Things have already started in jest, with the Cubs making the first move and getting Carlos Quintana, who was going to be the most sought-after starting pitcher out there (as a bonus, he doesn't even have to move!). We also saw a Yankees-Brewers trade where both teams added something they badly needed. Those were the first of what I think will be many trades.
Because there isn't a team out there that doesn't need improvement. Even the Dodgers and Astros, who both seem untouchable, have flaws. And if the other playoff contenders want to catch them, they really need to work on theirs. Here's what I think each of the 10 teams currently in playoff position needs to consider the most as we begin the second half.
Astros: Another Starter--On paper, Houston doesn't need to do much. Offensively, they're stacked. And they play all 12 guys on their roster, so it's not even like their bench needs any help. They've got a really strong bullpen, too. Which leaves the starting rotation. That's really the only area where I see the Astros (who will be prohibitive favorites in the American League) as vulnerable. Now, Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are both on the DL and expected back, so that might be the answer right there. But I wouldn't be surprised to see them get another starter just for insurance.
Red Sox: Third Base--Third base has been a position where the Red Sox have been seeking an upgrade for about two years. Early speculation had them tied to Mike Moustakas, but with Kansas City back in the AL Central race, I'm not sure Moustakas will be on the move. They're definitely going to look for a third baseman somewhere, though. And if Moustakas is out of the picture, I can easily see them going back to their old friends the White Sox and making a run at Todd Frazier.
Indians: Bench Depth--Cleveland made the World Series last year and in many ways is better this season. The Indians made it through the playoffs with only three starters and creative bullpen usage last year, so I think they're actually in OK shape pitching-wise. But they're one position player injury away from being completely screwed. Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall are already out, and they simply don't have that much depth. They might want to look into strengthening that bench just in case.
Yankees: First Base and the Bullpen--The trade with Milwaukee was just a start. You know there will be more moves. The Yankees have a bunch of flaws. The most glaring ones are first base and the bullpen. Some would say a starter, and the rotation has been hit-or-miss, but it's nowhere near as big of a problem as the bullpen. There aren't many arms Joe Girardi can trust out there. And Tyler Clippard should be pitching for the Tampa Yankees, not the New York Yankees. The first base thing, meanwhile, will be decided one way or another at the deadline. They're waiting to see what's going on with Greg Bird. But either way, there will almost certainly be yet another first baseman wearing pinstripes by the end of this month.
Rays: A Left-Handed Starter--I'll be honest. I have no idea how the Rays are this good. You haven't heard of half their roster, and half the guys you have heard of are on the DL. I'm not sure Tampa Bay can sustain it in the second half, or that they'll have the players/resources to be buyers. But assuming they are, you'd have to think they'd like to add another starter. Preferably a lefty, seeing as their top three (Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Alex Cobb) are all right-handed. What lefty starters will be available and in Tampa Bay's price range remain to be seen.
Dodgers: A Right-Handed Bat--If they could clone Clayton Kershaw, they would. And, like everybody else, they could use some bullpen help. But the Dodgers' biggest area of concern in October is their lack of a right-handed bat. To say their lineup is lefty-heavy would be an understatement. Assuming Cody Bellinger moves to the outfield when Adrian Gonzalez comes back, five of their eight starters are left-handed (and Yasmani Grandal is a switch hitter). The only Dodger regulars that are right-handed are Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig. That imbalance makes them incredibly vulnerable against left-handed pitching and needs to be evened out. The Dodgers are reportedly in the market for pitching. But they should be looking for a right-handed bat, too.
Nationals: A Closer--It's the same old story in Washington. This team has the potential to make a deep postseason run. But their Achilles' heel, which is always exposed in October, is that shaky bullpen. That's why they're linked to every good relief pitcher out there. David Robertson. Zach Britton. Justin Wilson. Sean Doolittle. They'd be wise to go after a set up guy like Brad Brach or Pat Neshek or Brad Hand or Steve Cishek, too.
Brewers: Left-Handed Pitching--Whether the Cubs make a run at them in the NL Central or not, the Brewers should be thinking about October. And they're not gonna win in the postseason without left-handed pitching. That's why it was really smart of them to get Tyler Webb, who gives them another lefty in the bullpen alongside Josh Hader. But Brent Suter is their only left-handed starter, and those heavily left-handed lineups in LA and Washington eat up right-handed pitching.
Diamondbacks: A Corner Outfielder--Catching the Dodgers doesn't seem likely, and they've got Zack Greinke to pitch the Wild Card Game, so they're in decent shape there, too. And, just like every team, they could use bullpen help. But Arizona will almost certainly be in the market for another bat at the deadline. And I think that bat will be a power-hitting corner outfielder they can plug behind Goldschmidt and Lamb. Somebody like the Tigers' J.D. Martinez or, perhaps even more likely since it seems like such a perfect fit, the Mets' Jay Bruce.
Rockies: Pitching--As usual, and to the surprise of no one, Colorado's biggest trade deadline priority is pitching. The separation in the National League is such that it would be an incredible surprise to not see a Diamondbacks-Rockies Wild Card Game. And unless Colorado gets a starter better than Jon Gray to go against Greinke, their first trip to the playoffs in 10 years will be a one-game appearance. That's not to say they don't need bullpen help, too. They've got a solid closer in Greg Holland, but they'll be looking for setup guys all over the place.
Of course, there are teams currently on the outside looking in who will also be buyers at the deadline. In fact, I think we might see more trades like the one between the Yankees and Brewers. Two contenders helping each other out. Because I'm not sure how many teams, especially in the American League, will really consider themselves out of it enough to be sellers. If teams like the Blue Jays or Rangers do become sellers, though, that could be the difference between a pennant and a Division Series exit for whoever snags those guys first.
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