Establishing Each MLB Team's Top 2016 Trade Market Priorities
Seven weeks. That's how much time each of baseball's 30 franchises have to figure out whether they're contenders or pretenders, buyers or sellers, before baseball's Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline arrives.
Normally, we'd still be trying to figure out which team belongs in which category as well. But aside from one club—the Miami Marlins—we've got a pretty good idea as to who should be buying and who should be selling.
That's an immense help when it comes to establishing priorities for each team as the deadline approaches. What follows is just that—a to-do list for each team in the weeks ahead.
Some teams have specific goals listed, such as "add a starting pitcher" or "trade Player X." Others have more vague priorities, including "explore the market for outfielders" or "keep their options open." Some have multiple things to check off those lists, while others have only one thing to think about.
What should your favorite team be focused on as one of the season's most exciting moments—trade deadline time—draws near? Let's take a look.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Trade Brad Ziegler
For teams in need of a late-inning reliever that don't have the ability to trade for an Aroldis Chapman or Andrew Miller, Brad Ziegler could be their best option.
The 36-year-old has successfully converted all 13 of his save opportunities this season and converted 41 straight, last blowing a save May 27, 2015, against St. Louis. That he's a free agent after the season limits the potential return in a deal, but could expand his market to include teams with payroll concerns.
If there's a red flag for potential suitors, it might be this: Of the 27 closers in baseball who had at least 10 saves entering Wednesday's games, Ziegler's 5.2 K/9 rate was the lowest—by more than a full strikeout per nine innings of work.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Trade OF Nick Markakis
It's an admittedly tall task, given his general lack of production and the more than $25 million remaining on his deal, which runs through 2018. But a rebuilding club like the Braves has no use for a high-priced veteran outfielder on the downside of his career.
Atlanta would have to eat a chunk of that remaining money to facilitate a deal. But given the number of contenders that could use either a corner outfielder, a left-handed bat or both, coupled with the high prices the top available bats are likely to command, the Braves should be able to find a taker.
Shop SP Julio Teheran
It was only a few weeks ago that Braves general manager John Coppolella told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal that the Braves "would have to be overwhelmed" to trade Julio Teheran. "The days of us trading players like Teheran for prospects are over," Coppolella said. "We need to get better at the major league level."
Coppolella is right to expect a big haul in return for Teheran, who is still young (25), has rediscovered his All-Star form and is controllable on a team-friendly deal that pays him roughly $26 million through 2019, with a reasonable $12 million team option ($1 million buyout) for 2020.
He's also right about the team needing to get better at the major league level. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't shop Atlanta's ace around to see what other teams are willing to give up in exchange.
Given the lack of quality, front-of-the-rotation arms expected to be available, both at the trade deadline and in free agency, he just might find a team that's willing to meet his asking price—or come pretty darn close.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Add Another Starting Pitcher...or 2
After a resurgent Chris Tillman (13 GS, 8-1, 3.01 ERA) and a healthy Kevin Gausman (10 GS, 0-3, 3.45 ERA), Baltimore's rotation has been dreadful. The return of Yovani Gallardo, who MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko reported was impressive in his final rehab start and could be activated Saturday, should help.
But that still leaves two gaping holes in the rotation.
Ubaldo Jimenez can no longer be trusted to even keep things close, much less give the Orioles a chance to win whenever he steps on the mound. Mike Wilson, Vance Worley and Tyler Wright have been ineffective and don't belong anywhere near a contender's rotation.
The Orioles don't have the prospects to obtain a front-of-the-rotation arm, and it's anyone's guess as to whether owner Peter Angelos would allow the team to add significant salary to its payroll. Unfortunately, that may be the only way Baltimore can land the pitching it needs.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Add Another Starting Pitcher
David Price finally looks like the ace Boston thought it had signed over the winter, pitching to a 2.68 ERA over his last seven starts, while Steven Wright's knuckleball has the 31-year-old poised to make the first All-Star appearance of his career.
