzija. 

Samardzija will be a free agent after the season. He has a career 3.89 ERA and has struck out 22 percent of the batters he's faced during that span. His 4.08 ERA this season hasn't improved his value, but he's still a talented arm who can make a difference down the stretch. 

With so many pitching-needy teams on the market, Samardzija will be coveted despite his inconsistency this season. If the White Sox can flip him for a MLB-ready prospect and a high-upside talent, the deadline should be viewed as a success. 

Cincinnati Reds

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The Reds need to begin rebuilding and flipping talented players like Johnny Cueto is the best way to get it started.

Best-Case Scenario: Use a stable of talented veterans to acquire two premier prospects 

The Cincinnati Reds have an impressive collection of veterans to offer contenders at the deadline, but they will have to decide which ones to deal over the coming weeks.

One player will almost certainly be traded: Johnny Cueto. The right-hander has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in every season since 2011, including a 2.25 mark last season. Although he's a rental, the demand for pitching in the current trade market should allow the Reds to ask for premium prospects for their ace. 

After Cueto, Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce and Mike Leake could also have new homes after the deadline. Frazier's All-Star Game exploits have made him an unlikely candidate to be dealt, but Chapman's status as the top closer in baseball will command a jaw-dropping haul if the Reds decide to pull the trigger. 

If the Reds can turn Cueto and Chapman into at least two top-50 prospects, they will be thrilled with their deadline work. 

Cleveland Indians

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Jason Kipnis and the offensively challenged Indians will be in the market for a bat.

Best-Case Scenario: Find a hitter that's under team control past 2015

The Cleveland Indians have the talent to make a significant run in the second half, but they shouldn't sacrifice any highly touted prospects for a rental player. 

Instead, Cleveland should try to wrangle a hitter under more than one season of team control. 

The Indians boast one of the nastiest rotations in baseball, but they haven't been able to score enough runs to support their production. They rank 21st in runs scored this season, despite standout efforts from Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley. If Cleveland is going to address one area before the deadline, it'll be offense. 

An interesting option for the Indians would be Milwaukee's Carlos Gomez. The outfielder is under contract through the 2016 season, which might make him worth a premium prospect. 

Colorado Rockies

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Carlos Gonzalez has plenty of value and could help the Rockies acquire top-notch talent.

Best-Case Scenario: Find the right deal for Carlos Gonzalez 

There have been whispers for most of the 2015 season that Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez could be on the trade block come deadline time.

While Tulowitzki is unlikely to be dealt, the Rockies should cash in on Gonzalez's recent hot stretch. 

Gonzalez is hitting .340 with three homers and eight RBI this month. He hasn't had the best of seasons in 2015, but his latest work is a reminder to the rest of MLB what the career .290 hitter is capable of. 

A potential suitor would have to pick up Gonzalez's $37 million tab over the next two seasons, but his game-changing ability should still be enough to warrant an impressive return. 

Detroit Tigers

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The Tigers need starting pitching upgrades, but don't have much to offer.

Best-Case Scenario: Add starting pitching help 

Despite hovering around .500, the Detroit Tigers won't be sending up the white flag. 

In terms of upgrades, a shaky rotation desperately needs addressing if the Tigers are going to get back in the American League playoff picture. After benefiting from top-notch pitching staffs for years, Detroit's starters rank 25th in ERA this season. 

David Price and his 2.32 ERA haven't been the problem. But Alfredo Simon, Shane Greene and Anibal Sanchez have been atrocious, leaving a huge hole in the back end of the rotation. 

The problem for the Tigers is a lack of organizational talent throughout the system. Focusing on low-cost, free-agent-to-be hurlers may be the only way for Detroit to improve its rotation. 

Houston Astros

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Dallas Keuchel and the Astros can win the AL West, but not without upgrades to the rotation.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire a starter not named Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto

The Houston Astros are sitting in an enviable position. 

After years of fielding subpar teams, the Astros have a squad worthy of playoff contention. Houston also touts arguably the top farm system in the game, chock-full of high-impact prospects teams will covet. 

A team that hasn't tasted success in some time, has holes on the roster and has a boatload of prospects is usually a recipe for a blockbuster. But Houston should be wary of entering a sweepstakes for the likes of Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto.

The Astros can improve in 2015 without parting with their top-tier prospects. Their best bet is to come out of the deadline with a guy who won't cost them an arm and a leg, like Scott Kazmir or Jeff Samardzija. 

Kansas City Royals

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Although the club is in first place in the AL Central, Kansas City starters haven't been up to snuff this season.

