The American League East is the best division in the AL this season. It is the only division that currently has multiple teams over .500. Granted, that says more about how poor AL teams have played this season, but it should make for a very compelling race for the division crown. As a result, there should be a lot of activity from these teams ahead of the upcoming deadline. Here are what the goals of each AL East team should be going into the deadline.
What AL East Team Should Target at the Deadline
Tampa Bay Rays, Add Another Impact Bat: The Rays have been one of baseball’s nicest surprises. Despite having modest expectations heading into the season, they have a record of 48-33 and sit atop the AL East. Although the Rays have exceeded expectations, they do need help in their lineup. Outside of guys like Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Yandy Diaz, their lineup is sorely lacking. If they want to make a run at the division and in the playoffs, they need to lengthen the lineup. They could bring in someone like Luis Arraez to add some contact and a table setter to the lineup. They could also target Trevor Larnach, who would instantly be one of the best hitters in their lineup.
New York Yankees, Production From the Catching Spot: Despite being without Aaron Judge, the Yankees have found good success. They are 48-35 and have the top wild card spot in the AL. If they want to jump the Rays and win the East, they will need more production from their catcher. Austin Wells has given the Yankees nothing this season and has been an auto-out. The most likely option is Ryan Jeffers, who will be the best catcher available. They also could go after Hunter Goodman. He’s put together a solid season power-wise, with most of his home runs coming on the road. This ends any concerns that Goodman is only hitting the ball well because of Coors Field.
Toronto Blue Jays, Find a Back-End Starter: While the Blue Jays are six games under .500, they sit only two and a half games back of the last wild card spot. As the defending AL champions, they are likely to make a push to defend their crown. In order to do that, they need to find another arm in the back of their rotation. Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin have both struggled to give the Jays quality outings. Someone like Michael Wacha can be a good fit. He has been solid for the Kansas City Royals and pitched a league-high 108 2/3 innings. This will be a huge help, as it will give the Blue Jays length and save the bullpen. He will also not cost much, so the Jays will not give up all their prospects to get him.
Baltimore Orioles, Find Arms: Although the Orioles are in fourth place in the AL East, the front office has come out and said they are going to be buyers at the trade deadline. Whether this is a smart move for the organization remains to be seen. But with the Orioles’ plan to be buyers, they should be looking for pitching in both the rotation and the bullpen. They have a 4.36 ERA as a group, which is the ninth-worst mark in the majors. They could look for Foster Griffin and Dustin May. Both of whom have been solid starters and can be acquired at a low price. For their bullpen, they should look at guys like Ryan Feltner and Daniel Lynch. Both of whom can be solid middle relief guys and give Craig Albernaz more options.
Boston Red Sox, Sell Their Veteran Pieces:Â The only team in the AL East that will definitely be selling is the Red Sox. They are currently ten games under .500 and sit dead last in the AL East. They should be looking to trade some of their veterans and expiring contracts. The most valuable piece they have is Aroldis Chapman. He has been lights out this season, and with the reliever market, he should be able to land a decent return. Sonny Gray is another guy who could be on his way out of Boston. With the lack of starters on the market, they can probably get a team to overpay. They could also explore moving guys like Wilson Contreras and Jarren Duran, who both have multiple years left of control.
