Identifying All 30 MLB Teams as Buyers or Sellers Post-All-Star Break
It's that time of year, baseball fans! Let's take a closer look at which teams will be buying and selling at the 2015 MLB trade deadline.
In some cases, the decision to go for it all or play for the future is pretty straightforward. Probable playoff teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals and Kansas City Royals will use the deadline to fill any glaring holes, while cellar-dwellers such as the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Oakland A's will be hoping to acquire promising young talent for their established major leaguers.
But sometimes, teams must sift through an assortment of factors to decide how they'll approach potential trades. In 2015, the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs each face various circumstances that will affect their thought process over the coming weeks.
Obviously, teams that are at the bottom of the standings profile as sellers, but so do mediocre teams with limited finances and barren farm systems. The trade deadline is often the best time for organizations to receive the most value for their players, which pushes many into sell mode. On the flip side, teams with dwindling championship windows usually use the deadline to bolster their rosters for one last run at a title.
Over the next 30 slides, we'll look at each team's position in the standings and its farm system depth to establish its deadline strategy.
Here we go!
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
The Arizona Diamondbacks have overachieved in 2015 but must stay the course and continue to try to acquire young talent at the trade deadline.
Arizona was only five games back of the second wild-card spot in the National League after the first half, but it seems highly unlikely the Snakes can catch the Pittsburgh Pirates or the Chicago Cubs by the end of the season.
Still, the Diamondbacks have the makings of a dangerous team in the not-too-distant future. Offensively, Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock and Yasmany Tomas are solid pieces for a contender to build around. Arizona also has a contingent of promising young arms in Archie Bradley, Patrick Corbin, Robbie Ray, Braden Shipley and Aaron Blair.
With that being said, the Diamondbacks won't be able to add too much over the coming weeks. Brad Ziegler, Aaron Hill, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Oliver Perez are virtually the only assets worth mentioning—and even that's a stretch.
Expect Arizona to be relatively quiet at the deadline, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
The Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks are near spitting images of each other. Like Arizona, the Braves have surprised people around the league with their play in 2015.
But again, Atlanta president of baseball operations John Hart needs to take a realistic approach over the coming weeks.
The Braves began the second half six games out of the second wild-card spot after a five-game losing streak before the All-Star break. Atlanta never figured to truly compete for a playoff spot this season and will likely hover around .500 the rest of the way.
But the future is extremely bright after Hart's revitalization of the farm system. The Braves have restocked the cupboard with young pitching talent, leading many to believe their rebuild won't be a long, drawn-out process.
As for assets, losing Jason Grilli to an Achilles injury right before the break definitely hurt. But other veterans like A.J. Pierzynski, Juan Uribe, Jim Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Jonny Gomes and Chris Johnson might garner some interest.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
Get ready, baseball fans: The American League East is poised to treat the trade deadline like a good, old-fashioned arms race.
That includes the Baltimore Orioles, who were four games back of the first-place New York Yankees to start the second half. The O's may have been 44-44 through the first half, but they have plenty of firepower to reclaim the division title.
A healthy Manny Machado is in the midst of a breakout in 2015, leading the club in numerous offensive categories. With Adam Jones, Chris Davis, Jimmy Paredes and a returning Matt Wieters flanking him in the lineup, Baltimore has maintained a top-10 offense despite key losses.
On the other hand, the Orioles rotation has been a mixed bag. Ubaldo Jimenez and Wei-Yin Chen have been fantastic, but the rest of the staff has been inconsistent or just downright bad. Targeting a low-cost hurler or two to add depth to that rotation could be enough to push Baltimore back to the top of the division.
Baltimore's prospect pool isn't overflowing with elite talent, but there's enough quality to get a deal done. With eight players set to test free agency this winter, the O's should do what they can to fix their shoddy starting pitching.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Verdict: Buyers and Sellers
What to make of the Boston Red Sox?
For a team that's struggled all season long, Boston started the second half only 6.5 games back of first place in the AL East. Due to the combination of an underachieving start and a winnable division, expect the organization to be busy in more ways than one before the deadline.
Boston's bugaboo in the first half was an unreliable starting staff that ranked 28th in ERA. Boston has already given Eduardo Rodriguez an opportunity in the big leagues and could do the same with other youngsters like Brian Johnson and Henry Owens in the second half.