But nobody knows whether Wright can keep this up for the rest of the season...or whether Eduardo Rodriguez's knee will allow him to stay on the mound...or if Clay Buchholz can figure things out and pitch his way back into the rotation.
They don't need an ace, though they certainly wouldn't not trade for a front-of-the-rotation arm if one became available at a reasonable price. But adding a durable, reliable starter who can eat innings and give the team a chance to win every fifth day would go a long way toward shoring up the rotation.
Add Another Left-Handed Reliever
The Red Sox have relied on a pair of left-handed relievers to mixed results. Robbie Ross Jr. has been solid, while Tommy Layne has struggled. But neither one is the kind of shutdown southpaw that Boston could use.
Swinging a deal with their rivals in New York for either Aroldis Chapman or Andrew Miller would be ideal, but the Red Sox certainly don't want to be battling the high-end prospects they'd have to surrender in a trade for years to come.
There are still a bunch of second-tier options Boston could target, including San Diego's Ryan Buchter, Oakland's Sean Doolittle and Minnesota's Fernando Abad.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Add a Reliever
Hector Rondon has done nothing to lose his grip on the closer's role in Chicago, while Travis Wood, Trevor Cahill and Pedro Strop have been solid, albeit unspectacular contributors to the cause out of the bullpen.
But the Cubs could use another reliever to shore things up, and, per CBSChicago.com's Bruce Levine, "will try to add a stud left-handed setup man or closer before the non-waiver trade deadline expires."
Last week, both the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer and the New York Post's George A. King III reported that the Cubs had been scouting New York's late-inning trio of Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller.
With a deep farm system, the Cubs have the trade chips needed to add pretty much any reliever that may become available. Whether they're willing to play those chips to add the arm they seek, however, is another story.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Add Rotation Depth
After including Erik Johnson in the James Shields trade and parting ways with Mat Latos, what little rotation depth Chicago had has disappeared. Should a starter go down with an injury, the team's internal options are limited to Chris Beck, Anthony Ranaudo, Jacob Turner and Chris Volstad.
None of those names strikes fear in the opposition—or gives White Sox fans a warm, fuzzy feeling that everything's going to be all right. This doesn't need to be a major addition. An experienced back-of-the-rotation starter who can keep things close would do the trick.
Add an Outfielder
With Austin Jackson expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, Chicago needs another outfielder, preferably one who hits left-handed.
Adam Eaton's ability to play center field or right field (really, he can play anywhere in the outfield) gives Chicago some flexibility, as it could target a player who fits best at either position.
I suggested San Diego's Jon Jay as a potential target earlier this week due to his performance, solid defense, reasonable, expiring contract and what should be an affordable acquisition price. Cincinnati's Jay Bruce could be another.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Trade Jay Bruce
Healthy, productive and with a reasonable $12 million team option on his contract for 2017, the time has come for a rebuilding Cincinnati club to part with its slugging right fielder.
While he's not going to win a Gold Glove Award for his defense, he's not playing the field with his eyes closed, which is essentially what advanced defensive metrics would lead one to believe. With plenty of teams in need of extra power or a run-producing left-handed bat, it shouldn't be difficult to find a taker.
Shop Adam Duvall
One of the season's biggest surprises thus far has been Adam Duvall's rise to prominence. As B/R's Zachary D. Rymer recently noted, the 27-year-old has been baseball's best slugger not named David Ortiz.
Inexpensive and still a few years away from being arbitration-eligible, the Reds certainly don't have to trade him. But they'd be fools to not shop him around and see what other teams are willing to offer in exchange for his right-handed pop.
Shop Zack Cozart
With two years of arbitration remaining and a salary that isn't likely to become unreasonable, the Reds can afford to keep their All-Star shortstop around. But he'd also be an attractive addition for a number of contenders that could use a boost at a premium position and could become a valuable trade chip.
