The month of July is the true beginning of the MLB season, as it begins the final approach towards October Baseball. It’s at this point in time that teams take a good hard look at themselves and ask the question: “Are we truly capable of securing the title?”
At this point, the only major move to be confirmed is Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman being traded to the Mets for two prospects. This deal came as a shock to many, as the Mets were seen as sellers, not buyers. The Blue Jays, however, seemingly got robbed by acquiring (still very-talented) single-A and AAA prospects.
With Stroman off the market, let’s take a look at what teams in contention should consider themselves buyers or sellers. We’ll also discuss who they should acquire or let go.
AL Division Leaders
New York Yankees – Buyers
The Yankees find themselves in a straight forward position. Starting pitching is the focal point of their trade deadline.
While the Yankees’ offense has been truly “savage” at the plate, their rotation has been lacking all season. Before the All-Star break, New York’s rotation was ranked ninth in the league with a 4.14 ERA, 815 SO, and an Opponents’ Batting Average that sat nicely at .248. At the time, that was decent enough for them to get away with the lineup they have.
Since the break, their rotation has posted an abysmal 5.07 ERA, 167 SO, and an Opponents’ Batting Average of .281. To make things worse, New York, within the last seven games, ranks dead last in ERA (10.50), Earned Runs (69), runs (71), and HRs (23). Just look at the recent four-game set against the Red Sox where the Sox scored 44 runs with over 60 hits.
With the rotation in shambles, the Yankees should focus on two starters – Matthew Boyd or Robbie Ray. They could give up on Clint Frazier and the injured Miguel Andujar.
Matthew Boyd 2019: 6-8 3.14 ERA 1.13 WHIP
With a 1.13 WHIP, Mathew Boyd provides what New York needs – an efficient pitcher. Boyd averages a BB/9 of two walks a game while averaging 12 SO/9.
A big concern the Yankees could have, however, is the long ball. Boyd has given up 22 HRs in his 22 starts. With Yankee Stadium being small in comparison to Comerica Park, Boyd could have trouble keeping the ball in play.
Robbie Ray: 9-7 3.91 ERA 1.3 WHIP
Ray is a solid lefty starter who gets strikeouts at huge rates. With a SO/9 of 12 and a HR/9 of 1.6, he’s exactly what the Yankees need at this point. The only problem is his BB/9 (5) could spell disaster at a small park like Yankee Stadium.
Minnesota Twins – Buyers
With their lead slowly slipping away, the Twins bullpen has done nothing to help.
Since the All-Star break, their bullpen has an ERA of 4.75. In their three-game set against the Yankees a week ago, the bullpen allowed 11 runs. That’s not exactly playoff ready. Who should they go after?
With the acquisition of Sergio Romo, the Twins finally have a competent closer with playoff experience. The next move should also be in the bullpen. They should look to acquire Orioles’ closer Mychal Givens.
Givens has been a bright spot in a very dark 2019 season for Baltimore. Posting 12.3 SO/9, 4.1 BB/9, 1.22 WHIP, and a 2.2 HR/9, Givens has shown to be solid in his role.
An area of concern for Givens has been allowing runs (4.5 ERA). I believe that high ERA comes from playing in Baltimore. A change of scenery could improve that.
Houston Astros – Stand Pat
The Astros are the rare team where nothing needs to be done. Their rotation is solid with the Verlander/Cole combination. A lineup that consists of Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez (take note Cleveland), and Yuli Gurriel should scare any opposing pitcher.
If they were to make a move, I’d recommend going for Syndergaard and make 2019 a lock for the title.
AL Wild Card Race
Cleveland Indians – Buy While Selling
By reading that title your thinking “this guy is delusional and probably has been up two days straight writing this article and is running on fumes.” To that, I say you’re correct, but I’m not insane. Hear me out.
Let’s start with Trevor Bauer. Say what you want about the man, but he can pitch. This season he’s posted a 9-8 record with a 3.80 ERA. While not seeming impressive at first glance, it’s what you find once you’ve dove deeper that you’ll find the value. He allows no HRs (unless its Max Kepler). This is huge for teams like the Yankees who have an abusive relationship with the long ball (165). With a 1 HR/9 and a 10.6 SO/9, he’s seemingly a great fit for any contender. Pitching in the postseason at least once in the last three seasons provides a cherry on top for a team who wants Bauer.
The Indians shouldn’t be shy to ask for any team’s top young, heavy hitters. Two names that fit that profile are Houston’s OF Yordan Alvarez and Yankees’ OF Clint Frazier. Other possible fits could be Boston’s Michael Chavis and Chicago’s Eloy Jimenez.
The positions most in need of offensive upgrades are 2B and LF.
Oakland Athletics – Stand Pat
In Classic Oakland fashion, they’ll do nothing at the deadline. This isn’t a jab or sarcastic comment, as Oakland knows who they have in the minors. A.J. Puk, J.B. Wendelken, or Jesus Luzardo could be called up any day now.
Tampa Bay Rays – Buyers
Bullpen help and power from the right side top the checklist of needs for the Rays. Adding a starter that could go deep and help a taxed bullpen would be nice as well. The news Sunday morning that CF Kevin Kiermaier (thumb) may be out two weeks instead of much longer prevented another box from appearing on the checklist.
Detroit’s Nicholas Castellanos and Shane Greene and Toronto’s Ken Giles, all on one-year deals, could be among those targeted for the club’s respective needs. The back end of the bullpen and right-handed power could be addressed through a bit of one-stop shopping with Edwin Diaz and Todd Frazier from the Mets.
Boston Red Sox – Buyers
Bullpen, Bullpen, Bullpen. Thats been the tale of the Sox in 2019. Boston’s relievers rank 18th in ERA (4.54), and they share the AL lead in blown saves (18) with Seattle. Matt Barnes, who was seen as the heir apparent to Craig Kimbrel’s closer role, has pitched to a 4.38 ERA.
Regardless of what the Red Sox have said publicly if Boston wants to make the postseason again, an experienced reliever would be a wise addition. Padres’ closer Kirby Yates, Pirates’ Felipe Velazquez, or even Mets’ Edwin Diaz could be possible targets for the Sox to pursue.