General managers want to make that telephone call, eying the perfect player for their team, but look at the calendar, and know they really can’t.
Other GMs believe they should start unloading, convinced their chances of reaching the postseason are the same as winning the Powerball, but look around the room and know it’s too early.
It’s that awkward time of year in the baseball trade season.
The season isn’t two months old, and more than two months remain until the Aug. 2 trade deadline.
History tells us there won’t be any major trades until after the July 17 draft, and with an expanded postseason this year, from 10 teams to 12, there may be fewer deals than usual.
In an informal survey of GMs, baseball executives and scouts, here are the top five teams to watch these next two months in the seller, buyer and undecided markets.
NIGHTENGALE: Quietly one of MLB’s best, Betts says he’s ‘just an average guy’
MLB AT MEMORIAL DAY: 30 things we’ve learned so far in baseball’s chaotic season
The Sellers
Cincinnati Reds: Ok, we know the Reds are one of the hottest teams in baseball since their atrocious 3-22 start, going 13-8 since then.
They can dream of having the worst start of any team to ever make the postseason, but they have to be realistic. They have several of the best trade chips in the game, so why hang onto them when you’re building for the future?
They will shop starters Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle and Mike Minor, along with outfielder Tommy Pham and infielders Mike Moustakas and Brandon Drury.
Reds GM Nick Krall could be the homecoming king of the trade deadline with his popularity.
Oakland Athletics: They completed most of their firesale during the winter and spring, but there’s still some commodities left.
Starter Frankie Montas may be the most valuable pitcher to hit the market, Ramon Laureano could be the most valuable center fielder, and teams will salivate over the possibility of landing catcher Sean Murphy.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs were the most active…