MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale

Tuesday, August 1, is a massive day in Major League Baseball as it is the MLB trade deadline. We know who is who this year. Now the winners are buyers, the losers are sellers and it’s the front office’s time to shine. Let’s check in with the AL West, who is being sold, and the buyer’s wish lists.

Selling the AL West: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners find themselves in an unfortunate place as the trade deadline approaches. After breaking their postseason drought last year, the team had hoped for another competitive season in 2023. However, they currently sit with a 53-51 record (.510), placing them fourth in the American League West. With the playoffs seemingly out of reach, the Mariners are considering their options, including potential trades that could help them build for the future.

The Mariners’ President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto, recently discussed the team’s tough position, acknowledging that they have not separated themselves in a meaningful way to be aggressive buyers. Dipoto stated that they may need to decide whether it is better to make a push for the current season or to position themselves for the following year better. While the team’s chances of making the playoffs are not great, there is still a possibility, particularly in the Wild Card chase.

One player who has generated trade interest is closer Paul Sewald. According to The New York Post and MLB Network’s Joel Sherman, the Mariners believe Sewald could attract a high price in a pitcher-hungry market. As Sewald enters his final year of arbitration next season, the team may consider listening to offers for him.

Sewald has emerged as the Mariners’ go-to closer, recording 21 saves in 45 appearances. He boasts an impressive 2.91 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP this year. However, with pitching depth in the organization, including the presence of Andres Muñoz in the bullpen and promising prospects like Prelander Berroa in the pipeline, the Mariners may feel that they can afford to part ways with Sewald.

Selling the AL West: Oakland A’s.

The Oakland Athletics (30-76) find themselves in a challenging position in last place in the AL West as well as the entire MLB. With a disappointing record and a lackluster performance this season, the A’s have several players that could be valuable assets for other teams.

One player who has caught the attention of potential suitors is Tony Kemp. Despite his overall numbers not reflecting his true value, Kemp has put together an impressive second half for the second consecutive season. Since the start of July, Kemp has been on a tear, hitting .296/.351/.408 with six stolen bases. This surge in performance has showcased his ability to contribute offensively and his positional versatility.

Kemp’s impending free agency at the end of the season adds an exciting dynamic to his trade potential. Contending teams needing a versatile player who can provide a spark off the bench may see Kemp as an attractive option. While his overall numbers may not be eye-popping, his recent performance suggests he could be a valuable addition to a playoff-bound team.

Reliable relief pitching is always in high demand, and the Athletics have a potential trade chip in Trevor May. Since the start of July, May has shown signs of improvement, posting a 1.29 ERA and five saves. While his numbers may not be elite, his recent form could make him an intriguing target for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.

May’s track record as a reliable reliever adds to his trade value. Teams needing bullpen depth and experience may view May as a valuable asset down the stretch. While the return for May may not be significant, the Athletics could still receive a prospect or two in exchange for his services.

One player who could fetch a decent return for the Athletics is Paul Blackburn. While Blackburn may not be part of the team’s long-term plans, his affordable contract and team control make him an appealing option for contending teams. With a $1.9 million option and the potential for team control, Blackburn’s trade value lies in his affordability and versatility as a pitcher.

Although Blackburn’s trade may not significantly boost the Athletics’ farm system rankings, he could still bring back a fringe top-10 prospect in some systems. Alternatively, the A’s may receive a top 20-25 prospect and another flier prospect. While the return may not be earth-shattering, the Athletics could capitalize on a weak market and acquire valuable assets for the future.

Brent Rooker’s story has been one of highs and lows this season. The A’s lone All-Star, Rooker, started the season on a tear, hitting nine home runs in March and April while cutting down on strikeouts. However, his performance has declined since then, with his batting average dropping below .200 and his power numbers dwindling.

Despite his recent struggles, Rooker’s early-season success and potential as a power hitter could still attract interest from other teams. The Athletics may be able to secure a top 20 prospect from a system for Rooker, making it a best-case scenario trade. While his current performance may not be impressive, Rooker’s past success and power potential make him a valuable trade asset.

Buying the AL West: Houston Astros

The Houston Astros (59-46) find themselves in second place in the AL West, where they need to make some moves to bolster their roster. With the Texas Rangers playing well and the Los Angeles Angels making aggressive acquisitions, the Astros must stay aggressive if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Trade rumors are swirling around the Astros, and while there is plenty of speculation and nonsense on the internet, some legitimate rumors are worth exploring.

The Houston Astros have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring right-handed reliever Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox. This is the second time in three years that Graveman will be donning an Astros uniform, as he was previously acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2021.

The acquisition of Graveman aligns with the Astros’ stated goal of bolstering their pitching staff before the trade deadline. General Manager Dana Brown has made it clear that the team is looking for bullpen help. The Astros also have expressed interest in adding a left-handed hitter to their lineup.

If the Astros pivot and look for rotation help, one name that has emerged as a potential target for the Astros is Jordan Montgomery of the St. Louis Cardinals. Montgomery has been one of the few Cardinals pitchers who has performed well this season, and his pending free agency could make him an affordable option for Houston. While the Dodgers have also shown interest in Montgomery, their recent acquisition of Lance Lynn may take them out of the running. However, other teams will likely enter the fray for Montgomery’s services.

The Mets let Scherzer go to Texas, Justin Verlander should be dealt next, if he will agree to waive his No-trade clause. Returning to Houston has to be his top priority, one more series. It would be fantastic to see a Verlander v Scherzer playoff showdown for the AL West.

Another intriguing option for the Astros is Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger could provide the left-handed bat that the Astros are looking for, but there is some disagreement among sources about whether the Astros are genuinely interested in acquiring him. The recent resurgence of the Chicago Cubs could also impact the trade market, as they may choose not to sell many players at the deadline.

Buying the AL West: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are 60-45 (.571) and leading the AL West. They have secured Max Scherzer in a colossal trade, but still, there is some work to do. One potential trade target for the Texas Rangers is Teoscar Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners. Hernandez would provide a much-needed boost to the Rangers’ lineup, especially in the outfield. With the ability to play both left field and serve as a designated hitter, Hernandez could fill a void in the Rangers’ roster.

Hernandez is a right-handed power hitter, which would add another dimension to the Texas lineup. Since he is set to become a free agent after the season, the price to acquire him may not be exorbitant. This makes him an attractive trade option for the Rangers, considering their limited number of blue-chip prospects.

If a trade for Hernandez proves to be unfeasible, Corey Dickerson of the Washington Nationals could be a more realistic trade target for the Texas Rangers. Dickerson, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, would be a natural platoon partner for Robbie Grossman. This would address the Rangers’ need for a left-handed bat in the outfield.

Compared to Hernandez, Dickerson’s salary is more manageable, which could make him an appealing option for the Rangers. With the Nationals potentially looking to move him if there is interest on the trade market, the Rangers could explore a trade for Dickerson to bolster their lineup.

As a playoff-bound team leading the AL West, the Texas Rangers understand the importance of bullpen depth. Two potential trade targets to bolster their relief corps are Brad Hand and Kyle Finnegan. Hand, a veteran left-handed reliever, brings postseason experience and would come at a reasonable cost in terms of prospects.

On the other hand, Finnegan stands out as a potential right-handed reliever target. He has had an excellent season with the Washington Nationals and would add depth in front of closer Aroldis Chapman. While Finnegan may require a slightly higher prospect cost due to his arbitration years, the Rangers could view him as a valuable short-term and long-term investment.