It costs Cincinnati nothing to see what they could get in return.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Add a Starting Caliber Outfielder
With Marlon Byrd suspended for the rest of the season and Michael Brantley's re-injured surgically repaired shoulder still keeping him off the field, there's a need for another outfielder in Cleveland.
With top prospects Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer expected to be ready to contribute in 2017 and Tyler Naquin looking like a keeper himself, the Indians don't need a long-term solution. That should make it easier for the Tribe to swing a deal, as most rentals won't cost any of the team's best prospects to obtain.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Trade Carlos Gonzalez
Milwaukee's Ryan Braun (and others) would likely disagree with ESPN.com's Jim Bowden, who wrote that Carlos Gonzalez is "the best middle-of-the-lineup bat on the trade market," but we can all agree with the former general manager that CarGo's value "will never be higher."
The 30-year-old isn't a perfect fit for everyone, as he's due a hefty $20.4 million in 2017. Whether the Rockies would be willing to pick up some of that salary to facilitate a deal—my gut says they wouldn't—remains to be seen.
But CarGo can be a game-changer in the middle of a contender's lineup, both for the rest of this season and next. Solid defensively and with road numbers that aren't nearly as bad as some assume, trading him would bring the Rockies a nice package of talent in return.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Add a Starting Pitcher
Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann have performed like the front-of-the-rotation arms Detroit thought they were, while rookie Michael Fulmer has been even better than expected. But after that, the Tigers rotation has issues.
Anibal Sanchez pitched his way out of the rotation, forcing the team to lean on Matt Boyd, who has yet to deliver a quality start in four attempts. Meanwhile, Mike Pelfrey just isn't very good while Daniel Norris, the team's top arm down on the farm, isn't ready to contribute.
Detroit was among the teams to express interest in James Shields before he was traded to division-rival Chicago, according to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, and the team is sure to have competition in its search for another arm.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Avoid the Temptation to Trade Alex Bregman
With Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa entrenched as the team's double-play combination, there's been some speculation that Houston could look to trade its top prospect, shortstop Alex Bregman.
The second overall pick in last year's draft, Bregman has flown through the minors and is ready to contribute. But he needs a bit more time getting acclimated to third base, a position he should have no problem handling given his defensive chops at short.
Houston paid a hefty price in prospects to pry Mike Fiers and Carlos Gomez away from Milwaukee at last year's trade deadline, and an even higher price in the offseason to acquire Ken Giles from Philadelphia. Neither of those trades has worked out the way the Astros hoped it would.
Sacrificing the team's potential third baseman for the next decade for a short-term fix to the big league roster would make the Astros 0-for-3 in trades involving their best young talent.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Don't Sell Low on Yordano Ventura
Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan and Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported that Kansas City has been shopping enigmatic starter Yordano Ventura, while MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan and WEEI.com's Rob Bradford have been given conflicting information. The truth, as usual, probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Ventura has not only been maddingly inconsistent, but continues to flash an immature streak on the mound that's going to result in either an opponent getting hurt, one of his teammates getting hurt or Ventura getting hurt.
But at 25 years old, he's still young enough to learn from his mistakes, mature and reach his ceiling as a big league ace. For a team that could use another starting pitcher, trading him away when his value is at its lowest is the last thing the Royals should be thinking about, much less seriously considering.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Shop Kole Calhoun
Right fielder Kole Calhoun has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a lost season for the Angels. Still in his prime, there's no reason to believe the 28-year-old won't remain productive for the foreseeable future.
But the Angels have multiple holes, and as B/R's Joel Reuter notes in his latest farm system rankings, there's no help on the way. There's an argument to be made—and a strong one—that trading Calhoun would only create another hole to be plugged.