Can the Red Sox legitimately contend for the division with rotation improvements? It sure wouldn't hurt. Boston has been linked to Cole Hamels for the better part of a year now, so don't expect those rumors to die over the next few weeks.
Despite its standing, Boston shouldn't hesitate to flip a handful of assets no matter how well the second half begins. Mike Napoli, Koji Uehara, Shane Victorino, Alejandro De Aza and Craig Breslow all should be wearing different jerseys in the second half.
The Red Sox will likely mix and match at the deadline, which makes sense considering the talent on the roster and in the minor leagues.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
Following the Chicago Cubs will be a riveting experience leading up to the deadline.
The young Cubbies have lived up to the preseason hype in 2015, sitting in sole possession of the second wild-card spot at the break. With the organization and fanbase craving October baseball, general manager Theo Epstein will surely be active over the next few weeks.
It's just a matter of how active.
The Cubs are poised for an extended run of postseason chances with the likes of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber already playing important roles for the big league club. With additional prospects on the farm, don't expect Epstein to make a shortsighted trade for premium talent.
If Epstein is to make a deal, a reliable starter would be an area he should consider. But Chicago's rotation has been fantastic all season, and if it continue to pitch well over the coming weeks, that desire to snag a starter could dissipate. Offensively, Ben Zobrist makes sense for the Cubs if he doesn't come at a high price. He's beloved by Joe Maddon, and his veteran presence would complement Chicago's young roster tremendously.
The Cubs won't stand pat, but don't expect Epstein to go after rental players just for a do-or-die Wild Card Game. And, he shouldn't.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
Life isn't as fun on the South Side of the Windy City, where the Chicago White Sox have been one of the first half's biggest disappointments.
Despite an impressive offseason, the White Sox started the second half 11 games behind the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central and 5.5 back of the second wild-card spot. That doesn't sound like an insurmountable gap, but Chicago would have to pass seven other teams to claim the final wild-card spot.
The White Sox do hold one of the deadline's top trade chips in Jeff Samardzija, as the right-hander will be a free agent after the season and is unlikely to stay with the club. The 30-year-old hasn't had his best season in 2015, but he's looked fantastic in his last six outings.
Elsewhere, guys like Adam LaRoche, Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, Emilio Bonifacio and Zach Duke could be of varying degrees of use to contenders.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
OK, Walt Jocketty. With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror, it's time to commit to a rebuild.
The Cincinnati Reds haven't been able to keep up with the rest of the National League Central and must face the facts. With Johnny Cueto's contract expiring after the season and the team's farm system lacking depth, the Reds are a long way from contending.
But if Jocketty wants to expedite that process, he's got the impact pieces to acquire young talent.
Cueto's impending trade is a no-brainer. The right-hander has been among the game's best arms over the last few years and will be coveted by pitching-needy teams. Marlon Byrd, Jay Bruce, Mike Leake and Manny Parra are other names who could bolster a team during the stretch run.
But if Cincinnati wants to take its renovation project to the next step, it should consider trading Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier.
Of the two, a Chapman blockbuster makes the most sense. The flamethrower will be given the richest contract ever for a reliever after the 2016 season and the Reds would be wise to capitalize on his extra year of control in 2015. It would be a little crazier to see Frazier wearing another uniform, but he's already 29 and his value has never been higher.
Jocketty and the Reds have the assets to pull off a quick rebuild if they wish. How far they'll go remains to be seen.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
Identifying the Cleveland Indians as buyers may be a surprise. After all, Cleveland was 42-46 and 5.5 games out of the second wild-card spot through the first half.
But of all the underachieving teams in MLB, the Indians are the most likely to get back in contention.
That's due in large part to arguably the nastiest rotation in baseball. With Corey Kluber, Danny Salazar, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer, Cleveland's starters led MLB in strikeouts per nine innings in the first half. Strikeouts aren't everything, but rotations with swing-and-miss arms have the ability to go on lengthy winning streaks.
The Indians could definitely use another bat to pair with the outstanding and underrated Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley. Adding an outfielder like Carlos Gomez, who is under contract through next season, makes sense for an organization that should stay away from rentals.
