In this week’s power rankings, we’ll be focusing on five teams arriving at the trade deadline in different stages of their contention timelines. They consequently all seem to be employing distinct strategies that could affect their outlook for years to come. Let’s not waste any more time, as a trade could break any second (it’s been far too quiet over the last week).
30. Washington Nationals (LW: 30)
29. Kansas City Royals (LW: 26)
28. Pittsburgh Pirates (LW: 24)
Oakland’s Sean Murphy is one of the best catchers in the game, and unlike Willson Contreras of the Cubs, Murphy is under club control for three more seasons after this one.