Calhoun's production, age and three years of remaining team control also make him an incredibly valuable trade chip. There are only a handful of teams that wouldn't love to get their hands on a player of his caliber, contenders and non-contenders alike.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Explore the Market For Another Bat
Whether it be at catcher, third base or in the outfield, there's no shortage of positions from which the Dodgers have gotten mediocre offensive production. While there's reason to believe that the likes of Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner will eventually start producing, that breakthrough has yet to arrive.
A healthy Yasiel Puig and/or Andre Ethier should help the outfield production, but Puig hasn't hit for more than a year while Ethier isn't close to returning from a fractured leg he suffered in spring training.
With a deep, talented farm system and deeper pockets, the Dodgers could feasibly swing a deal for any player that hit the market. One name that could be of interest—Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy, who would represent a massive upgrade behind the plate, both offensively and defensively.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Add a Veteran Reliever (If Buying)
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald hears that the Marlins have been searching for veteran relievers to bolster their bullpen. With Carter Capps and Bryan Morris out for the season, it makes sense. Miami doesn't need a closer, so adding the arm (or arms) it needs shouldn't become cost prohibitive.
Shop Martin Prado (If Selling)
He's not quite on Ben Zobrist's level, but 32-year-old Martin Prado's production, versatility and expiring contract could make him one of the most sought-after players at the trade deadline if the Marlins make him available.
A legitimate option at second base, third base and in left field, Prado would be of interest to nearly every contending team. Miami might have to pick up some of what's left of his $11 million salary to swing a deal, but by doing so would ensure itself a higher return.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Sell Ryan Braun to the Highest Bidder
For the first time in years, Ryan Braun's bat is speaking louder than his performance-enhancing past and myriad injury woes. The Brewers need to take advantage of that and take the best package they can find.
Sure, they'd have to eat a substantial portion of the nearly $90 million he has left on his contract to facilitate a deal. But waiting for the perfect package to materialize only increases the odds that another injury will rob the trade value he's built back up this season.
A rebuilding club like the Brewers has little use for a well-paid veteran outfielder in his mid-30s.
Shop Jonathan Lucroy
Under team control for another year at a below-market rate of $5.25 million, there's not a team in baseball that couldn't fit Jonathan Lucroy into their payroll—and only a few that could honestly say that he wouldn't be an upgrade over what they currently have behind the plate.
Milwaukee should be shopping the former All-Star around the game. If another team offers an intriguing package, run with it. If not, play out the season and revisit trade talks over the winter. Teams are still going to need catching help in 2017, too.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Shop Ricky Nolasco and Ervin Santana
They're both overpaid, underperforming veteran starters, and odds are that Minnesota would essentially have to pay for them to pitch somewhere else. But that doesn't mean the Twins shouldn't at least find out if there's a market for Ricky Nolasco and Ervin Santana's services.
Due $13 million in 2017 ($12 million salary and a $1 million buyout of a $13 million team option in 2018), Nolasco might actually be the easier of the two to move. With a weak pitching crop set to hit the free-agent market, a team might be willing to take a chance on one of them having better luck in a new venue.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Explore the Market For Corner Infielders
While the Mets brought in Kelly Johnson and James Loney to help fill the voids created by injuries to Lucas Duda and David Wright, neither past-their-prime veteran is truly capable of replacing either of the team's normal starting corner infielders.
Continuing to search for upgrades at either first or third base should be a priority for GM Sandy Alderson as the trade deadline approaches.
Potential targets could include Milwaukee's Chris Carter, who like Duda has big power that would play anywhere, and Oakland's Danny Valencia, who could be a step up from Wilmer Flores and Johnson at the hot corner.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Trade Carlos Beltran
Swinging the bat as well as he has in years, Carlos Beltran would represent a huge short-term upgrade for a number of teams. In his age-39 season, Beltran isn't the defender he once was, but he's not a complete liability in the field, so he'd fit as either a corner outfielder or a designated hitter.
The Yankees might have to pick up most of what's left of his $15 million salary in order for other teams to fit him into their budget, but that shouldn't be a issue for the Bronx Bombers, who would stand to bring back a decent package of talent for the future Hall of Fame inductee.
