Overview

• The 2022 expansion to a 12-team playoff format has created a new 'opportunist' category of teams navigating between buying and selling at the trade deadline.
• The Milwaukee Brewers are considering leveraging ace Freddy Peralta's strong season to capitalize on a limited market for premium starting pitchers.
• Other potential opportunists include the Cardinals, Twins, and Blue Jays, who may explore trades involving key players like Byron Buxton and Chris Bassitt.
• A lack of true sellers, coupled with a thin market for outfielders and starting pitchers, has heightened the leverage of opportunist teams demanding steep returns.
• Analysts predict the July 31 trade deadline could stall as teams face high asking prices and limited inventory, leading to potential frustration among contenders.