It's going to take a phenomenal second half for Cleveland to climb back into the postseason race, but it's not out of the question. An extra bat could be the missing ingredient for a team that should be playing better.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
The Colorado Rockies had the look of a seller for the majority of the first half, but don't expect the club to part ways with superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Tulo is signed through 2021 and is the face of the franchise. Trades to offensively challenged teams may make sense on paper, but it's counterproductive to deal elite players under extended team control no matter a club's current standing.
While Tulowitzki is Colorado's most valuable asset, there are a handful of other players who can still bring back nice returns.
Carlos Gonzalez could be out the door in the coming weeks. The insanely talented outfielder hasn't looked like himself this season, but his recent stretch of games could be a sign of things to come. He's under contract through 2017, but finding another outfielder is a more manageable task than replacing the best shortstop in baseball.
Colorado can also offer significant bullpen upgrades with the likes of John Axford, Rafael Betancourt and LaTroy Hawkins. There's no reason for any of those three players to remain on the Rockies roster after July 31.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
Who would've thought the Detroit Tigers would be a .500 team at the season's midway point?
Despite elite talent throughout the roster, that's exactly where they stand. The Tigers started the second half nine games—nine games—behind the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. Detroit was only 3.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the second wild-card spot, but it's evident the team needs to make a move.
The most glaring hole on the roster is in the rotation. After years with fantastic starting pitching, the Tigers have been relegated to David Price and a bunch of underachievers. Detroit might have to go bargain shopping, but there may be more than one new face on the starting staff after July 31.
With Price potentially leaving after the season, Detroit's window to win a World Series could be closing. Expect the Tigers to do everything in their power to improve at the deadline.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The Houston Astros were one of the best teams in the American League for the majority of the first half but entered the All-Star break a half-game behind the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West.
Still, Houston's chances to return to the postseason for the first time since 2005 remain high, especially with a few tweaks to the roster over the coming weeks.
The most pressing area the Astros must address is at the back end of the rotation.
Dallas Keuchel was arguably the best pitcher in the AL in the first half, but he's really the only arm Houston can rely on. Lance McCullers has been electric but is just 21, Collin McHugh has been inconsistent and the rest of the staff has been ineffective.
Fortunately for the Astros, making a deal for a starter should be fairly easy. Houston's farm system is maybe the best in MLB, and the club would be able to meet teams' demands without parting with its premier youngsters.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The American League is wide open in 2015, but there's not a team with a better chance to reach the World Series than the defending AL champs.
The Kansas City Royals have the second-best record in MLB and started the second half comfortably 4.5 games ahead of the second-place Minnesota Twins. The Royals have stuck with their now-familiar formula this season: defense, speed, contact and a dominant bullpen.
Kansas City will be in the market for a starter considering the way most of the staff has performed this season. In the first half, Royals starters ranked 23rd in ERA. Edison Volquez has been an outstanding acquisition and Chris Young has filled in admirably, but K.C. will have a tough time in a shortened playoff series with its current rotation.
General manager Dayton Moore usually stays away from the franchise-changing blockbuster but could feel the pull after coming so close to a title in October. Even if Moore decides to play it safe, there are plenty of quality arms available that would boost Kansas City's chances of returning to the World Series.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
With a late surge, the Los Angeles Angels finished the first half of 2015 the way they finished 2014—atop the AL West.
The Angels entered the second half ahead of the Houston Astros by a measly half-game, but catching them before the All-Star break must've given the club a huge mental lift. Now, Los Angeles needs to use the next few weeks to upgrade an underachieving offense.
Mike Trout and Albert Pujols have carried the Angles offense for the better part of the season. As good as that duo has been in 2015, Los Angeles can't rank in the bottom half of the league in runs scored and hold off a talented Astros squad.
With Matt Joyce failing to make any sort of impact in the first half, the Angels should be in the market for an outfielder. Ben Revere, Gerardo Parra and Marlon Byrd all would be massive improvements compared to who L.A. has been trotting out.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in pretty good shape as the second half begins, sitting 4.5 games ahead of the San Francisco Giants.
But with numerous disappointments in recent postseasons, the Dodgers can't settle for anything other than a trip to the Fall Classic. By acquiring a starting pitcher before the deadline, L.A. will solidify those chances.
With Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke on the roster, Los Angeles already has a leg up on the competition. Brett Anderson and Mike Bolsinger have been fantastic finds by the front office, but it's hard to imagine Dodgers fans being thrilled if those two have to start playoff games.
With multiple starters on the market, L.A. shouldn't have trouble bolstering its rotation. The Dodgers can choose to pursue high-profile arms such as Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto or take their chances with cheaper alternatives like Scott Kazmir.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
For whatever reason, the Miami Marlins never got going in 2015 and sat 13 games under .500 heading into the second half.
Now with Giancarlo Stanton and Dee Gordon expected to miss extended time, the Fish have no choice but to try to recoup some value for their tradable assets.
Miami does have multiple players that will intrigue contending teams, headlined by right-hander Mat Latos. Latos hasn't pitched well in 2015, but he's a free agent-to-be with a solid track record and won't cost premium prospects. Dan Haren and Ichiro Suzuki will also be searching for new homes after the season and could help needy teams down the stretch.
Although under team contract through 2016, names like Michael Morse, Mike Dunn and Martin Prado will be discussed over the coming weeks. Miami has a fantastic young core and should flip any aging veteran for additional talent.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
It's difficult to understand just how the Milwaukee Brewers were 18.5 games back in the NL Central at the All-Star break when you consider their many assets.
But all those assets means Milwaukee might end up being the most active team in baseball over the next few weeks. Players like Gerardo Parra, Adam Lind, Kyle Lohse, Aramis Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez could all be wearing different uniforms in the second half.
But for Milwaukee to jump-start its rebuilding phase, it must be willing to deal outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Gomez is as talented a player as there is in MLB when he's right. Over the last four seasons, the 29-year-old has hit more than 70 homers and swiped more than 100 bases. Gomez is also an above-average defender, capable of playing all three outfield positions. He's a difference-maker, and the Brewers won't be able to pick up the tab when he hits free agency after the 2016 season.
This campaign has been a rough one for Milwaukee, but the club's future could be in much better shape by the end of the season.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Verdict: (Careful) Buyers
People have been skeptical of the Minnesota Twins all season—I'm definitely guilty of that—but Paul Molitor's bunch has a legitimate shot to reach the postseason.
The Twins were 49-40 as the second half began and only 4.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals. With a comfortable lead in the AL Wild Card race, Minnesota can be more aggressive than expected before the deadline.
But the Twins need to think carefully about potential trades. The organization is a year ahead of schedule, with elite talent yet to hit the big leagues. Winning in 2015 would be great, but winning from 2016 to 2021 is better.
With that being said, Minnesota will probably make a few minor moves to improve the club. The bullpen could use another arm, and a veteran shortstop would be a nice addition to a team that lacks consistency at that position.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
We've heard so much about the promise of the New York Mets' elite rotation, but the future has become the present in 2015. If the Mets don't acquire some offense before the deadline, though, they'll be wasting outstanding production from the best young staff in MLB.
Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz have been dynamite for the Mets this season. New York ranked seventh in starters' ERA in the first half of 2015. With a solid bullpen to match, the Mets are as talented on the mound as any team in the game.
Of course, on the flip side is an anemic offense that had scored the third-fewest runs in baseball through the first half. Sure the Mets have been hurt by David Wright's absence, but there's no excuse for a team with playoff aspirations to be giving players like John Mayberry and Eric Campbell consistent at-bats.
Despite all of their offensive woes, the Mets were 47-42 at the break and sniffing the final Wild Card spot. But the organization will be doing the baseball world a huge disservice if it doesn't get this spectacular rotation the help it deserves.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The New York Yankees are in first place in the AL East. Is there any doubt that the club will be buyers at the deadline?
They'll need to be in order to hold off four other competitive teams and make a postseason run. Upgrades are definitely needed in the rotation, which ranked 22nd in starters' ERA in the first half. How long can the Yankees get away with allowing CC Sabathia to take the ball every fifth day?
Top pitching prospect Luis Severino is in Triple-A but may not be ready, and the Yankees aren't going to sit around while other AL teams stock up for the stretch run. New York will shy away from the Cole Hamels sweepstakes, but Scott Kazmir or Jeff Samardzija would provide a significant addition.