Trade Aroldis Chapman
His domestic violence suspension a thing of the past, Aroldis Chapman has been his usual dominant self in his first (and possibly) only season in the Bronx. The flame-throwing Cuban has converted 11-of-12 save opportunities while striking out 22 batters over 15 innings of work.
There won't be a better shutdown closer available as the trade deadline approaches, which essentially guarantees that New York would bring back a bigger return than the four-player package it sent to Cincinnati to acquire Chapman.
Shop Andrew Miller
If there's a reliever who could be more in demand than Chapman, it's Andrew Miller.
Miller's reasonable salary ($9 million in both 2017 and 2018) and selfless attitude—he's willing to fill any role to help his team win—makes him a fit with contenders and non-contenders alike. The Yankees may not want to trade both Chapman and Miller, as doing so would leave Dellin Betances as their only late-inning reliever.
But if there's a team willing to offer a package similar to the ones San Diego got for Craig Kimbrel and Philadelphia got for Ken Giles, it'll be hard for the Yankees to not send Miller packing.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Trade Rich Hill
Rich Hill's groin injury is expected to keep him sidelined for another two weeks, but the 36-year-old starter has proven to be one of the American League's better starters this year when he's healthy.
"Given how well he has pitched," wrote ESPN.com's Jim Bowden, "the return the A's could get for him has to be higher than they ever imagined when they signed him to a one-year, $6 million deal in November."
Boston, the team Hill re-established himself with down the stretch in 2015, looms large as a likely destination once he shows that his groin injury is a thing of the past.
Trade Danny Valencia
A career journeyman, having played for six different teams over parts of seven seasons in the majors, Danny Valencia has enjoyed something of a breakout season in 2016, hitting for both power and average in the middle of Oakland's lineup.
While he's a poor defender at nearly every position he can play—either infield corner, second base or left field—Valencia's right-handed power and reasonable salary ($3.15 million) make him a fit for multiple teams. That he comes with another year of team control only adds to his potential value as a trade chip.
With prospect Matt Chapman nearly ready to take over the full-time duties at third base in Oakland, the time to sell high on Valencia has arrived.
Shop Jed Lowrie
Like Valencia, Jed Lowrie is a versatile veteran capable of filling multiple roles around the infield, though he lacks the pop that Valencia packs into his right-handed bat.
It makes sense for the A's to see whether there's a team out there that values that versatility more than they do. If there is, a deal can be struck. If not, the A's would have no problem hanging on to the nine-year veteran, who has done a solid job as the team's everyday second baseman.
Due $6.5 million in 2017 and with a $6 million team option ($1 million buyout) for 2018, he'd be more than a short-term rental, which should help to increase his value as a trade chip.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Shop, then Release Ryan Howard
There's not a team in baseball that would actually trade for Ryan Howard, given his lack of production and the more than $10 million he has coming his way through the end of the season. That figure doesn't include the $10 million buyout of his $23 million team option for 2017.
But Philadelphia has to at least see if there's a team willing to send back a middling prospect in exchange for the veteran slugger, who has been supplanted by Tommy Joseph as Philadelphia's everyday first baseman.
Once those trade efforts fail, the Phillies should release him, bringing an end to what has been one of the worst contracts in sports history.
Shop Jeremy Hellickson
The veteran starter may have more value to Philadelphia than other clubs seeing as how the Phillies are sure to want to limit the workloads of Jerad Eickhoff, Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez down the stretch.
But that doesn't mean the Phillies shouldn't at least explore the possibility of trading Hellickson, who despite being prone to the long ball has put up decent numbers (4.46 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) over 14 starts.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Explore the Market for Long-Term Relief Help
With Chicago out to what could be an insurmountable lead in the NL Central, "it would probably make more sense for Pittsburgh to focus in trade talks on players who could help them in 2017—relievers with service time that ties them to Pittsburgh for more than just this year," wrote ESPN.com's Buster Olney.
