MLB wild-card hopefuls that should consider selling at trade deadline

We're a quarter of the way through the MLB season, and the early results are setting the stage for a fascinating trade deadline on July 30.

Since MLB changed the postseason format in 2022 to allow three wild-card teams in each league, several organizations on the playoff bubble have been buyers at the trade deadline. However, with several teams experiencing another disastrous season with their current cores, we could see more sellers at this year's deadline.

We already know the Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A's will likely hold fire sales, but here are four teams still in wild-card contention that should consider becoming sellers. 

All records are through Monday's games.

San Francisco Giants | 23-25, one game back of wild card

The Giants were one of the biggest spenders this past winter, but injuries, an inconsistent offense and a struggling bullpen could lead them to being one of the more prominent sellers at the deadline. There's still time to turn things around, especially if outfielder Michael Conforto (hamstring) and left-hander Blake Snell (adductor) can provide a spark upon returning from injuries.

Even so, considering Baseball-Reference.com gives San Francisco a mere two percent chance to make the playoffs, the team might be better off trading its recent free-agent signings and other veterans. Young outfielders Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos and shortstop Marco Luciano have flashed potential. Giving them and other prospects more opportunities to develop at the big-league level would benefit the Giants more in the long run.

Snell would be an intriguing trade candidate, though he'd have to make a convincing case for another team to take on his $38.5 million player option for 2025 after posting an 11.57 ERA in three starts this season. Meanwhile, Conforto, along with veteran infielders Matt Chapman and Wilmer Flores, should generate interest from contenders, but they won't fetch much of a return.

St. Louis Cardinals | 21-26, 2.5 games back of wild card

Baseball is better when the Cardinals are competitive, but it's unlikely they will return to relevance anytime soon without a hard reset. Manager Oli Marmol has shortcomings, but St. Louis' roster is filled with veterans who are drastically declining in performance and should get dealt at the deadline.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado was mentioned as a name who could be on the move at the deadline. Arenado, 33, is under contract through 2027 and has a full no-trade clause, but perhaps he would consider waiving it to join a team with World Series aspirations.

Additionally, The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported Monday that teams have inquired about closer Ryan Helsley (1.29 ERA), the National League Reliever of the Month for March/April.

The Cardinals would undoubtedly net a significant haul if they could move Arenado and Helsley in a package. Nevertheless, St. Louis also has a few players it should be itching to move for anything it can get, including RHPs Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson and Giovanny Gallegos. And while they probably won't do it, the Cardinals should consider trading right-hander Sonny Gray (2.87 ERA), their biggest acquisition this past offseason, if the price is right. 

Toronto Blue Jays | 21-25, 2.5 games back of wild card

Despite being 2.5 games out of the final American League wild-card spot, Toronto is less of a playoff hopeful than any other team on this list. The Blue Jays are last in the AL East and have scored the second-fewest runs in MLB this season (173) while posting the third-worst bullpen ERA (4.90). Toronto's once-exciting young core is disappointing, which could force the front office to tear down the roster more than it would like.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Toronto has discussed trades involving first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, the latter of whom is amid the worst season of his career. Feinsand noted the Blue Jays' asking price for the two All-Stars was "ridiculous" but believes they could still move them to retool their roster.

If the Blue Jays make what would be arguably the most notable trade at the deadline, they'll still have plenty of rental players with considerable value. Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (2.60 ERA) and right-hander Yimi Garcia (0.47 ERA and two saves) would be the top arms available at the deadline. Infielder Justin Turner and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier should also be considered targets for teams looking for platoon pieces. 

New York Mets | 21-26, 2.5 games back of wild card

After putting together a tiny hot streak in the middle of April, the Mets have looked more like the team that began the season 0-5 by losing six of their past eight series. New York was the biggest seller at last season's trade deadline, and owner Steve Cohen may have hinted that another fire sale is on the way. 2024 was always going to be a transition year for the Mets, and further bolstering their farm system at the deadline will be an effective way to expedite the rebuild.

All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, an impending free agent, will be one of the most-sought players ahead of the deadline, but his trade value isn't high enough to justify moving him at this point. However, the Mets have intriguing pieces that will surely be available.

New York has several veteran pitchers who could be valuable for contending teams, such as starters Luis Severino (3.48 ERA) and Sean Manaea (3.11 ERA), as well as reliever Reed Garrett (0.72 ERA). The Mets likely wouldn't get much for any hitters they'd consider trading, though designated hitter J.D. Martinez and center fielder Harrison Bader will likely draw interest from teams.