Best-Case Scenario: Find cheap rotation help 

The Kansas City Royals have a golden opportunity to return to the World Series, but the club's starting pitching will need to see significant improvements if that is to happen. 

Kansas City starters rank 23rd in ERA this season after finishing 2014 with with the 11th-best mark. Edinson Volquez has adapted well to his new team, but the rest of the rotation has regressed this season. Danny Duffy, Yordano Ventura and Jeremy Guthrie all have ERAs over 4.00. 

Blowing up the farm for Cole Hamels isn't the Royals way, so expect general manager Dayton Moore to target cheaper alternatives to better the staff. 

Los Angeles Angels

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If the Angels can get Mike Trout and Co. some offensive support, another AL West title could be just around the corner.

Best-Case Scenario: Snag an impact bat 

The Los Angeles Angels struggled out of the gates due to an underachieving offense, but the Halos have managed to fight their way to the top of the AL West nonetheless. 

L.A. scored the most runs in baseball last season, but hasn't gotten much production outside of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols in 2015. The Angels have improved over the last month, but they still rank 17th in runs. For a team with an average staff, that kind of production may not be enough in the AL West. 

There are plenty of impact hitters on the trade market, and the Angels are built to win in 2015. Aside from left-hander Sean Newcomb, Los Angeles needs to be willing to part with any prospect in order to acquire some thump. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw are as good as it gets, but L.A.'s rotation has the chance to be even better.

Best-Case Scenario: Add Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto without parting with Corey Seager and Julio Urias

After years of heartbreak in the postseason, the Dodgers will be looking to make an impact deal before the deadline. 

With Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke already on board, the addition of Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto would make L.A. the favorites in the National League. It would be difficult for any team to field a better potential playoff trio. 

However, the Dodgers cannot part with Corey Seager or Julio Urias to make a short-sighted splash. Both players are considered top-10 prospects and figure to be fixtures in the majors sometime in 2016. 

The Dodgers have plenty of other prospects to package together in a potential blockbuster, but trading away either of Seager or Urias would haunt the team for years to come. 

Miami Marlins

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Mat Latos is one of Miami's most attractive trade chips.

Best-Case Scenario: Add additional depth to the farm system 

2015 hasn't gone the way the Miami Marlins envisioned it. But despite a disappointing campaign, the Marlins can position themselves well for next season with a productive deadline approach. 

The Marlins have the type of veterans teams always look to acquire for a postseason push. Mat Latos, Ichiro Suzuki and Dan Haren are all free agents after the end of the season, while Martin Prado, Michael Morse and Mike Dunn will hit the market after 2016. 

Miami has its young core in place and should be competitive for the foreseeable future. Flipping any tradable asset for quality prospects should be a no-brainer. 

Milwaukee Brewers

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The Brewers can get a fantastic return for Carlos Gomez.

Best-Case Scenario: Cash in on Carlos Gomez

The Milwaukee Brewers will be one of the most active teams over the next few weeks, but their deadline cannot be seen as a success if the organization doesn't cash in on Carlos Gomez. 

Gomez is one of the most dynamic players in baseball when healthy. The outfielder has hit over 70 homers and stolen over 100 bases since 2012 and ranks 10th in WAR since that time. 

The 29-year-old is scheduled to make just $9 million next season, which is a bargain for a player of his caliber. Once Gomez hits free agency after the 2016 season, the deal he'll command will exceed what the Brewers can pay. 

Trading Gomez with an extra year of control will make him the most valued bat on the market. Milwaukee will make multiple trades before July 31, but the only one that can significantly improve its farm system involves Gomez. 

Minnesota Twins

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Miguel Sano is one of many Twins prospects that shouldn't be moved at any cost.

Best-Case Scenario: Find bullpen help without parting with upper-tier prospects

The Minnesota Twins continue to surprise the baseball world, as they currently posses one of the two AL wild-card spots. 

However, the Twins need to upgrade their bullpen, as Minnesota relievers rank 23rd in ERA. Glen Perkins is one of the top closers in baseball, but Blaine Boyer, J.R. Graham and Aaron Thompson shouldn't be used in high-leverage situations come playoff time. 

Like most deadlines, Minnesota will have plenty of relief options to choose from before July 31. Acquiring two dependable bullpen arms for middling prospects would be a job well done by the Minnesota brass. 

New York Mets

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Jacob deGrom and the rest of the Mets rotation will be smiling if the offense is addressed before the deadline.