Whomever the Yankees acquire won't be short on run support. The Yankees have scored the second-most runs in baseball through the first half and show no signs of stopping. Adding another arm doesn't guarantee an AL East crown, but it certainly makes the Yankees the favorite.
Oakland A's
20 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
Another underachieving team with numerous attractive trade assets. Sensing a theme here?
The Oakland A's fit that mold. After losing in the AL Wild Card Game in 2014, the A's were nine games under .500 through the season's first half. With their postseason hopes all but extinguished, general manager Billy Beane will do what he does best—reconstruct his roster.
The good news? Beane has plenty of ammo to revamp the organization.
Scott Kazmir has become one of the most coveted pitchers on the market. The left-hander will be a free agent after the season and is considered an alternative to the expensive Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto. Ben Zobrist's contract also expires after the season and his versatility and quality bat would fit well with any contender. Tyler Clippard, Edward Mujica, Ike Davis and Jesse Chavez are trade chips that will also be discussed over the next few weeks.
The A's disappointed in 2015, but there's not a baseball mind better suited to restock an organization than Beane.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
The Philadelphia Phillies will be one of the most talked-about teams leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.
After all, Phillies ace Cole Hamels has hijacked baseball's rumor mill for the better part of the last year. Hamels has been one of MLB's most consistent hurlers throughout his career and has pitched well again in 2015. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't found the right deal for Hamels yet, but he's likely to finally pull the trigger on a blockbuster sometime over the coming weeks.
Amaro has also been in discussions with teams regarding closer Jonathan Papelbon, but the $13 million he's owed next season has hindered any potential deal. The Phillies are willing to pay some of Papelbon's 2016 salary but want better prospects back if they are to do so.
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are unlikely to move due to lengthy and hefty financial commitments, but players like Ben Revere, Aaron Harang and Jeff Francoeur could help contenders in some capacity.
While those players do present some value, Amaro and the Phillies will be judged by how they handle the Hamels and Papelbon situations.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
After a slow start to the 2015 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates caught fire and finished the first half just 2.5 games back of the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
The Pirates, who would represent the NL as one of the two Wild Card teams if the season ended today, are one of MLB's most dangerous teams. With an elite starting rotation and the superb Andrew McCutchen leading the offense, the Pirates could just be touching their potential.
With a talented roster at his disposal, general manager Neal Huntington is in an enviable spot heading toward the deadline. The Pirates don't necessarily need to make a move, which will allow the organization to be patient while other clubs are blowing up the farm.
Finding another bat to come off the bench and a late-inning reliever with playoff experience would be fantastic additions for a team with very few holes.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
General manager A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres were the darlings of the offseason, turning a run-of-the-mill team into a star-studded roster by acquiring the likes of Matt Kemp, James Shields, Justin Upton and Wil Myers.
But due to a lack of a true center fielder, shaky shortstops and limited left-handed bats, the Padres have been a major disappointment. San Diego was 10 games out of first place in the NL West and 7.5 back of the final NL wild-card spot at the break.
Preller and the San Diego fanbase won't be happy about selling at the deadline, but there's really no other option. After depleting the farm system to compete in 2015, the Padres must take advantage of an opportunity to recoup some of that young talent.
Free agent-to-be Justin Upton will likely be packing his bags, as should Will Venable and Ian Kennedy. Although it's unlikely, Preller may also be persuaded to part with Craig Kimbrel, Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The defending World Series champions have quietly positioned themselves to make another run at postseason glory.
As the second half resumed, the San Francisco Giants were just 4.5 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. San Fran is also only two games adrift of the final NL wild-card spot.
If the Giants are to return to the postseason and defend their title, they do have some glaring holes that need filling over the coming weeks.
Outside of Madison Bumgarner and Chris Heston, San Francisco starters have been maddeningly inconsistent this season. Manager Bruce Bochy can mix and match at the back end of the rotation with a handful of seasoned veterans, but acquiring a dependable starter will go a long way toward locking down a postseason spot.
The Giants could also use some outfield insurance for a group that's extremely injury-prone. Milwaukee's Gerardo Parra, who can play all three outfield positions, would be a sensible addition. As far as the bullpen, another left-handed reliever to pair with Javier Lopez would be a huge boost for a team with the 17th-best bullpen ERA in the first half.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
This season hasn't been kind to the Seattle Mariners, but it's time for the club to face a hard truth—their playoff hopes are all but gone.
