With the American League done and over, it’s now time for the National League.
The Mets became surprise buyers with the Marcus Stroman trade while selling Jason Vargas to the Phillies for prospects. Let’s take a look at the state of the National League at the deadline.
NL Division Leaders
Atlanta Braves – Buyers
GM Alex Anthopoulos had come up empty until convincing former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, a left-handed innings eater, to sign for $13 million after the June draft. He failed to bring back former All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, so he’s still looking for a closer more reliable than journeyman Luke Jackson. Another starter wouldn’t hurt either.
A controllable veteran starter with postseason experience will be hard to find, so the team may have to settle rather than select. Madison Bumgarner and Atlanta native Zack Wheeler (idled at the moment by shoulder fatigue) have been mentioned most. Zack Greinke could also be in play. The catch, however, would be taking on his gigantic salary. Closers Kirby Yates and Will Smith would also work in exchange for the right package.
Chicago Cubs – Buyers
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Theo Epstein over the years it’s that he doesn’t back down from trades. To no one’s shock Theo is calling the 2019 deadline “the Reckoning of the Chicago Cubs.”
While the Cubs rank fifth in the NL in scoring, their lineup doesn’t seem nearly as deep as it has with Ben Zobrist serving as a moving part. The veteran rotation has come together since the All-Star break and should be stronger when Cole Hamels returns from the injured list.
Theo needs to find a hitter who can play a significant role; one that can complement Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant on the field and at the plate. Who is this mystery ball player?
Hunter Pence has experience in big spots and is enjoying a resurgence with the Rangers. He’s among the corner outfielders the Cubs are monitoring, along with the Tigers’ Nicholas Castellanos, Angels’ Kole Calhoun, and Diamondbacks’ David Peralta.
If you have a GM like Theo Epstein who makes magic as he did with the four-team, Nomar Garciaparra trade in 2004, you may find your self back in World Series contention.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Should I Even Bother?
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball hands down.
They hold the best record 69-39 (.639). They have the best pitching staff consisting of Hyun-Jin Ryu (1.74 ERA, 11-2, and a WHIP of .96) and Clayton Kershaw (9-2, 2.85 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.02). On top of that, Cody Bellinger continues playing historical baseball on his way to becoming the MVP. It’s no big deal.
Since this is a Trade Deadline article for you, the reader, I’ll reveal the Dodgers’ one “weakness” if you consider it one. It’s the bullpen. This is leading LA to talk to teams such as Pittsburgh for Felipe Vazquez, San Francisco for Will Smith, and a handful of others.
NL Wild Card Race
St Louis Cardinals – Buyers
The Cardinals have a .533 winning percentage (56-49 record) entering Monday. For their division, this would typically equate to about a 25% chance of making the playoffs.
St. Louis has a ton of players contributing, including All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong, infielders Kolten Wong and Paul Goldschmidt, outfielders Dexter Fowler and Marcell Ozuna, and starter Adam Wainwright. However, Yadier Molina (.654 OPS, on the injured list), Harrison Bader (.648 OPS), Matt Carpenter (.693 OPS, on IL), and Michael Wacha (5.15 ERA) have been dreadful for the Cardinals.
To combat these disappointing seasons St. Louis can trade some of their prospects and look to teams that are selling. Madison Bumgarner would be a great addition to the Cardinals’ rotation over Wacha. Even with the Giants having a recent surge, they should be sellers. Other options include starter Zack Wheeler of the Mets, who’s pitched better than his 4.71 ERA might suggest (3.65 FIP).
Other potential candidates include Ken Giles of the Blue Jays, who’d be a top-notch reliever addition with his 1.54 ERA. Another closer option is All-Star Shane Greene of the Tigers. Greene has posted a 1.18 ERA in 38 games.
Philadelphia Phillies – Buyers
This is somewhat of a paradoxical situation. The deep pockets of the club’s ownership group make them a team to watch at this trade deadline. They have a lot to gain and very little to lose.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Aaron Nola entered 2019 as a Cy Young candidate but has only recently found his groove. Nick Pivetta was supposed to take the next step, and Jake Arrieta was expected to be a steady rotation presence. Both their starters and relievers have given up more homers than any of their NL counterpart groups. That won’t get you into October.
David Robertson was supposed to anchor the bullpen but has been limited to 6.2 innings with a right elbow flexor strain. Their investments in Arrieta (three-year, $75M) and Robertson (two-year, $23M) haven’t panned out to date, but they’re fully committed to “going for it” in the short term. They won’t turn back now.
Other clubs might scoff at the money owed to Madison Bumgarner for the rest of the season (a prorated portion of $12M). The Phils, however, will cough that up if it means dealing a lesser prospect package.
Trevor Bauer is also going to make a ton of money in arbitration in 2020. Acquiring him will likely mean yielding some big league talent as part of the package, but money won’t be an obstacle. The D’backs Robbie Ray also fits this mold.
Milwaukee Brewers – Buyers
Starting pitching and bolstering the bullpen is the name of the game for the “Brew Crew.”
Giants’ closer Will Smith was once a Brewers’ relief ace and would be a solid fit in Milwaukee’s bullpen. He’s 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA and 26 saves this season and signed to a rather affordable one-year, $4.23 million contract.
Kirby Yates knows better days are coming in San Diego, but they’re not here quite yet. Paying a closer what’s left of a $3 million contract might not be in the Padres’ plans. Yates would be a big boost for the Brewers’ bullpen. He’s posted a 1.02 ERA in 42 appearances this season while striking out 72 batters in 44 innings of work and converting 31 save opportunities. A combination of Hader and Yates at the end of games could make Milwaukee’s bullpen even more fearsome to opponents as it was a year ago.
For starting pitching, however, it seems they’ll stick with the cheap contracts. Who knows, it worked well for them last year. Too bad they let go of Gio Gonzalez last off-season. I wonder what he’s up to now?