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AL East: 1 screw up the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Rays and Blue Jays can make at the MLB trade deadline

ByScott Roche|
Jun 20, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on the field during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on the field during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Tampa Bay Rays general manager Peter Bendix
May 9, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays general manager Peter Bendix before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays can screw up the deadline by not going all-in

The Tampa Bay Rays and the trade deadline are always a fascinating topic. They typically don’t make major splashes, but tweak their roster and consider that going all-in. This season feels different and if there is ever a season where they can make a serious run to the World Series, it’s 2023.

Along with the Texas Rangers, they were the best team in the AL in the first half, but they hit the skids right before the break and a little after. They could use another arm in their starting rotation and a splash would be adding either Bieber or calling the San Diego Padres on former Ray Blake Snell. It’s hard to see them currently constructed with their staff getting through to the ALCS, but a matchup with either the Rangers or Houston Astros would be tough as both teams have better staffs built for October. If they don’t go all-in, it would be a big disappointment in Central Florida.

Toronto Blue Jays can screw up the deadline by not trading for Marcus Stroman

Toronto has been linked to Cubs’ right-hander and former Blue Jay Marcus Stroman. It’s unlikely he signs an extension to stay in Chicago and moving him is the best option. The Blue Jays are in need of another arm and Stroman is the perfect fit.

Alek Manoah struggled in his second start since returning from a Florida Complex League assignment in June and he is someone who can’t be counted on like he was in 2022. Stroman would move to the top of the rotation with Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Yusei Kikuchi. Putting that rotation up against the rest of the AL in the postseason is a problem for opponents in a series. The offense has not been a problem this season in Toronto, but adding another bat off the bench should be another addition GM Ross Atkins makes.

This is going to be the most interesting division when it comes to the trade deadline. All five teams feel like they can make the playoffs and one, if not two, is going to be disappointed being on the outside looking in. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

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