RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Major League Baseball trade deadline is exactly one week away, set for Aug. 3. Thanks in part to the playoffs having expanded (again) before the 2022 season and a general state of mediocrity, mostly in the American League, much of the league is in limbo right now.
This is to say that the teams don't necessarily look good, but that's not the bar for contention these days. "Good enough to contend for a playoff spot" doesn't mean good. The front offices of these teams are tasked with figuring out just how much of the future to mortgage in order to roll the dice for what is likely a team to miss the playoffs, but also has the chance at a 2022 Phillies- or 2023 Diamondbacks-like run.
Astros - They are three games under .500, but only two games out in both the wild card and the lackluster AL West. They were on a five-game winning streak before Sunday's loss.
Twins - One game under .500 with a -27 run differential is hardly good, but the Twins are only one game out of a playoff spot right now.
Mariners - Two games under .500 and they've been disappointing all season, but the Mariners are still only 1 ½ games out in both the wild card and AL West.
Orioles - No, the Orioles haven't been a good team this season. In fact, they haven't been over .500 since they were 9-8. And yet, they are 2 ½ games out of a wild-card spot.
Tigers - With every contender eyeing two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal , the Tigers continue to linger in contention. They are 3 ½ games out of the wild-card race despite being six games under .500.
Cardinals - The Cards are just a game over .500 with a -1 run differential, but they are only 1.5 out of playoff position.
Nationals - One of the biggest surprises of the season, the Nats still are in the midst of rebuilding the roster with a new front office and are a dreadful 22-32 at home. And yet, they are only one game out of a wild card.
Pirates - They're 9-13 in Paul Skenes starts and still just a game back.
Padres - Since April 27, the Padres are 34-44. They overall have a -21 run differential. And yet, here they sit, just two games out of a playoff spot.
Marlins - They have now lost 12 in a row. Twelve! And they are still only three games out of a wild card.
The Red Sox , Rangers , Guardians and Diamondbacks are all in playoff position right now but haven't exactly inspired confidence all season.
Prepare for a hectic week of trade rumors while we watch how the game results unfold as well. It's gonna be fun.
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