Best-Case Scenario: Add multiple impact bats

The New York Mets have paired a playoff-cailiber staff with a Little League offense in 2015. 

The Mets rank 29th in runs scored this season despite a starting rotation that's sporting a collective 3.46 ERA. David Wright's absence has affected New York's production, but the Mets can't be considered serious contenders without adding some offense before the deadline. 

Targeting a team with multiple hitting assets, like the Milwaukee Brewers, makes plenty of sense. If the Mets could add Adam Lind and Gerardo Parra in one swoop, they would become significant threats to the Washington Nationals in the National League East. 

New York Yankees

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The Yankees could be special with rotation upgrades.

Best-Case Scenario: Solidify the rotation

The New York Yankees have opened up a decent lead atop the American League East behind one of baseball's best offenses.

But if the Yankees are going to win the division and attain any type of postseason success, their inconsistent rotation will need to pitch better in the second half.

New York starters rank 21st in ERA. CC Sabathia has been particularly worrisome, posting a 5.25 ERA in just over 106.1 innings. 

In typical fashion, the Yankees will likely be linked to any notable pitcher on the market. Whether it's Cole Hamels or a cheaper alternative, like Mike Leake, pairing another reliable hurler with Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda would solidify the Yankees as the favorites to win the division. 

Oakland A's

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Ben Zobrist is one of three Oakland A's Billy Beane is sure to deal.

Best-Case Scenario: Obtain prospects for Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard

Billy Beane will be tasked with yet another rebuilding project over the coming weeks, as the Oakland A's have fallen out of the AL playoff picture. 

But Oakland's turnaround can be expedited by shrewd decision-making involving the trades of Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard. 

Although all three players are rentals, each has significant value. Kazmir has become an interesting alternative to the high-profile names of Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto, Zobrist is the most versatile trade chip on the market and Clippard is one of the most reliable relievers available. 

In a perfect world, Beane would be able to take advantage of the demands of the market and flip his three top trade chips for an impressive collection of prospects. If he can do so, Oakland's deadline will be a success.  

Philadelphia Phillies

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The trade deadline will be a success if the Phillies can find the right deals for Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire desired prospects for Cole Hamels and find a suitor for Jonathan Papelbon

All eyes will be on the Philadelphia Phillies over the next few weeks, as both Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon have been widely discussed as potential trade candidates. 

Hamels has been in the crosshairs of trade speculation for the better part of a year. The southpaw has been as consistent as any other starter throughout his career, but due to the financial ramifications of his contract, there's been plenty of debate over his value. 

Speaking of money, Papelbon's contract has hindered a potential move as well. The Phillies are willing to absorb some of their closer's remaining contract, but they want prospects in return, and rightfully so. 

The Phillies have their work cut out for them leading up to July 31, but Hamels and Papelbon are legitimate difference-makers on a market with few. Philadelphia will have to compromise, but finding suitable deals for their two stars is the most important move for the club in 2015. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

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After injuries to Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, Clint Hurdle's side should focus on acquiring another infielder.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire a dependable infielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team with few holes, but injuries have helped define the club's approach to the trade deadline. 

Josh Harrison underwent surgery earlier this month to repair torn ligaments in his thumb, and the team doesn't expect him to return until late August. To make matters worse, the Pirates then lost shortstop Jordy Mercer to an MCL sprain this past weekend. 

Jung Ho Kang is having a fantastic rookie season and is capable of playing either short or third, but Pittsburgh still needs another reliable infielder. The Pirates don't need a star, just a player who can contribute in an everyday role. 

San Diego Padres

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The Padres need to be realistic about their postseason chances and trade Justin Upton.

Best-Case Scenario: Replenish the farm system after a busy offseason

It won't be easy for the San Diego Padres and general manager A.J. Preller to admit defeat, but the club would be wise to replenish a depleted farm system after a winter of wheeling and dealing. 

The Padres were the darlings of the offseason, acquiring the likes of Matt Kemp, James Shields, Craig Kimbrel, Justin Upton and Wil Myers. Unfortunately, a strikeout-prone offense and an underachieving pitching staff have been unable to keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in the NL West. 

With his team's playoff hopes dwindling, Preller must again show his creativity by constructing trades for Upton, Ian Kennedy and Will Venable. Even names like Kimbrel, Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross should be considered in potential deals. 

San Francisco Giants

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Hunter Pence and the Giants outfield could use a versatile player.

Best-Case Scenario: Acquire an outfielder and a starting pitcher

If the San Francisco Giants have proven anything over the last several years, it's that you should never count them out. 

