I've been reading a lot right now about the trade deadline and what could potentially happen.Most of it never comes to fruition, but it is still fun to explore what analysts think will happen.
One of the teams that is on the bubble of being a buyer and a seller is the Arizona Diamondbacks.There has been a rumor for about a year about them trading Ketel Marte, but this team is also 55-51 for the year.
They could add a bat and make a splash for their offense, much like they did a couple of years ago.Merrill Kelly #29 of the Arizona Diamondbacks walks off the field after the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers during Game Two of the World Series at Globe Life Field on October 28, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Last year they were sellers, and they traded away one of their mainstays in the rotation, Merrill Kelly.
He toes the rubber tonight for the Diamondbacks.For the year, Kelly is 8-8 with a 5.12 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, not exactly numbers that will lead to a major return should they try to flip him again.
He has been slightly better on the road with a 4.28 ERA.He also has been solid in July, putting together his best month of the season.
He has thrown 22 innings and allowed just six earned runs.Most of his problem has been the home run ball because he has allowed one in each start this month.
Overall, the Pirates are just 5-for-25 against Kelly.ATHLETICS' SHEA LANGELIERS, TOP MLB TRADE DEADLINE TARGET, COULD BE OUT FOR SEASON AFTER DEVASTATING INJURYThe Pittsburgh Pirates are another fairly interesting team for this year's deadline.They are unlikely to be heavily involved in the trade market.
I doubt they will be sellers, and they may not have the means to be major buyers.They are slightly above .500 with a 52-50 record, so trading away players when they have a shot at the postseason seems unlikely.
They've been one of the better-hitting teams in the sport, so I don't know that it helps to trade for another bat, but maybe the pitchin...