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As the July 31st trade deadline approaches, MLB front offices of teams aiming for playoff success face intense pressure to make crucial moves. One or two strategic trades could be the difference between a deep October run and a disappointing finish. Instead of waiting passively if the season isn’t going as planned, teams must act decisively to avoid reaching a breaking point.
Ahead of the deadline, five MLB executives who are under pressure to deliver wins now have been highlighted:
Philadelphia Phillies
Hot Seat Executive: Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations
Biggest Needs: Bullpen Reinforcements
Players like Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto are in the final year of their contracts, Zach Wheeler is nearing the end of his career, and stars Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos have limited remaining years. With this in mind, Dombrowski must maximize the current roster’s potential by making aggressive trades. The Phillies, who reached the World Series just three years ago, especially need bullpen support due to the suspension of key reliever Jose Alvarado. While signing veteran David Robertson helps, Dombrowski is expected to make bold moves and bolster the pitching staff further this July.
Seattle Mariners
Hot Seat Executive: Jerry Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations
Biggest Needs: First Base, Outfield
Dipoto has been at the helm since 2016, leading the Mariners to one postseason appearance in 2022. While rebuilding the club and farm system, the team’s minor league talents have yet to fully translate into major league success. However, with star catcher Calloway powering the offense and the pitching staff finally showing promise, the Mariners have a legit playoff chance this year. How aggressive Dipoto gets in acquiring a key impact bat at either first base or outfield will determine if they just make the playoffs or truly contend.
Chicago Cubs
Hot Seat Executive: Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations
Biggest Needs: Pitching
After acquiring Kyle Tucker over the offseason, the Cubs have surged to the top of the NL Central and hold a strong playoff chance. Hoyer faces pressure to maintain momentum as Tucker’s value rises and the team eyes a deep postseason run. The Cubs’ offense is dynamic, but pitching remains a weakness—especially with injuries affecting the rotation. Securing a pitching boost via trade could be the key to returning to the World Series for the first time since 2016.
Boston Red Sox
Hot Seat Executive: Craig Breslow, President of Baseball Operations
Biggest Needs: First Base, Starting Rotation
The Red Sox have struggled after past All-Star breaks and must avoid repeating that trend. Injuries have exposed a need at first base and pushed the rotation’s weaknesses to the forefront. While interim solutions have helped offensively at first base, they still need reliable starting pitching. After last year’s promising trade deadline moves, Breslow must capitalize on the current winning streak to keep Boston in playoff contention.
Toronto Blue Jays
Hot Seat Executives: Mark Shapiro (Team President) and Ross Atkins (General Manager)
Biggest Needs: Pitching
With Shapiro’s contract expiring and Atkins nearing its end, the duo are pressured to deliver a playoff series win amid high expectations. The Blue Jays lead the competitive AL East with stellar defense and emerging offensive stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who just signed a massive contract extension. However, their pitching ranks near the bottom in ERA, threatening their championship goals. Adding a frontline starter is essential for a legitimate postseason run this year.
Fan Take:
This update shines a spotlight on the high-stakes pressure MLB executives face at the trade deadline, emphasizing that bold moves can make or break a team’s season. Baseball fans should pay close attention, as the decisions made now could reshape playoff outcomes and redefine teams’ futures.