New York's Andrew Miller would be an obvious target, but he's likely too expensive, both in terms of salary and what it'd take in prospects to pry him loose. Someone like Oakland's Sean Doolittle, who is under team control through 2020 and could potentially become available, would be a more realistic target.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Trade Derek Norris
With Christian Bethancourt and Austin Hedges in the fold, San Diego can afford to part ways with former All-Star Derek Norris. While the 27-year-old has struggled mightily at the plate, his ability to control the opposition's running game and two remaining years of team control make him a valuable trade chip.
That value only increases when you consider that, aside from Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy, there isn't going to be a starting-caliber catcher available between now and Opening Day 2017. With more than a few teams in need of an upgrade behind the plate, finding Norris a new home shouldn't be an issue.
Trade Andrew Cashner
Andrew Cashner, the oft-injured 29-year-old, is once again on the disabled list, this time with a sprained neck, and will have to show he's healthy before a trade. While that, along with his poor numbers on the year (4.75 ERA, 1.45 WHIP), has done little to help his trade value, he could still be moved.
He'll have to show that he's healthy first, of course, but contending teams looking to add some depth to their rotations without having to take on a long-term deal are sure to have at least some level of interest in the free-agent-to-be.
Trade Matt Kemp
This is far easier said than done, given Kemp's injury history and burdensome contract, which after this season will still have three years and $65.25 million remaining. The Padres would have to eat a huge chunk of that money to facilitate a deal.
While his days of performing at an elite level are behind him, Kemp can still serve as a run producer in the middle of a team's lineup. And who knows—a return to a contending team and/or more hitter-friendly home park could light a fire under the 31-year-old, resulting in an uptick in production.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Add Another Outfielder
With Hunter Pence still recovering from surgery to repair his injured hamstring and the oft-injured Angel Pagan only recently returning from the disabled list, San Francisco had been relying on Jarrett Parker, Gregor Blanco and Mac Williamson to fill the void.
It's not a stretch to say the Giants could use an upgrade. There's no shortage of potential targets the team could lock in on, from short-term options like former Giant Carlos Beltran or Oakland's Josh Reddick to those with at least another year of team control, like Cincinnati's Jay Bruce and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun.
Explore the Long-Term Relief Market
Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo, both mainstays in San Francisco's bullpen for years, are headed for free agency after the season—and neither one is a lock to return to the Bay Area in 2017. While the team has internal options who could step in, including Ray Black and Steven Okert, better options may be available.
Oakland's Sean Doolittle, along with San Diego's Ryan Buchter and Kevin Quackenbush, could be among the names the Giants check in on as the trade deadline approaches.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Keep an Open Mind About Potential Upgrades
Seattle is a team without a glaring need, but at the same time one that could benefit from bringing in some reinforcements from outside the organization.
For instance, the team doesn't have a terrific leadoff option. The presumptive favorite to fill that position entering the season, Nori Aoki, hasn't hit as expected, while current leadoff hitter Leonys Martin doesn't get on base nearly enough to take advantage of the big bats behind him in the lineup.
With ace Felix Hernandez on the disabled list and neither Hisashi Iwakuma nor Wade Miley living up to expectations, adding another starting pitcher could be the way GM Jerry Dipoto opts to go. Or perhaps he'll look to add to the bullpen, which has performed well despite having four relievers on the disabled list.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Explore the Market for a Center Fielder
Randal Grichuk has been maddeningly inconsistent for St. Louis this season. Take his five-game hitting streak from May 21-25, for example, during which he hit .381 (8-for-21) with four extra-base hits, five RBI and a 1.143 OPS. It looked like, perhaps, he was about to turn a corner.
Except the street he turned down was a dead end, as he's hit only .125 (7-for-56) with five extra-base hits and three RBI in the 16 games since.
