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3 MLB Teams Who Need Help At The Trade Deadline


The ball lies on the grass as the Atlanta Braves face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 11, 2014 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

 

With the MLB All-Star Break upon us, the questions surrounding the trade deadline are getting answered.

As the playoff races are shaping out, the buyers are making themselves known.

While some teams on the outside looking in might look to flip their players for young talent, there are some that are still looking for new pieces to take them over the top.

Here are three teams that need help at this year’s deadline.

 

3. San Diego Padres

While their rivals in Los Angeles have dominated the NL West, the San Diego Padres are still in contention.

This has been without their star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who has not appeared this season.

Their pitching has saved them, as the staff ranks towards the top of baseball in all major categories.

Pitchers Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish anchor a starting rotation that may be MLB’s deepest, while their bullpen is filled with strong arms.

However, the Padres’ offense has been lacking.

They are below average at the plate, lacking in both OPS and home runs.

While the presumed return of Tatis Jr. will be welcomed, the Padres still need another bat.

The market is heating up too, with the emergence of Juan Soto as a potential trade option.

Other names like Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez (assuming the Red Sox decide to sell) and Bryan Reynolds will likely be on their radar.

While it may be hard to catch the Dodgers in the divisional race, the Padres will look to make a Wild Card run.

That will all start with a good move at the deadline.

 

2. Houston Astros

It is hard to say that a team with the third best record in baseball needs to make some moves at the deadline, but the Astros have a couple holes.

Most notably their catching and first base.

Martin Maldonado is a standout defender, and that’s all they expect from him.

However, he causes such a hole in their lineup.

With a name like Wilson Contreras on the market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Astros make an offer.

At first base, Yuli Gurriel has been below league average -0.1 WAR.

While he has been a core part of the Astros dynasty, it may be time for the team to move on from him.

Josh Bell would be the perfect fit for them, adding a switch hitter into the already strong Astros lineup.

With their pitching already being dominant, the offense is the only question mark the team may have.

However, they could solve all of that with a good trade deadline.

 

1. Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers just barely sit in first place for the NL Central, and are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

While some have thought their bullpen arms of Josh Hader and Devin Williams are on the market, the Brewers would instead benefit with being buyers.

The team has had minimal offense.

Much of their lineup has struggled all year, especially as former MVP Christian Yelich has not been able to reach the same level.

Now, they are left searching for one or two more bats to deepen their lineup.

While that could come with a big name that may be available, such as a Josh Bell, there are others that they could use to build their lineup.

A versatile bat like Trey Mancini could fit right into their lineup, giving them depth that can play both first and the corner outfield spots.

Andrew Benintendi could be another option, as he would be an instant upgrade in the outfield.

If they want to take the next step, it is going to start on the trade market.



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