The Blue Jays entered 2024 as a favorite to make the postseason, a potentially dangerous team that could go deep into October. Instead, Toronto (39-47) is in the AL East basement, more likely to sell at the July 30 trade deadline with each passing day. Although general manager Ross Atkins has been adamant that key players are not on the block, that could change. If so, players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette would be among the hottest commodities on the market.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians have one of the best records (53-31) in baseball despite mediocre production at short.
The Dodgers do not have a problem at short. Mookie Betts has continued show his versatility, comfortably slotting in at short. He ranks fourth in the National League in zone runs saved at the position. The Dodgers’ problem is at second, where Gavin Lux has failed to recapture the form he showed before tearing his ACL.
Betts is sidelined as he deals with a wrist injury. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported that manager Dave Roberts may shift Betts back to second given the surprising performance of Miguel Rojas. However, the Dodgers lineup is very top heavy, struggling to find consistency beyond the first five hitters in the batting order. Rojas has not performed at his current level over the course of a full season, the 2020 pandemic-shortened year excluded. Bichette would help lengthen the Dodgers’ lineup while keeping Rojas in the utility role that he is best suited for.
Seattle Mariners
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is always ready to make a deal. The Mariners’ roster should look different once the trade deadline has passed.
According to Jon Morosi from MLB Network, the Mariners have already begun trade talks as they seek an everyday bat and bullpen help. The middle of the infield is a particular area of need as neither J.P. Crawford nor Jorge Polanco have performed at a league average level. Bichette could help a lineup that ranks in the bottom third in virtually every offensive category in the American League as the Mariners look to return to the postseason.
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