With the MLB Trade Deadline just a few weeks away, the market has started to take shape. Teams have mostly defined themselves as either buyers or sellers by this point. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to play Matchmaker.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have been the best team in the American League despite a middle-of-the-road starting rotation. They take this opportunity to improve this part of their team by adding Kyle Gibson. He’s been arguably the best pitcher in the AL this season. The rich get richer.
“I got choked up a little bit. When it actually happens… it takes hold of you.”
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) July 4, 2021
Kyle Gibson, thankful for his family, teammates, and staff in the wake of his selection to the 2021 All-Star team. ?
Congrats, Gibby! @Rangers | #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/FsLoe787Sv
Tampa Bay Rays
There’s been speculation that Tampa could be in the Nelson Cruz sweepstakes. However, with Austin Meadows already in-house, it doesn’t make sense. Instead, I’ll give the Rays another pitcher, Jon Gray from Colorado. The two teams are frequent trade partners and Gray becomes the latest piece of clay for pitching coach Kyle Snyder.
Jon Gray’s 5 strikeouts pic.twitter.com/6ahYFqyS7w
— RoxGifsVids (@RoxGifsVids) June 30, 2021
Chicago White Sox
When Nick Madrigal went down with a torn right hamstring, it created a hole in the White Sox infield. They fill that hole admirably by adding the versatile Eduardo Escobar. He’s been the D’Backs’ best player and his 18 home runs will add some thunder to the Southside.
Eduardo Escobar notches his 500th career RBI. pic.twitter.com/hUwLERSI0j
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) July 3, 2021
Houston Astros
The Astros have been a roll lately, going 20-8 since June 1st. They have an AL-best run differential. They are in the middle of the pack when it comes to bullpen ERA though. General Manager James Click helps shore up that spot by acquiring Raisel Iglesias.
Raisel Iglesias has retired all 24 batters he’s faced over his past six outings. In that span:
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) July 4, 2021
8 innings
15 strikeouts (62.5 K%)
0 walks
0 hits pic.twitter.com/NfhwACiuxm
Oakland Athletics
The A’s have been linked to Rockies shortstop Trevor Story but their low payroll makes that deal a non-starter. They do need help up the middle and get it with the slightly cheaper option of Andrelton Simmons. I’m thinking they get the Twins to eat some of his remaining pay to make it happen.
New York Mets
Jerry Seinfeld’s favorite team has emerged as a frontrunner in the NL East. They’ve relied on outstanding pitching, led by Jacob DeGrom. Their offense has been stagnant and requires a boost. That comes in the form of Starling Marte, who also transforms the outfield defense from steady to elite.
UPDATE: The Marlins have offered Marte an extension. He remains a trade target if the two sides can’t reach a deal.
Latest On Extension Talks Between Marlins, Starling Marte https://t.co/FvyQOpo962 pic.twitter.com/uEwDGAvCgP
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 6, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers
Craig Counsell’s Brew Crew have been on a roll of late, tallying 84 runs during an 11-game winning streak. While they can’t expect that run of production to continue, getting a power bat like Jonathan Schoop wouldn’t hurt.
Jonathan Schoop CRUSHING that ball 440 feet! pic.twitter.com/352YlgbdbP
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 3, 2021
NL West
Everyone thought this would be a magical race between two teams, the Dodgers and the Padres. The San Francisco Giants have been the best team in this division and will look to add to their roster. They could use some outfield depth and Charlie Blackmon is just the kind of hard-nosed competitor Manager Gabe Kapler loves.
Charlie Blackmon’s career has been completely underrated and deserves more recognition pic.twitter.com/Pf8RBy3lYL
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 2, 2021
The Dodgers and Padres had their fun in the winter. Will they stay put? Probably not, but this is my article and my universe and I say they do. Also, the Rockies hang on to Story and receive a compensatory draft pick in the winter.
Fringe Contender Quick Adds
The Blue Jays front office has proven itself to be aggressive and willing to spend money. I wanted to give them Max Scherzer, but it looks like he’s staying put. Jose Berrios has one more year of team control and could grow with the Jays’ young core.
BEST AVAILABLE: Minnesota Twins starter Jose Berrios “looks like the best pitcher on the market… and executives believe Minnesota will deal him” at the MLB Trade Deadline. pic.twitter.com/hWymmHAnSE
— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 30, 2021
Cleveland’s offense can use all the help it can get. They get it in the form of Nelson Cruz, who’s still mashing in his forties.
What do you think will happen at the MLB Trade Deadline? I’d love to hear from you!