Grichuk is still a big part of the Cardinals future, so there's no reason for the team to bring in a player on a long-term contract. But Grichuk does have minor league options remaining, and if a temporary upgrade in center was to become available, it's something the team should look into and seriously consider adding.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Add a Catcher
J.P. Arencibia, Curt Casali and Hank Conger aren't the long-term—or short-term—answers behind the plate in Tampa Bay. The time has come for the Rays to seriously consider moving further along the alphabet to find its catcher of the present and future.
A deal for Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy and San Diego's Derek Norris, both of whom have at least one year of team control remaining and aren't pulling down exorbitant salaries, should be explored.
Shop Desmond Jennings
He's not going to bring back a substantial package of talent, but Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay's athletic-yet-oft-injured 29-year-old outfielder, could hold some value for another team in search of additional outfield depth.
Granted, the Rays would likely wait until Gold Glove center fielder Kevin Kiermaier returns from a fractured hand before exploring a deal involving Jennings. But if the Rays aren't sure about offering him arbitration after the season, it makes sense for them to try to move him now rather than let him walk away for free.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Add at Least 1 Reliever
Sam Dyson has done an excellent job since taking over for Shawn Tolleson in the ninth inning, while Jake Diekman and Matt Bush, one of the feel-good stories of the season, have been solid contributors out of the bullpen.
But that's where the good news ends. The rest of Texas' relief corps has been woefully ineffective, and outside reinforcements are needed. Whether it's a bona fide closer, a setup man or simply a middle reliever to help bridge the gap from starter to closer, the Rangers need to add at least one experienced, reliable piece to the mix.
Explore the Catching Market
Robinson Chirinos, Bryan Holaday and Bobby Wilson have done a surprisingly solid job behind the plate in Texas, but that doesn't mean the Rangers should be content with what they've got.
Checking in on what it'd take to pry Jonathan Lucroy away from Milwaukee is the phone call that makes most sense for GM Jon Daniels, who would almost assuredly call his counterpart in San Diego to inquire about Derek Norris as well.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Bolster the Bullpen
Roberto Osuna has been terrific in the ninth inning for Toronto while Jesse Chavez has been solid in helping to get the ball into Osuna's hands. But after that pair, Blue Jays relievers are getting by on hope, prayer and a little bit of luck.
Jason Grilli has done a good job since arriving from Atlanta in May, but he's 39 years old and pitched to a 5.29 ERA for the Braves before the trade. His success isn't guaranteed to continue. The same can be said for 26-year-old Joe Biagini, whose 2.70 ERA isn't nearly as impressive when you look at his 1.50 WHIP.
Drew Storen, the team's offseason addition that was supposed to help solidify the late innings, remains a mess. Adding at least one established, experienced reliever who is still performing at a high level would be ideal.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Add a Late-Inning Reliever
Washington needed to add a late-inning reliever before closer Jonathan Papelbon went on the disabled list with an intercostal strain. With Papelbon sidelined, and no obvious replacement for him in the ninth inning, that need has only intensified.
The Nationals have long been linked to New York's Aroldis Chapman, and it stands to reason that they'd have interest in his teammate, Andrew Miller, as well. Literally any experienced reliever, particularly those with closing experience, could be in play for Washington.
Explore the Outfield Market
Despite Jayson Werth's strong message for his critics, the Nationals could use another productive outfielder whose name isn't Bryce Harper. Werth, despite his recent success, has been a non-factor for much of the season, while Ben Revere, who missed the season's first month, still isn't hitting.
As B/R's Jacob Shafer recently wrote, adding someone like Milwaukee's Ryan Braun "could be a game-changer" for the Nationals, while lesser options, such as Cincinnati's Jay Bruce, would also be useful additions.
Unless otherwise noted, all statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs and are current through games of June 15. All contract information courtesy of Cot's Contracts (via Baseball Prospectus).
Hit me up on Twitter to talk all things baseball: @RickWeinerBR.
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