Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 22
Brewers Jump to Tier 1 Buyers as Only 8 MLB Teams Sit Below 10% Playoff Odds
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 22

Brewers Jump to Tier 1 Buyers as Only 8 MLB Teams Sit Below 10% Playoff Odds

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 22

Summary

  • Milwaukee moved into the top trade-deadline tier less than two weeks before the deadline, joining the Yankees, Phillies, Cubs and Pirates as clubs analysts say should consider aggressive buying.
  • Eight teams entered the week below 10% playoff odds on FanGraphs, leaving a thin seller pool as expanded playoffs and broad American League mediocrity keep much of the league in contention.
  • Tier 3 swelled with fringe contenders, including Boston and Baltimore after recent winning streaks, while Texas and the White Sox remained there despite leading their divisions.
  • Detroit, San Diego, Washington and Toronto landed in the hinge group, with the Tigers' next 10 days especially pivotal because ace Tarik Skubal could anchor either a push or a sell-off.
  • The sharpest downward moves came from the Athletics, who fell to typical sellers after losing 15 of 17, and the Mets, who dropped to aggressive sellers after going 4-7 and listening on nearly all players.

Insights

In a market with few sellers, are contenders like the Yankees facing the most expensive trade deadline ever?
Why are the Angels clinging to Mike Trout while other struggling teams aggressively sell their top stars?
How could the Tigers' single decision on Tarik Skubal completely reshape the World Series race?