Seattle was seven games under .500 and seven games out of the second AL wild-card spot at the All-Star break. After underachieving in the first half, the Mariners can't afford to part with more prospects for wasteful big leaguers.
While Seattle needs to be open to any potential offer, the organization isn't exactly overflowing with tradable assets. Austin Jackson, Fernando Rodney and Hisashi Iwakuma are nice players but won't bring back the type of impact prospects to appease the fanbase.
The Mariners would love to get back in the playoff picture, but it's going to take a red-hot start out of the second-half gate to make that happen. Nobody wants to be a seller, but sometimes it's the best thing for the franchise. Seattle is in that boat.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The St. Louis Cardinals have raced to the best record in MLB through the first half of 2015.
But the Cardinals' lead in the NL Central shrunk to only a 2.5-game cushion over the dangerous Pittsburgh Pirates at the All-Star break. St. Louis is as complete as any team in the NL, but don't expect it to stand pat at the deadline.
The Cardinals have the pitching side of things pretty much figured out, leading all of baseball in ERA, which makes offensive upgrades much more likely.
With Matt Adams expected to miss significant time in the second half due to injury, St. Louis could be in the market for a short-term solution at first base. Mike Napoli, Adam LaRoche, Yonder Alonso and Adam Lind are all viable trade candidates for the Redbirds.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The Tampa Bay Rays may be shopping on a budget before July 31, but the club will definitely look to upgrade its roster for the homestretch.
After the first half, Tampa Bay was in second place in the AL East and only 3.5 games behind the New York Yankees. The Rays have battled atop the division for most of the season and figure to do so throughout the second half.
If they are going to upgrade, it'll be offensively. Tampa Bay ranked 24th in runs scored in the first half and doesn't have much punch outside of Evan Longoria.
With plenty of offensive options on the market, the Rays will find a creative way to add a cheap bat over the coming weeks.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Verdict: Sellers
At one point this season, the Texas Rangers looked to be buyers after closing in on the top of the AL West.
But the Rangers must now focus on flipping their major league assets after falling down the standings. Texas began the second half four games under .500 and six games back in the AL West. That deficit isn't insurmountable, but both the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros are better teams.
In terms of assets, Yovani Gallardo has pitched his way onto the radar of teams in need of a starter. The right-hander has a 2.62 ERA in 19 starts. Seeing as he'll be a free agent at the end of the season, Gallardo makes sense for teams hoping to acquire a bargain arm.
The next few weeks will determine how the Rangers handle the deadline, but Texas shouldn't part with its young core of prospects for unattainable short-term goals.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
Like their AL East counterparts, the Toronto Blue Jays can seriously contend for a division title with a few shrewd moves before the deadline.
Toronto had a roller coaster first half, but resumed play just 4.5 games behind the first-place New York Yankees. The organization's needs are quite simple: pitching, pitching and more pitching.
The Blue Jays ranked 23rd in team ERA in the first half, including an abysmal 4.46 mark from their starters. Aaron Sanchez pitched well for the club before a lat injury, and Mark Buehrle continues to stand the test of time, but Toronto won't be celebrating a postseason berth without a fresh face (or two) in the rotation.
With the best offense in baseball, the Jays' pitchers don't need to be perfect. Expect Toronto to pursue any competent starter over the coming weeks.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Verdict: Buyers
The Washington Nationals battled a rash of unfortunate injuries to finish the first half atop the NL East.
Washington's 48-39 record was pretty remarkable considering how many key players missed time in the first half. Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman, Denard Span and Jayson Werth aren't easy players to replace in the everyday lineup.
As expected, Washington's rotation was among the game's best in the first half. Led by Max Scherzer, Nationals starters ranked in the top 10 in ERA. A playoff rotation of Scherzer, a healthy Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann is a scary thought for opposing lineups.
But Washington should look to acquire another proven late-inning commodity to pair with closer Drew Storen. Relievers are always plentiful this time of year, so the Nats should be able to bolster the pen without giving up too much talent. Picking up a versatile player like Ben Zobrist or Martin Prado would also give Washington some injury insurance.
Stats courtesy of FanGraphs and accurate as of July 16.
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