One move each NL East team must make before the trade deadline

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar.

The MLB trade deadline is July 30 at 6 p.m. ET, and because only 11 teams have winning records, it promises to be the most intriguing day of the season.

NL East teams will be active before the deadline, with the Miami Marlins set to hold one of MLB's biggest fire sales. The New York Mets and Washington Nationals could also sell off veteran pieces, but their current records could prompt them to buy. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies will be stocking up on talent in preparation for a potential World Series run.

With that in mind, here is one move each NL East team must make ahead of the trade deadline.

(All statistics and records are through Sunday’s games.)

Atlanta Braves (38-31)

The move: Acquire Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar

It has been a down year by Atlanta's standards, but season-ending injuries to stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider have undeniably played a major role in that.

As a result, Atlanta is expected to target corner outfielders and back-end-of-the-rotation pieces ahead of the trade deadline, according to David O'Brien of The Athletic. However, because Atlanta has one of the weaker farm systems, it probably must go bargain hunting to fill its needs.

Pillar, who played in 81 games for the Braves last season, has become a revelation for the Island of Misfit Toys that is the Los Angeles Angels since signing with the team in April. Over 31 games with Los Angeles, Pillar has produced a slash line of .340/.381/.594 with a .975 OPS, six home runs and 25 RBI.

There's no denying Pillar wouldn't be the most exciting trade deadline acquisition. Still, if he can continue his blistering stretch at the plate, he could swing not only the NL East race, but also the outcome of a playoff series.

Perhaps Pillar could make an impact similar to the one Adam Duvall (16 homers in 55 games) or Eddie Rosario (NL Championship Series MVP) made in 2021.

Miami Marlins (23-48)

The move: Trade left-hander Jesus Luzardo

The Marlins started tearing down the roster in May by trading second baseman Luis Arraez to San Diego. Center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and first baseman Josh Bell will surely draw interest, but The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported in May that Luzardo is the "single-most likely" Marlin to be traded.

Through his first 12 starts this season, Luzardo hasn't been able to replicate the success of his 2023 breakout year, during which he posted a 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts in 178.2 innings. The southpaw has a 5.00 ERA and 1.245 WHIP in 66.2 innings, and he's getting hit harder than in years past, but Luzardo plays for one of MLB's worst teams, contributing to his struggles.

Even so, Luzardo has proved he can be effective, and because he is under contract through the 2026 season, the lefty should bring a solid return.

New York Mets (33-37)

The move: Trade outfielder Starling Marte

The Mets are one of the hottest teams to begin June, winning nine of their past 11 games, including five straight since Grimace threw out the first pitch last Wednesday. Before this stretch, the Mets were bound to be big-time sellers at the trade deadline, but now, they should only make minor moves.

New York has a few intriguing veterans, including designated hitter J.D. Martinez and right-hander Luis Severino, that it could part ways with without negatively impacting a potential postseason run and the franchise's long-term future. However, the Mets would be wise to capitalize on a resurgent Marte's recent success at the plate to get out of the final year of his contract.

Although the 35-year-old is batting .281 with seven homers, 28 RBI and 12 stolen bases, he's statistically the worst fielding outfielder in the majors, posting -10 defensive runs saved. Perhaps a contender could find Marte valuable as a DH, which would be good news for New York, as it would allow the team to promote outfield prospect Drew Gilbert.

Philadelphia Phillies (47-24)

The move: Acquire Colorado center fielder Brenton Doyle

It's no secret the Phillies desperately need a new center fielder. After all, Johan Rojas, Christian Pache and Brandon Marsh have combined for 0.6 bWAR in center field, the 10th worst at the position in the big leagues.

While Philadelphia has a strong enough farm system to make a competitive offer for White Sox star Luis Robert Jr., the team doesn't need to pay a high price to upgrade the position. Doyle, a 2023 Gold Glove Award recipient, won't be an easy trade target to acquire, but he would cost less than Robert.

The former fourth-round pick doesn't provide much production at the plate, given that he's slashing .268/.338/.393 with just five home runs and 19 RBI in 67 games. Nonetheless, Doyle was the best center fielder in MLB last season, posting 19 defensive runs saved and recording the fastest throw by an outfielder in the Statcast era (105.7 mph).

Doyle is already off to another strong season in the field, racking up five Outs Above Average, tied for the seventh most among center fielders. Even though his bat leaves a lot to be desired, there aren't many trade candidates who would be a better choice to patrol center field at Citizens Bank Ballpark than Doyle.

Washington Nationals (35-36)

The move: Trade outfielder Jesse Winker

The Nationals made tremendous strides to improve their floor by signing several veterans during the offseason who were on the decline but have rebounded nicely to start 2024. Now, it's time for Washington to cash in and flip a few of its offseason additions to help expedite the team's rebuilding process.

Winker, 30, has been a key component of the lineup this season and will undoubtedly be the most-sought rental the team can offer in a trade. After being one of the worst hitters in baseball last season, Winker is slashing .265/.378/.390 with six homers, 31 RBI and a career-high 11 stolen bases through 68 games.

Despite the fact that Winker won't fetch much in a trade, getting back even a lower-level prospect would benefit the Nationals. Additionally, moving Winker would pave the way for James Wood, MLB Pipeline's No. 4-ranked prospect, to be called up to the majors.

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