The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and with it, the question of who needs what the most. This year's deadline is particularly intriguing, as it comes later than usual, and many teams are still in contention for a wild-card berth. The landscape has shifted for several teams, with some contending ahead of schedule and others facing challenges. Here's a breakdown of the current situation, with a focus on starting pitchers, bats, and relief arms.
Starting Pitchers
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have the best playoff odds among these five teams, but their rotation is in dire need of a boost. With several starters on the IL, including Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs have already made a short-term move to add David Peterson from the Mets. However, Cabrera's return is uncertain, and there's no timeline for Brown's return. Justin Steele's chances of making it back to starting by season's end are also uncertain.
The Cubs' goal this season was to make noise in the postseason, and their rotation needs a major upgrade to achieve that. Personally, I think the Cubs should consider adding a veteran starter with playoff experience to provide stability and leadership.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are in first place and have a strong shot at making the postseason. However, they still need another starting pitcher. Davis Martin and Sean Burke have been excellent, but the team needs a reliable arm for the back end of the rotation. Adding a pitcher capable of starting a postseason game should be a priority.
In my opinion, the White Sox should explore options for a veteran starter who can provide depth and experience, especially if they want to make a deep playoff run.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are contending earlier than expected, but their starting rotation has been a weakness. Dustin May and Michael McGreevy are projected to perform well, but Matthew Liberatore has been disappointing. Adding an arm to the top of the rotation could help push everyone down a notch and prepare for inevitable IL stints.
From my perspective, the Cardinals should consider adding a veteran starter with a strong track record of performance and durability to ensure they have a reliable option when needed.
Houston Astros
The Astros' rotation has been a muddle, with Hunter Brown's return providing a boost, and Spencer Arrighetti performing well. However, Mike Burrows was optioned to Triple A, and Tatsuya Imai's performance is inconsistent. Ronel Blanco, Lance McCullers Jr., and Hayden Wesneski are potential options, but the Astros' front office has a lot of urgency to address their rotation needs.
What many people don't realize is that the Astros' rotation has been a source of inconsistency, and adding a veteran starter with a strong track record of performance could provide the stability they need.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins were the sport's hottest team in June and are emerging as a threat to make the postseason. However, their rotation has been a concern, with Max Meyer leading the way. Losing Robby Snelling for the season was a significant blow, and the team needs a starter to slot into a playoff rotation.
In my opinion, the Marlins should consider adding a veteran starter with a strong track record of performance and durability to ensure they have a reliable option when needed.
Bats
Atlanta Braves
The Braves' offense is slipping, and their season wRC+ fell below 100 in the past week. They could still use another starting pitcher, but their offensive urgency ranking is high. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim are injured, Austin Riley is struggling, and Mauricio Dubón can only play one position at a time.
What this really suggests is that the Braves need to address their offensive weaknesses, and adding a full-time DH or a versatile bat in left field could provide the boost they need.
New York Yankees
The Yankees have been struggling offensively, with a collective batting average below .200 and the worst wRC+ in baseball. Aaron Judge is on the IL, Giancarlo Stanton can't run, Austin Wells hasn't hit, and the infield has underperformed. The Yankees need to address their offensive issues to become AL favorites.
This raises a deeper question: With Judge's age and the team's recent struggles, the Yankees should consider adding a veteran bat with playoff experience to provide stability and leadership.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are trending in the right direction, but their right field and third base weaknesses have become especially glaring. Adding the right kind of upgrade could propel Kyle Schwarber and the team into true World Series contention.
In my opinion, the Phillies should consider adding a veteran bat with a strong track record of performance and versatility to address their weaknesses and provide a boost to their offense.
Relievers
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have the worst bullpen among playoff hopefuls, according to FanGraphs. They need arms in the rotation and the bullpen, with Daniel Palencia on the IL and an insistence on shopping in the bargain bin for relief pitching.
What this really suggests is that the Cubs need to address their bullpen weaknesses, and adding a veteran reliever with a strong track record of performance and durability could provide the stability they need.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers' bullpen is among the worst among playoff hopefuls, and they need to improve their relief squad. With lefty Jalen Beeks out for the season and lefty Robert Garcia hurt, they might consider adding a southpaw reliever.
In my opinion, the Rangers should focus on adding a reliever with a strong four-seamer and the ability to strike batters out to improve their bullpen's performance.
Conclusion
The MLB trade deadline is a critical time for teams to address their weaknesses and improve their chances of success. By analyzing the current situation and making strategic moves, teams can position themselves for a strong finish and a deep playoff run. It's a fascinating time for baseball fans, as the race for the postseason heats up, and the deadline approaches.
