AL East: 1 screw up the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Rays and Blue Jays can make at the MLB trade deadline
Boston Red Sox can screw up the deadline by not making pitching additions
A month ago, the playoffs were an afterthought for the Boston Red Sox. However, after finishing the first half strong and beginning the second half by winning four out of six on the road against the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, they suddenly have become players in the Wild Card race and should be adding arms at the deadline.
Their starting pitching is hanging on by a thread, but they have been getting good performances from a couple of their “openers” and Nick Pivetta has provided a spark since being moved to the bullpen. GM Chaim Bloom will more than likely add some arms for starting pitching depth, as well as bullpen depth and Blackburn will be at the top of his list. If he does not add at least one or two arms by the deadline, what a disappointment it would be in Boston.
New York Yankees can screw up the deadline by not adding a left-handed bat
Injuries have been a big reason for the Yankees sitting in last place in the AL East and it’s going to take a big turnaround for them to get into the postseason. Their offense has struggled in the absence of Aaron Judge and they need to add an outfielder and preferably a left-handed bat.
The obvious answer is Cody Bellinger from the Cubs who put on a show at Yankees Stadium before the All-Star break and his swing would fit perfectly there. Another need for New York is another arm for the starting rotation, another option for manager Aaron Boone out of the bullpen, and a catcher. That’s an awful lot for a team that just doesn’t seem to have it in them this season to be a factor come October. GM Brian Cashman will do something because it’s the Yankees, but he would be wise to not give away a lot of prospects. That would be an even bigger deadline mistake.
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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