MLB Insider: 3 Teams On The Bubble Have Big Assets To Trade

Should they or shouldn't they? As we quickly approach the trade deadline, just three weeks away now, MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal points to three teams that need to make a decision on whether to be sellers or not. And if they do, some big trade chips will hit the market.

What will "Bubble" teams like the Cubs, Red Sox, and Mariners do as we approach the trade deadline? @Ken_Rosenthal provides the latest: pic.twitter.com/VXhxHERfgM
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 10, 2023

Chicago Cubs:

At seven games out in the NL Central, they have "two big pieces to trade if they decide to go that route — Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger."

Stroman wants an extension on the North Side, but it doesn't seem like one is coming. He's currently sporting a 2.96 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP, and with his competitive drive, could make a huge difference for a team down the stretch.

Bellinger, the former MVP, is somewhat rejuvenated in the Windy City this year, batting .298 with an .846 OPS in 58 games.

Seattle Mariners:

They're just one game over .500 and four games out of a Wild Card spot. If they were to sell, slugger Teoscar Hernandez and closer Paul Sewald would be prime names to hit the trade market. With 15 homers and 50 RBIs, Hernandez becomes a free agent this coming offseason. Sewald, with 17 saves, has one more year of team control (arbitration), but the M's could look to get out in front of that and deal him when his value is so high.

Boston Red Sox:

A team who likes to think they have a shot at a playoff spot, only two games back in the Wild Card, they have a big piece to trade if they so choose, in comeback starter James Paxton. After missing most of the last three seasons to injury, The Big Maple is making a BIG impression, going 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA and a 64:14 K/BB ratio in 10 starts.

The week or two after the All-Star break will be decision time for all of these clubs.

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