The Dumbest Potential Trade Deadline Move for Every NL Contender

Contending teams are tirelessly trying to find ways to improve their roster for the stretch run before Wednesday's trade deadline. Sometimes teams get desperate and panic, leading to trades they shouldn't have made and eventually regret. With this being a seller's market, it could very well happen more times than we expect this year. Here are the dumbest potential trade deadline moves for every National League contender.

7. Brewers: Trading Mike Moustakas for Pitching

Milwaukee desperately needs starting pitching, even with the acquisition of back-of-the-rotation starter Jordan Lyles. Maybe they should sacrifice some of their MLB bats to get the arms they need? Well, there are rumors swirling that they're entertaining the idea of using Mike Moustakas as trade bait to make it happen, but that would be a huge mistake. We know they have Travis Shaw and Keston Hiura to take over for Moustakas' playing time, but moving a middle-of-the-order bat and leader of the clubhouse is not the best way to go about this.

6. Phillies: Mortgaging Future for Wild Card Spot

We're all for teams believing they can win immediately. If you have a chance at a playoff spot, go for it. However, it's important to be self-aware, and the Phillies need to understand that they aren't good enough to win an NL pennant. Instead of making a big trade where they have to use top prospects (which they don't have a lot of now), Philadelphia should make moves at the margins and see what this group can do.

5. Nationals: Not Being Aggressive

The Nationals are in a position where they should do whatever it takes to make the playoffs, whether it be the division or a wild card. This is a win-now team that doesn't have a loaded farm system to begin with, and they have top-tier players like Anthony Rendon, who is an upcoming free agent. What are they waiting for? They have a deep, balanced offense to go along with a stud-filled rotation. If they need to move some talented pieces to improve their beleaguered bullpen, they should do it without hesitation.

4. Cardinals: Trading Recently-Demoted Harrison Bader

Even with all the inconsistency throughout the roster, the St. Louis Cardinals are tied with the Cubs atop the NL Central. They have a legit chance of making the playoffs, but that doesn't mean their judgement over recently-demoted outfielder Harrison Bader should be clouded. There's no doubt Bader is part of the future in St. Louis, and instead of parting ways to improve this year's club, the Cardinals should hold onto him.

3. Cubs: Dealing Young Talent to Improve Bullpen

Maybe the Chicago Cubs feel like this is one of their last opportunities to contend for a title, but with the likes of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo still around come 2020, there's no need to mortgage more of their future talent to improve a woeful bullpen. Chicago already signed closer Craig Kimbrel, who will be around beyond this season. It hasn't worked thus far, but instead of going big, add at the margins and see what you can do down the stretch.

2. Braves: Trading Top Prospects for Starting Pitching

Atlanta has the resources to make just about any trade they desire. However, even though the Braves could use another starter and multiple bullpen options, they shouldn't use their top prospects to add to their rotation. There just isn't anyone on the market worth it. Maybe you use some to augment the 'pen, but especially since Bumgarner is seemingly unavailable, there's no reason to reach on that front.

1. Dodgers: Trading Top Prospect Gavin Lux for Back-End Reliever

You know why the Los Angeles Dodgers have won six-straight division titles and back-to-back NL Pennants? They don't trade their young talent to have instance success. There were plenty of scenarios where Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and even Walker Buehler could've been the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal, but LA stood pat. Gavin Lux is Los Angeles' top prospect that teams would love to have, especially those like the Pittsburgh Pirates if they choose to make closer Felipe Vazquez available. Instead of meeting the demand, the Dodgers should find an alternative that won't mortgage the future because this team will be around for a while.