Adam Frazier, Pittsburgh Pirates. (Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
The teams in the NL Central should all approach the 2021 MLB trade deadline very differently.
With as many as four teams still alive for a postseason berth, let’s take a look at what each NL Central team should do as the 2021 MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches at the end of July.
While there are only two wild card spots available this postseason, and the three best records in the Senior Circuit all residing out West, you have to wonder if the NL Central has more than one team with a realistic shot of getting in.
Only six games separate first place from fourth place in the divisional race. Therefore, all five teams must enter the trade deadline in a different manner.
Here is what each NL Central team needs to do to best prepare for the upcoming trade deadline.
2021 MLB trade deadline: What each NL Central team needs to do
5
Pittsburgh Pirates
NL Central (27-46)
MLB trade rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates must position themselves as sellers to speed up the rebuild
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 10 games back of first place before the final weekend of June. They are sellers and should position themselves as such.
With there being more teams looking to move veterans for prospects, Pittsburgh needs to build up the trade market for players like second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier and closer Richard Rodriguez. Frazier is quickly becoming one of the biggest names who will likely be moved. Look for the Pirates to cash in on a handful of veteran players to really speed up their rebuilding process.
While Pittsburgh is an obvious seller, a few division rivals have to figure out what they are fast.