Through the month of May, no one is surprised that MLB teams such as the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers are struggling.
However, there are three surprising teams that aren’t well-positioned in the standings that could entertain the possibility of selling at the deadline.
3. Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins were supposed to be buyers and competing for the American League Central division crown.
Instead, they have struggled to a 21-31 record and are in last place of the division, even behind the Kansas City Royals and the Tigers.
While that probably won’t last and the team has enough talent to turn things around and fight for a spot in the MLB postseason when all is said and done, there is no denying the fact they would be closer to sellers than buyers if the trade deadline was around the corner.
They could potentially do something like the 2016 New York Yankees: one, maybe two moves by dealing pending free agents for a prospect or two.
If they decide to sell, which is still up in the air at this point, they shouldn’t start a full-fledged rebuild and trade pieces like Byron Buxton, Trevor Larnach, Jose Berrios, or Alex Kirilloff.
Instead, it’s the likes of Miguel Sano, Jorge Polanco, or perhaps Alex Colome as the ones that the team, if it decides to sell, should look to move.
Either way, a decision won’t come soon, as Minnesota will likely get both Buxton and pitcher Kenta Maeda back in June and try to string some victories to determine the steps to follow for the trade deadline.
2. Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals, after winning the 2019 World Series, were last in the National League East division last year with a 26-34 record.
And this year, they have suffered a similar fate so far, with a 21-28 record through the MLB season’s first two months.
A team with Max Scherzer, Juan Soto, and Stephen Strasburg being in last place is nothing short of disappointing, but injuries, to be fair, haven’t been helping.
Anyway, a decision regarding the Nationals’ trade deadline approach won’t come soon, but if they keep dropping games, they could entertain the possibility of selling some assets.
It’s possible that the Nats would welcome the possibility of trading struggling starter Patrick Corbin with open arms.
It would take eating some of his salary and some patience by the acquiring team, but something could be worked out.
If the Nats truly fall out of contention, however, their most desirable piece would be Scherzer, who is pitching at a very high level this year (2.34 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP).
Why trade for Max Scherzer??
My question for you: Why not? pic.twitter.com/2iHahGkGQf— Dan Buffa (@buffa82) May 29, 2021
1. Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have enough talent to fight for the NL Central division, as we have stated on this site in the past.
However, they are slowly giving up some games in the standings and are already in fourth place in the division, with a 23-28 record.
It wouldn’t make sense for them to sell low on struggling starter Luis Castillo (1-8, 7.22 ERA), but Sonny Gray could be another story.
Another team that is going to have a really interesting trade deadline.
Sonny Gray and Nick Castellanos are two guys that stand out as potential trade chips if the team doesn't pick it up a lot. https://t.co/oSGLvWLC7A
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) May 23, 2021
Among hitters, perhaps Mike Moustakas could spark some interest, as would outfielder Shogo Akiyama and relievers Amir Garrett and Sean Doolittle.
June will be a very important month for the Reds, as it will likely dictate their deadline approach.
NEXT: 3 Most Disappointing MLB Batters Through Month Of May