The Giants are currently on the outside of the NL playoff picture, but they have the ability to overtake those above them if they can add an outfielder and a starter. 

San Francisco outfielders rank 20th in WAR. Hunter Pence and Nori Aoki have dealt with injury issues while Angel Pagan has been a shell of himself this season. The Giants also need to find a way to support the brilliant Madison Bumgarner, as Tim Hudson, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Jake Peavy can hardly be relied on at this point in their careers.

Seattle Mariners

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Fernando Rodney is one of Seattle's few major league assets.

Best-Case Scenario: Find a diamond-in-the-rough prospect via limited major league assets

The Seattle Mariners were a dark-horse World Series contender before the season began, but they must be realistic with the deadline approaching. 

Seattle's acquisition of Mark Trumbo earlier this season indicated the club wasn't going to go down without a fight. But without any semblance of improvement, the Mariners can't afford to waste any more prospects on a lost cause. 

Seattle doesn't have much to offer contenders, but names like Fernando Rodney, Hisashi Iwakuma and Austin Jackson could be of some interest. If the Mariners can add a high-upside prospect in return for one of those three players, the deadline will have been a success for the front office. 

St. Louis Cardinals

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With Matt Adams scheduled to miss more time, the Cardinals should target a short-term fix at first base.

Best-Case Scenario: Find a short-term option at first base

The St. Louis Cardinals have MLB's best record, but a first-half injury to Matt Adams has made first base an area that needs addressing over the next few weeks. 

Since Adams suffered a serious quad injury in late May, Mark Reynolds has inherited most of the at-bats at first. Reynolds has proven to be a competent option, but he's better suited for a bench role at this point in his career.

St. Louis doesn't need to make an earth-shattering acquisition, but making a move for a name like Yonder Alonso, Mike Napoli or Adam Lind would give the Cards a big boost down the stretch. 

Tampa Bay Rays

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The Rays need offensive upgrades if they are to win the AL East.

Best-Case Scenario: Find a creative, cheap way to add offense

The Tampa Bay Rays are never going to be involved in a bidding war, so finding creative ways to improve the team is imperative. 

In 2015, Tampa Bay's offense has been the weak link. The Rays rank 26th in runs scored and fifth in strikeout percentage this year. 

Even so, Tampa Bay has managed to stay in the AL East race. A potential move probably won't be sexy, but any offensive upgrades should be considered a win for the organization. 

Texas Rangers

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Joey Gallo is one of many Texas prospects close to being full-time major leaguers.

Best-Case Scenario: Resist the temptation to trade prospects 

At one point this season, the Texas Rangers were considered buyers and threats to win the AL West. 

Those talks have cooled since then, as Texas has plummeted in both the division and wild-card standings. With their playoff hopes fading, the Rangers must avoid making an impulse decision to include prospects in a short-sighted deal. 

The Rangers have a handful of prospects who figure to be in the big leagues in the coming years. Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Nomar Mazara, Jake Thompson and Nick Williams all have the ability to become impact players at the next level. 

It won't be popular, but a quiet deadline would be a positive deadline for the Rangers. 

Toronto Blue Jays

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The Toronto Blue Jays need pitching help up and down the roster.

Best-Case Scenario: Add an impact starter and a dependable reliever 

The Toronto Blue Jays score enough runs to win the AL East, but shaky pitching will doom the club if it isn't addressed. 

Toronto ranks 23rd in overall ERA. In the rotation, only Mark Buehrle has consistently pitched well this season. The bullpen has significant depth issues, as Roberto Osuna is the only reliever with more than 20 appearances and a sub-3.00 ERA. 

The Blue Jays have a legitimate chance to overtake the Yankees in the division. If they do make the playoffs, Toronto's offense can carry it to the World Series. 

The organization knows that and will aggressively target much-needed pitching help before July 31. 

Washington Nationals

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The Nats could use some insurance considering their bad injury luck.

Best-Case Scenario: Add another reliever and a versatile position player

The Washington Nationals have one of the most talented rosters in the NL, but injuries have made it difficult for the club to gain any momentum.

Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg have all missed significant time in 2015. With so much uncertainty, Washington would be wise to target a versatile player like Martin Prado or Ben Zobrist. 

The Nats could also use another arm to complement closer Drew Storen. Aaron Barrett, Matt Thornton and Blake Treinen are the only Nats relievers with over 30 appearances this season, but Thornton is the only one of the three with an ERA under 4.00. 

Adding those pieces and getting healthy will make the Nats dangerous in the playoffs. 

Stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of July 20.