Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rays: 1 July bold prediction for every AL East team
By Scott Roche
Bold prediction: Tampa Bay Rays add a starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline
If history tells us anything, the Rays generally don’t make big splashes before or at the trade deadline. This season, however, feels different for Kevin Cash’s team.
Looking around the rest of the American League, what team would they look at and say “I don’t think we can beat them in the playoffs”? Certainly not anyone from the American League Central. In the AL West, maybe the Texas Rangers? Will the Houston Astros turn things around and be that October team nobody wants to play? Can anyone really trust the Los Angeles Angels?
In the AL East, are the Orioles that team that’s going to get into the postseason and make a World Series run? The Yankees don’t look like a serious threat and the Blue Jays and Red Sox are in the same boat as New York. If there is a year Tampa Bay goes all-in for a World Series run, it’s 2023.
Like the Orioles, Bieber, or Giolito would be difference-maker additions, or do they go another route? They could also go the route of adding a bat or bullpen help. A lot depends on the health of Shane McClanahan’s injury, which sounds like they dodged a big injury. This is the year for the Rays to strike first and make themselves the favorite in the AL and they more than likely will.