Now that we're on the other side of the All-Star break, MLB fans can fully turn their attention to the MLB trade deadline.
In a year full of tight races -- both divisional and wild card -- front offices are frantically evaluating whether they want to be buyers or sellers. Teams in the NL and AL Central are confronted with an especially difficult dilemma as they try to figure out how ambitious to be to win a bad division, whereas teams in the wild card race will be similarly conflicted.
The biggest question this deadline, of course, centers around Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. As he prepares to enter free agency this offseason and the Angels reckon with what's next for them, a team looking to make a run may try to take on MLB's most exciting player. The question, of course, is what Los Angeles would demand for half a season of baseball's best.
There is, however, a good chance Ohtani doesn't get moved. That raises the question of who could get traded. Aroldis Chapman has already been moved to the Rangers after a nice first half with the Royals. The Mets' Max Scherzer has opened the door to waiving his no-trade clause for the right team. Jeimer Candelario has become a valuable asset for the Nationals. And the Cardinals seem willing to move on from some of their pieces in the midst of a dismal season.
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This deadline feels like it could boom or bust. If some of the teams in these close races get ambitious it could spur others to follow suit. On the other hand, there's a decent chance teams decide to sit tight and ride the season out.
Here's what to know about the 2023 MLB trade deadline.
When is the 2023 MLB trade deadline?
- Date: Tuesday, Aug. 1
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement agreed upon in 2022 gives the commissioner the authority to set the trade deadline each year "on a date between July 28th and August 3rd" and MLB opted for the back end of that range this year.
For the second year in a row, the Commissioner's Office has gone with a Tuesday deadline, Aug. 1 after setting it for Aug. 2 last season. The 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) deadline will also allow ample time for teams to file paperwork.
MLB trade deadline 2023 potential targets
Juan Soto was the dominant name at the 2022 deadline, and the Padres gave up a king's random to get him. Soto is under team control through the 2024 season, so don't expect such a large haul this season, even if Ohtani does move.
Scherzer's money also makes him difficult to move unless the Mets decide to eat some of that contract, and his player option after this season complicates things further.
There are some teams we are confident will sell. Here are some of baseball's top trade targets for the 2023 deadline.
Shohei Ohtani — Los Angeles Angels (P/DH)
Ohtani is the prize at this deadline. The Angels two-way superstar will be a free agent after this year, so if Los Angeles decides the injury to Mike Trout is going to cripple its postseason chances, it could try to get something for Ohtani. The big question is around what the price would be to get a player of Ohtani's caliber, even for half a season. If the price is too high, a team not willing to bet the farm may just try to back up the Brinks truck after the year is over.
MORE: Yankees 'most motivated' among Shohei Ohtani trade suitors
Max Scherzer — New York Mets (P)
Although Scherzer hasn't pitched at his normal level this year (4.31 ERA despite an 8-3 record), starting pitching is always at a premium at the deadline. If the right team makes a run at Scherzer, he has said he would consider waiving his no-trade clause. Like Ohtani, however, the ask might be too high. Particularly if that ask includes taking on the rest of his hefty contract ($43.3 million annually) with a player option looming this offseason.
Paul Blackburn — Oakland Athletics (P)
The first two players there were longshots, but Blackburn moving is entirely likely. The trade deadline is the Athletics' time to shine, as they can continue to kick the can and replenish their farm system. They would likely get a decent return for Blackburn, who has excellent chase rates and doesn't give up a lot of hard contact. With lasting team control, Blackburn would be a valuable addition to a team looking for pitching.
Jeimer Candelario — Washington Nationals (3B)
After the Tigers let Candelario walk to the Nats last season, the third baseman has been solid in D.C. He's hitting .261/.337/.478 with an OPS+ of 125 and he plays a sterling third base. While he may not be an elite bat, Candelario could bring some surprising power to the right suitor.
Paul DeJong — St. Louis Cardinals (SS)
If the Cardinals decide it would behoove them to sell, they may decide to sell high and shortstop Paul DeJong, who has enjoyed a solid season among a team that has been full of underperformers. DeJong isn't going to come in and turn a team around, but as a role player in the lineup he could bring some pop to the middle infield while also having outstanding defensive range.
FAGAN: Disappointing Cardinals should be sellers, and plenty of teams will be interested
Eduardo Rodriguez — Detroit Tigers (P)
Another name that has recently fallen off the radar due to injury is Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez struggled in his first start back from the IL heading into the All-Star break, but even so he has a sub-3.00 ERA and his ERA+ of 161 would be a career best. Rodriguez's ask is also complicated by a player option after this season. If he plays well enough, he'll opt out and hit free agency. If he struggles, he's still due $49 million over the next three years. Even so, Rodriguez as a second or third pitcher would be ideal for a team that already has a true No. 1.
